“Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance.” –Benjamin Franklin
Most entrepreneurs don’t decide to become professional bodybuilders and then launch a wine label, but Shomo Das is a man of action. When something interests him he wastes no time in pursuing it to many interesting outcomes, the latest of which is Priya Family Vineyards, a maker of three delightful varietals in Santa Barbara County, California.
While the Golden State has long been known as the dominant player in U.S. wine production, the fog-drenched, windswept edge of the Santa Ynez Valley along the south-central coast is a relative newcomer to the scene. Created in 2001, the appellation has rapidly become globally recognized for cool climate grapes that reflect the distinct character of the marine-kissed soil.
Named in honor of his paternal grandmother, the Priya Family Vineyards label produces American-made wine in the tradition of the Bordeaux region of France. Following a series of blind tastings, trial blends and 14-months of barrel aging, Das and his winemakers had their first three offerings: a smooth Pinot Noir, a crisp Chardonnay and a rich and complex Cabernet Sauvignon, the latter of which was recently incorporated into a spectacular Sangria on the menu at Sel, a haute cuisine restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Rise and Wine
“I’ve had such great times exploring and enjoying wine with family and friends that launching my own label just seemed like a natural next step,” said Das. “It took 18 months of passion to realize this vision and to have the end result be so well-received has been an amazing experience I truly appreciate.”
Those wishing to sample the Priya Family Vineyards vintage should visit PriyaFamilyVineyards.com. The label currently ships to 46 states by the bottle or case.
Barbara Wayman is the author of Living An Extraordinary Life: 9 Transformational Strategies to Live Your Best Life Now.