Aratas

A noble vitis vinifera born from Syrah and Peloursin, the All-American Petite is hearty with history and perseverance (circa 1884). As one of the noble Fathers of California’s wine industry; the American Heritage Variety Petite Sirah laid the foundation for what is recognized today as the most revered viticulture area in America. Napa Valley, California’s 1st AVA.

The unique brand is a partnership founded on decades of experience in our country’s food and wine culture. Founding Vintner Stephanie Douglas and Co-Proprietors, John and Mickey Chohany established Aratas Wine in the Napa Valley in 2008. They have a committed focus on Petite Sirah but produce other wines which reflects single vineyard sites from diverse AVAs in the valley. About that name… Aratas, by definition means a “harvest of gold” and was chosen to honor the Chohany’s Hungarian heritage.

The Chohany brothers, launched their first of many notable culinary endeavors; Second Street Restaurant an American Bistro in 1985 in the historic hamlet of Williamsburg, Virginia. Twenty five years later the release of Aratas Wine became the perfect pairing to complete their culinary vision.

For several years, the partners produced a single Petite Sirah crafted and bottled by hand with fruit from a small vineyard in the District of Oak Knoll AVA. A meticulous wine; it was produced simply for personal enjoyment. In 2008 however, an unexpected and tragic turn of events presented them the opportunity to take their craft in a new direction so with that, Aratas Wine became a brand for all. Three years later the sought after premier vintage of Aratas Wine emerged from the cellar.

The popularity of the brand has grown and with that brought new wine from the cellar including a single vineyard Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, a Rose’ as well as the “Veneration” a red blend designed to express a softer style of Petite. The team is very selective and devoted to producing exceptional vineyard designate wines uniting sustainable practices with state of the art vinification processes.