James Beard Award-winning author brings 20 years of winemaking excellence as he becomes Stolo Vineyards’ new winemaking consultant.
CAMBRIA, Calif. (August 24, 2021) – Stolo Vineyards is excited to welcome Rajat “Raj” Parr as their new Winemaking Consultant. Raj, an accomplished wine grape grower, sommelier, and wine author, will lead their winemaking team as they continue to grow and elevate the oenophile experience.
Starting with the 2021 vintage, Raj will be directing and overseeing Stolo Vineyards’ winemaking operations onsite in Cambria. His rich history and love for cool-climate, classic, French-inspired wines make Raj the perfect fit for carrying out the Stolo team’s vision for future growth.
“During our discussions, Raj was very supportive and complimentary of our current wines and the critical acclaim they regularly receive,” said Maria Stolo Bennetti, Stolo’s Managing Partner. “What really excited me is his interest in developing new wines with us, which is precisely the focus we need as we consider additional planting and growth.”
Since his first taste of wine nearly 30 years ago in London, Raj has developed a reputation as a well-known sommelier. He has two books to his name and was appointed to celebrity chef Michael Mina’s U.S. restaurants in 2003. Along with growing wine grapes in several locations along the West Coast, Raj runs his own wine club and has developed unique blends and labels, picking up several prestigious James Beard Awards along the way.
Raj’s addition comes with a bittersweet goodbye to Stolo’s previous winemaker, Nicole Pope. Nicole has been a strong member of the Stolo Team for the last 10 years, playing a key role in developing their signature brand and unique vintages. She will be leaving to spend more time with her family and focus on her own label, Haliotide Wines.
About Stolo Vineyards
Sitting at the base of a sun-kissed nine-acre vineyard, the farmhouse and old dairy barn at Stolo Family Vineyards dates back to the late 1800s. Less than three miles from the Pacific Ocean, the vineyards thrive in Cambria’s unique microclimate, producing unmatched coastal style Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Visit stolofamilyvineyards.com to learn more.
