A Great Group

Ranapratap (Rana) Chegu, Founder, Jiya Vineyards

A lifelong entrepreneur. A passionate vintner. A believer in bringing people, ideas, and experiences together.

Rana Chegu is a proven leader and entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience spanning information technology, real estate, and hospitality, serving several customers across both the public and private sectors. Rana holds a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Maryland and an undergraduate degree in Electronics and Telecommunications from Osmania University.

Beyond business, Rana is passionate about leadership, community service, mentoring, and the environment. He actively participates in community initiatives and believes strongly in giving back. He also enjoys mentoring young entrepreneurs, helping them shape their ideas, strengthen their vision, and develop strategies to turn their ambitions into successful ventures.

But Rana’s passions extend well beyond the boardroom.

He is a chef by hobby, viticulturist, gardener, Distinguished Toastmaster, investor, world traveler, singer, and history enthusiast. Each of these interests reflects his curiosity, creativity, appreciation for people and culture, and love of learning.

Jiya Vineyards brings all of these passions together in one place.

AtJiya, Rana combines his entrepreneurial experience with his love of agriculture, wine, hospitality, history, nature, and community. From cultivating the vineyard and preserving the historic Buckskin Manor estate to creating memorable hospitality experiences, Jiya is more than a vineyard—it is a reflection of a lifelong journey and many passions brought together in one extraordinary place.

Welcome to Jiya Vineyards.

Nate Walsh, Advisor

Nate Walsh is a career winegrower who honed his viticultural expertise working across vineyards and wineries in Virginia, Oregon, and New Zealand. In 2014, he co-founded Walsh Family Wine, where he currently oversees 65 acres of grapes across Northern Virginia to produce premium, site-expressive wines. Beyond managing his own estate, he plays an active leadership role in regional industry growth, including serving on the boards of the Virginia Vineyards Association and the Virginia Wine Board. He works as a consultant and winemaker for a number of Northern Virginia wineries focused on site-expression in their wines.

Kerem Baki, Advisor

Kerem Baki, owner of Hillsborough Vineyards, has discovered his love for Winemaking while majoring in Biochemistry at Virginia Tech’s Undergraduate College of Science. After working in the local industry for one year upon receiving his degree, Kerem returned to Virginia Tech in 2001 for his Enology Graduate.

Kerem Baki brings extensive experience in Virginia wine, vineyard operations, hospitality, and the development of a successful winery experience. His perspective and insight are invaluable as we shape Jiya Vineyards into a distinctive destination in Western Loudoun.