History

A look back into our past

Jiya Vineyards was born from a lifetime of quiet moments spent close to the land.

For Rana, those moments began in a small agricultural town on the southeastern coast of India, where the rhythm of life was shaped by the seasons. He grew up surrounded by green paddy fields, bustling Sunday markets, and the vivid reds of sun‑dried chilis — colors, aromas, and textures that imprinted on him a deep love for rural life and the people who cultivate it.

Years later, after moving to the United States and building a career in computer science, that early connection to the earth resurfaced in an unexpected place: Napa Valley. Standing among rolling vineyards, tasting wines shaped by climate, soil, and time, Rana felt something familiar — the same sense of wonder he once felt watching farmers tend their fields back home. It sparked a curiosity that soon became a calling.

He spent years volunteering at local vineyards, learning the craft from the ground up: pruning in the cold, planting in the spring, harvesting under the late‑summer sun, and discovering the delicate alchemy that turns grapes into wine. He pursued formal viticulture studies and immersed himself in the traditions and science of winemaking. With every season, the dream grew clearer — to create wines that honored the land, celebrated craftsmanship, and brought people together.

That dream found its home in 2019, when Rana purchased Buckskin Manor Estate in Hillsboro, Virginia. Nestled at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the historic property offered fertile soils, a temperate climate, and a sense of place that felt both grounding and full of possibility. Over the next several years, he restored the estate and planted 23 acres of carefully selected grape varietals, each chosen for its harmony with the land.

In 2025, the first vintage of Jiya Vineyards was born — a culmination of heritage, hard work, and heartfelt intention.

Today, Jiya Vineyards stands as a reflection of Rana’s journey: from small‑town fields in India to the rolling hills of Virginia wine country. It is a celebration of agriculture, community, and the belief that great wine is more than a beverage — it is a story, a memory, a shared experience.

When the tasting room opens in 2026, guests will be welcomed into that story. A place where the warmth of rural life meets the elegance of winemaking. A place shaped by passion, patience, and the simple joy of bringing people together.

Jiya Vineyards — where every bottle carries a piece of the journey.