Rajat Parr: From Sommelier to California Icon
A Journey from Calcutta to California
Rajat Parr’s story begins in Calcutta, India, where his early curiosity for food and wine eventually led him to the Culinary Institute of America. From there he rose to prominence as one of America’s most influential sommeliers, overseeing wine programs for the Michael Mina Group and co-authoring landmark books such as Secrets of the Sommeliers and The Sommelier’s Atlas of Taste.
His time as a sommelier shaped his philosophy: wine should speak clearly of its origin, reflect balance, and avoid unnecessary manipulation. This vision laid the foundation for his transition from sommelier to farmer-winemaker.
Philosophy of Farming and Winemaking
Rajat Parr believes wine begins in the vineyard. At his projects he farms organically and increasingly regeneratively, emphasizing biodiversity, healthy soils, and minimal chemical inputs. Cover crops, natural composts, and animal integration define his approach.
In the cellar, he avoids excessive oak, high alcohol, and industrial manipulation. Fermentations rely on native yeasts, sulfur is kept to a minimum, and many wines are bottled without fining or filtration. The result is wines that are textural, mineral, and terroir-driven.
Sandhi, Evening Land, and Domaine de la Côte
Parr first became widely known in winemaking through partnerships at Sandhi Wines and Domaine de la Côte in Santa Barbara County, and Evening Land Vineyards in Oregon’s Eola-Amity Hills. These estates quickly earned critical acclaim for their restrained, Burgundy-inspired Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, proving California could produce wines of finesse and balance.
Phelan Farm: The Estate Project
In 2017, Rajat Parr took over farming at Phelan Farm on the San Luis Obispo Coast. Originally planted with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Parr has since grafted rare varieties from the Jura, Savoie, and Galicia — including Savagnin, Trousseau, Poulsard, Mondeuse, and Gringet. The cool, foggy coastal climate and diatomaceous soils provide a perfect backdrop for wines of energy and depth.
Today, Phelan Farm is a benchmark for regenerative viticulture in California. Every bottle reflects Parr’s ethos: living soils, biodiversity, and wines of clarity.
👉 Explore Phelan Farm wines at Harvest Wine Shop
Brij Wines: A Negociant Project
Brij Wines is Parr’s negociant-style label, sourcing fruit from organic vineyards on the Central Coast. Here, he applies the same principles of minimal intervention — whole-cluster fermentation, neutral oak aging, and no fining or filtration. The wines, such as Brij “Oso Rouge”, offer vibrancy, freshness, and affordability while maintaining terroir focus.
👉 Shop Brij wines at Harvest Wine Shop
Piedrasassi and Collaborations
Rajat Parr has also collaborated with winemaker Sashi Moorman on Piedrasassi, a label dedicated to Syrah. These wines are earthy, savory, and modeled after the great Syrahs of the Northern Rhône. Together, Parr and Moorman have built one of the most respected partnerships in American wine, reinforcing their reputation for thoughtful, terroir-driven winemaking.
Influence and Legacy
Parr’s influence extends beyond his labels. He has helped redefine consumer expectations for California wine, championing freshness, lower alcohol, and site transparency. His projects stand as models of what thoughtful viticulture and restrained winemaking can achieve.
From the elegance of Sandhi Chardonnay to the experimental alpine varietals at Phelan Farm, from the approachable vibrancy of Brij to the savory depth of Piedrasassi, Rajat Parr’s wines embody a vision rooted in authenticity, place, and respect for the land.
