Aratas represents the best of old world tradition and new world viticulture. A labor of love cultivated between cross country friends celebrates it’s premier vintage. Named in honor of co-founding brothers John and Mickey Chohany’s Hungarian heritage, “Aratas” , a harvest of gold, is an abundant single vineyard Petite Sirah. Like the friends who founded the brand, this varietal born from Syrah and Peloursin, is hearty with perseverance. The stock of this American Heritage Varietal originally from far away land, has grown up to represent the best of California terrior.
Firmly planted on American soil, the sons of Dr.George and Doris Chohany were so inspired by the hospitality industry growing up working in the historic colonial taverns of Williamsburg ,Va. they launched their first culinary endeavor, Second Street Restaurant; an American Bistro. Well known for it’s outstanding fare and warm hospitality, the venerable bistro has since become a local’s favorite for over 25 years.
John married Stephanie Douglas, an entrepreneurial spirit from a west coast bay area family. She shared her enthusiasm of fine wine and her love for the Napa Valley and brought John and Mickey together with long time friends and respected Napa winemakers Mike and Tracy Drash. For several years, the friends produced a small amount of fine wine, a Petite Sirah crafted and bottled by hand, the goal simply to make enough wine for their personal enjoyment. Then, in 2008, turn of events presented them with the opportunity to take their craft in a more serious direction. Always passionate that quality cuisine and fine wine are meant to be paired, they created Aratas. That same year Mike and Tracy also launched Tallulah Wines named for their daughter and his great aunt, film noir star Tallulah Bankhead.
The tandem wine projects are committed to produce the finest artisanal wine possible using organic farming methods and sustainable practices. This “harvest of gold ” is a nod to the wheat fields surrounding the Tokai vines nearby the Chohany’s old world home and , as fate would have it, Aratas’ new world Napa Valley vineyard.
our team
Mike Drash
Winemaker and Co-Founder Mike Drash is well reknowned in Napa and Sonoma as former winemaker at Luna, Far Niente, DeLoach, and J Winery. Mike is the owner of Tallulah Wines, which honors his daughter and the heritage of his great aunt film noir star Tallulah Bankhead. Formerly a southern boy, Mike’s roots run deep in Napa with his wife Tracy, Tallulah, and Dexter our favorite vineyard dog.
Tracy Drash
Tracy Drash, current National Regional Manager for Constellation Brands which includes the venerable Robert Mondavi Winery and is former Director of Retail Operations for Luna Vineyards. She is also a graduate of the California Culinary Academy. Tracy wears many hats including marketing for Tallulah Wines, but is most known for her skillful management of Mike.
Stephanie Douglas
Stephanie Douglas, “Napagirl” to friends and family enthusiastically created the dream Aratas has become. Married to an east coast restaurateur, she spreads her time between the coasts of California and Virginia. A 21 year sales and marketing veteran in real estate new home development, she transitions her expertise to the design and marketing of her Petite Sirah brand. Reach out to Stephanie if you would like to taste or purchase Aratas. BUY NOW
John & Mickey Chohany
John and Mickey Chohany, founders whose heritage gave name sake to Aratas, are a close family firmly rooted in the history of their Hungarian Family. Like Petite Sirah, these brothers are passionate, bold, age worthy and extremely entertaining. Their restaurant, Second Street, in Colonial Williamsburg has been an award winning establishment for two decades and is a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence destination. Their commitment to artisan cuisine is appreciated more by the accompaniment of fine wine. It is only natural the Chohany brothers have taken to creating a wine they will be as proud of as the brand they have spent decades in the making.