About
A premium collage of artisan oenology and new world viticulture; Aratás Wine (pronounced Era-toss), is a distinguished Napa Valley producer dedicated to the cultivation of American Heritage Petite Sirah and other fine vineyard designate wines.
Born from Syrah and Peloursin, the noble vitis vinifera Petite Sirah is recognized an “American Heritage Grape”. This hearty pioneer bold with perseverance emerged from a captivating journey begun some 150 years ago (circa 1878) to become the beloved all-American and one of the original ancient vines which laid a cornerstone in California’s wine industry. Today California’s 1st AVA the Napa Valley is the most revered viticulture regions in American and is one of the world’s great wine destinations. [Est. 1981]
The unique brand Aratás is a partnership founded on decades of experience in our country’s food and wine culture. Founding Vintner Stephanie Douglas and Co-Proprietors, John and Mickey Chohany established Aratás Wine in the Napa Valley in 2008. They have a committed focus on the intrinsically age-worthy Petite Sirah as well as other grape varieties which reflect single vineyard terroir from diverse micro AVAs in the valley.
In 1985 the Chohany brothers, launched their first of many notable culinary endeavors; Second Street Restaurant an American Bistro in the historic hamlet of Williamsburg, Virginia. The Polo Club Café along with two additional Second Street Bistro locations soon followed. Twenty five years later the release of Aratás Wine became the perfect pairing to complete their culinary vision. secondst.com
For several years beginning in 2004, the partners produced a single Petite Sirah crafted by hand with fruit from a small vineyard in the Oak Knoll District AVA. A meticulous wine produced with intention simply for personal enjoyment. In 2008 however, an unexpected tragic accident took the life of their friend and grape grower. Presented with an opportunity to save the family farm, they navigated their passion and craft in a new direction…and Aratás Wine became a brand for all. Three years later the highly rated premier vintage of Aratás unique Petite emerged from the cellar.
The popularity of the boutique brand has grown and new wines have followed including a single vineyard Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, the “Surreptitious” Rose’ as well as the “Veneration” a proprietary red blend named to honor Petite’s noble heritage. The vintners are very selective and devoted to producing exceptional vineyard designate wines uniting sustainable practices with state-of-the-art vinification processes.
Now, about the name… Aratás, by definition means a “harvest of gold” and was chosen to honor the Chohany family’s Hungarian heritage.
Meet the Vintners
Stephanie Douglas
Founding Vintner and Brand Director, Stephanie Douglas is the creative partner and passionate force behind Aratás Wine. From a bay area family with early ties to California’s wine industry; her roots are firmly planted in the Napa Valley.
Married to co-founder and east coast restaurateur John Chohany, Stephanie spreads her time between the coasts of California and Virginia. Today she is a renaissance leader in California as a Napa Valley producer dedicated to the American Heritage Grape Petite Sirah. Stephanie serves on the board of the Petite Sirah Advocacy Organization (PSILoveYou.org). Her work includes wine education and developing programs which further the mission to shine a light on the historic significance of Petite Sirah’s epic journey. She is an Emeritas member of the Board of Directors of the Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic Foundation (CBWC.org) and is a member of the Napa Valley Vintners Association (napavintners.org) and the Society of Wine Educators. The Princess of Petite Sirah has been a distinguished guest speaker for organizations including the Culinary Institute of America “Masters of Petite Sirah” and the Mondiale of the “Chaine de Rotissuers”.
Contact Stephanie if you would like to access Aratas Wine.
Order: arataswine.com/buy-wine/
*You must be 21 years of age to buy wine
John & Mickey Chohany
John and Mickey Chohany, are co-founding partners whose Hungarian heritage gave name sake to Aratás Wine. Like Petite Sirah, these brothers are ardent, bold, multifarious and extremely entertaining. Their first of four restaurants, the flagship Second Street American Bistro (secondst.com) in Williamsburg, Virginia has been an award-winning establishment since 1985 and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence destination. Mickey was one of the original founders of the Williamsburg Restaurant Association (wararest.com) while John overseas the food service for the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation museums. In 2005 the brothers received a Commendation from the Senate of the Commonwealth of Virginia for their achievement and leadership in the food and wine industry. It is only natural the Chohany brothers have taken to producing a wine they are as proud of as the restaurant brand decades in the making. Their commitment to artisan cuisine is appreciated all the more with the accompaniment of fine wines from their Napa Valley vineyards.
Matt Sunseri, Winemaker
Home grown in the heart of Napa Valley, Matt’s immersion into the world of wine was simply intrinsic. Following a summer working in the historic Beringer Vineyards, his expanding interest in the science of wine garnered him to pursue a Bachelor of Science with a degree in Viticulture and Enology from the globally recognized University of California at Davis. His professional endeavor led him to opportunities to work alongside notable winemakers Helen Turley, Heidi Barrett then Paul Hobbs, Angelina Mondavi, Helen Keplinger and Steve Rogstad.
“As winemaker for Aratás Wine, we appreciate his ability to build great vintages from the gifts and challenges Mother Nature grants us and are most impressed with his capacity to anticipate vintage variation and deftly craft outstanding wines that capture both terroir characteristics and true varietal identity. Matt is devoted to viniculture in America’s most esteemed wine region but grounded by time spent with his family. When not buried deep in the cellar he takes pleasure in the great outdoors camping with his wife Jennifer and two children or pursuing sport as an ardent fan of the 49ers or taking in a round on the golf course.
We celebrate Matt’s focus and piercing attention to detail as the Director of Winemaking for Aratás Wine.”
The Wine Angels
Follow us throughout the year as the entertaining Aratás Wine Angels spread their wings and pour heavenly wines at festivals and events across the country. Visit our press and events page for upcoming event information.
Testimonials
"One of the 9 best wines from the Rutherford AVA"
Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen
ROBB REPORT
Testimonials
"This well-made wine showcases the variety well... concentrated and structured" "Editor's Pick"
Virginie Boone
Wine Enthusiast
Testimonials
"The top ranked Petite Sirah, first place winner Aratas Wine... a beautiful example of 100% Petite Sirah"
Napa Vintners
St Helena Star
Testimonials
"The Aratas Chardonnay leaps from the glass with scents of ripe apricot, lemon meringue and honeycomb..."
Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Wine Advocate