July 31, 2025

A Conversation with Viticulture Leader Brenae Royal

A Conversation with Viticulture Leader Brenae Royal

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

Episode 295

Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you!

A Conversation with Viticulture Leader Brenae Royal

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 295 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you! A Conversation with Viticulture Leader Brenae Royal Join your hosts Kim and Mark as they sit down with an incredibly respected leader in viticulture, Brenae Royal. Recognized in 2020 as one of Wine Enthusiast's "40 Under 40," Brenae is a true force in the industry, wearing many hats as a vineyard manager, vineyard consultant, wine entrepreneur, and the visionary brand owner of Violets Paradise. In this insightful episode, Brenae takes us back to her roots, sharing her farming background and remarkable journey to becoming a vineyard manager for Gallo wineries' famed Monte Rosso Sonoma vineyards. Discover how a surprising passion for Apothic Red sparked her very first internship, setting her on a path to success. Brenae opens up about crucial topics such as diversity and sustainability in agriculture, offering her unique perspective on these vital issues. Prepare to be charmed as she discusses the heartwarming inspiration behind her brand, Violets Paradise, which blossomed from her love for her vineyard dog, Violet Mae, found at www.violetsparadise.com. The conversation then turns to the exquisite wines of Violets Paradise, delving into their production, distinct styles, and even her sparkling offering, with tips on how you can get your hands on them to try! Listen intently as Brenae passionately articulates her love for farming and shares her thoughts on how the wine world promotes (or sometimes overlooks) the agricultural side of wine marketing. Finally, Kim and Mark explore Brenae's impactful initiatives, including the Violets Paradise Scholarship and the Veraison program. And for a unique perspective, find out if, as a grape seller, she ever finds herself disappointed in the wines made from her prized grapes. Cheers, Kim & Mark đŸ·đŸ·đŸ· www.thewww.wine #wine #thewonderfulworldofwine

Brenae Royal Profile Photo

Brenae Royal

Brenae Royal is the founder of Violet’s Paradise and the Violet’s Paradise Scholarship. Widely recognized for her leadership at Monte Rosso Vineyard and St. SupĂ©ry Vineyards & Winery, she is a vineyard consultant, wine entrepreneur, and advocate for diversity and sustainability in agriculture. Royal was the youngest and first Black woman to manage Monte Rosso Vineyard, overseeing its transition towards organic certification for nine years. Her contributions have been acknowledged by Wine Enthusiast’s “40 Under 40” and featured in prominent wine publications.
About Violet’s Paradise Wines:
Founded by Brenae Royal, Violet’s Paradise crafts vineyard-driven wines from Monte Rosso Vineyard, honoring heritage while driving change. The brand funds scholarships for future leaders in viticulture and agriculture, with a special charitable sparkling wine release in partnership with the Veraison Project.
Brenae Royal, a respected leader in viticulture, has announced the launch of her own wine brand, Violet’s Paradise, with a debut portfolio of five limited-production wines sourced entirely from the esteemed Monte Rosso Vineyard. This venture showcases Royal’s deep connection to the land, cultivated during her decade-long tenure as the vineyard’s manager, and funds the Violet’s Paradise Agriculture Scholarship.
The brand’s name is a heartfelt tribute to Royal’s late vineyard dog, Violet Mae. Each bottle of Violet’s Paradise embodies Royal’s journey and her commitment to fostering opportunities for individuals historically excluded from the wine industry. Notably, the
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