Welcome to Voices and Episode 2531 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Cynthia Chaplin interviews the winemaker Priyanka French for an inspiring conversation about her journey from growing up in Mumbai to becoming one of Napa Valley’s rising stars. They discuss her early interest in wine, the challenge of convincing her family to support an unconventional career, and her commitment to mentoring and supporting under-represented communities in the wine world, all while navigating life as a young mother of two.
More about the guest:
Priyanka French is the General Manager of Napa Wine Company and Winemaker for Ghost Block Estate Wines. Born and raised in Mumbai, she is one of the few Indian winemakers in California and among the youngest women leading a major Napa winery. She earned a Bachelor’s in Food Science and Technology from the University of Mumbai and became the first Indian national to complete the Master of Science in Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis. Priyanka has worked in top wine regions around the world, including Burgundy, Cognac, New Zealand, and Napa Valley, with early roles at Louis M. Martini, Hospices de Beaune, and Stags’ Leap. She spent five years at Dalla Valle under Naoko Dalla Valle before joining Signorello Estate as Winemaker in 2019.
Today, she oversees operations and strategy at Napa Wine Co. while making single-vineyard Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon for Ghost Block. A strong advocate for diversity in wine, she serves on the Board of Wine Unify, directs the Bâtonnage mentorship program, and was named to Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40 in 2023.
Connect:
Website: https://www.napawineco.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/priyad87/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyanka-dhar-french-5511b123/
More about our host:
VIA certified Italian Wine Ambassador and sommelier with FIS, Cynthia Chaplin is a professor of Italian Wine and Culture, with 20 years experience in the wine industry. Cynthia is a certified wine educator, author, international judge, and content creator. She designs and presents events for embassies, corporate and private clients, develops Italian wine collections for restaurants and private clients and works with Italian wineries to train their sales and export staff.
Hosting Voices has increased her commitment to DEI in the wine sector, interviewing emerging and established wine professionals and discussing topics such as inclusivity, equity, language, sustainability and challenges facing under-represented groups and cultures as they move into careers in wine. As a certified WSET Educator, Cynthia is passionate about developing wine education for a future that will have a place at the table for anyone interested in wine.
Connect:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Italian-Wines-in-English/100036868372598/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiss_my_glassx/?hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-
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