Meet Brenae Royal: The Visionary Behind Violet's Paradise Wines

California wine country has long been synonymous with world-class winemaking, but a new generation of visionary winemakers is redefining what California wine represents. Among the most inspiring voices is Brenae Royal, founder of Violet's Paradise Wines – a premium wine brand that combines exceptional Sonoma County terroir with a deeply personal story of heritage, passion, and excellence.

This week, we're thrilled to celebrate Brenae Royal and her remarkable wines from one of California's most prestigious vineyard sites: Monte Rosso Vineyard in the Moon Mountain District AVA. Whether you're a California wine enthusiast or discovering these wines for the first time, Brenae's story and her exceptional Violet's Paradise collection offer something truly special.

Join us February 20th for an intimate evening with Brenae Royal – taste her wines, hear her story, and discover what makes Violet's Paradise one of California's most exciting emerging wine brands.

Who is Brenae Royal? A Winemaker's Journey

Brenae Royal's path to winemaking is a testament to vision, determination, and the power of honoring family legacy through wine.

Her Story:

Brenae founded Violet's Paradise Wines to honor her grandmother, Violet, whose strength, grace, and love inspired everything Brenae creates. The name "Violet's Paradise" represents not just a tribute to family, but a commitment to crafting wines that bring people together in celebration, conversation, and connection.

What Makes Brenae Royal Special:

  • Award-Winning Winemaker – Creating critically acclaimed wines from premium California vineyards
  • Monte Rosso Vineyard Partner – Sourcing fruit from one of Sonoma's most legendary vineyard sites
  • Black Female Entrepreneur – Breaking barriers and creating representation in premium winemaking
  • Storyteller – Every bottle reflects heritage, passion, and the pursuit of excellence
  • Community Builder – Using wine as a vehicle for connection and celebration

"Wine is about bringing people together, honoring those who came before us, and creating moments of joy and connection." – Brenae Royal

Monte Rosso Vineyard: California's Legendary Terroir

To understand Violet's Paradise wines, you must first understand the exceptional terroir of Monte Rosso Vineyard in Sonoma County's Moon Mountain District AVA.

Why Monte Rosso is Special:

Historic Pedigree:

  • Planted in 1886 – one of California's oldest continuously producing vineyards
  • Over 135 years of winemaking history
  • Source for some of California's most acclaimed wines

Exceptional Terroir:

  • Elevation: 1,200-1,400 feet above sea level
  • Volcanic Soils: Ancient volcanic ash and red iron-rich soils
  • Mountain Climate: Warm days, cool nights = perfect ripening conditions
  • Old Vines: Some vines over 100 years old, producing concentrated, complex fruit

Moon Mountain District AVA:

  • Sonoma County's premier mountain appellation
  • Known for powerful, age-worthy red wines
  • Distinct volcanic terroir creates wines of exceptional character
  • Home to some of California's most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel

What This Means for Violet's Paradise Wines:

When Brenae sources fruit from Monte Rosso Vineyard, she's working with some of the finest grapes California has to offer – old vines, volcanic soils, and mountain elevation that create wines of extraordinary depth, complexity, and aging potential.

The Violet's Paradise Wine Collection

Brenae Royal's Violet's Paradise wines showcase three classic California varietals, each expressing the unique character of Monte Rosso Vineyard's legendary terroir.

1. 2023 Violet's Paradise Monte Rosso Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

The Wine: A powerful, elegant Cabernet Sauvignon from one of California's most prestigious vineyard sites.

Appellation: Moon Mountain District AVA, Sonoma County, California

Tasting Notes:

  • Appearance: Deep, inky purple with garnet reflections
  • Aroma: Blackcurrant, dark cherry, cedar, tobacco, graphite, and hints of violet
  • Palate: Full-bodied with concentrated dark fruit, structured tannins, and layers of complexity
  • Finish: Long, powerful, and elegant with notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and spice

Aging Potential: 10-15+ years in proper cellar conditions

Food Pairing Suggestions:

  • Prime ribeye or New York strip steak
  • Braised short ribs or beef bourguignon
  • Grilled lamb chops with rosemary
  • Aged hard cheeses (Parmigiano-Reggiano, aged Gouda)
  • Rich, savory dishes with depth and complexity

Why We Love It: This Cabernet Sauvignon represents California mountain winemaking at its finest – powerful yet refined, with the structure to age gracefully for decades. The Monte Rosso fruit shines through with volcanic minerality and old-vine concentration.

Price: $135.00

Shop 2023 Violet's Paradise Cabernet Sauvignon →

2. 2023 Violet's Paradise Monte Rosso Vineyard Zinfandel

The Wine: A bold, expressive Zinfandel showcasing the power and elegance of old-vine Monte Rosso fruit.

Appellation: Moon Mountain District AVA, Sonoma County, California

Tasting Notes:

  • Appearance: Deep ruby with purple hues
  • Aroma: Ripe blackberry, raspberry, black pepper, baking spices, and hints of vanilla
  • Palate: Full-bodied with rich berry fruit, balanced acidity, and velvety tannins
  • Finish: Long and spicy with notes of dark fruit, pepper, and subtle oak

Aging Potential: 7-10 years

Food Pairing Suggestions:

  • BBQ ribs or pulled pork
  • Grilled sausages and charcuterie
  • Spicy Italian dishes (pasta arrabbiata, sausage pizza)
  • Smoked brisket or BBQ chicken
  • Bold, flavorful cheeses (aged cheddar, smoked Gouda)

Why We Love It: Zinfandel is California's heritage grape, and this Monte Rosso expression shows why it's so beloved – bold fruit, spicy character, and the structure that comes from old vines and mountain elevation. This isn't your typical jammy Zinfandel – it's refined, complex, and age-worthy.

Price: $100.00

Shop 2023 Violet's Paradise Zinfandel →

3. 2023 Violet's Paradise Monte Rosso Vineyard Grenache

The Wine: An elegant, nuanced Grenache that showcases the versatility of Monte Rosso Vineyard.

Appellation: Moon Mountain District AVA, Sonoma County, California

Tasting Notes:

  • Appearance: Bright ruby with garnet edges
  • Aroma: Red cherry, strawberry, white pepper, herbs, and floral notes
  • Palate: Medium to full-bodied with silky tannins, bright acidity, and red fruit flavors
  • Finish: Elegant and persistent with notes of spice, earth, and minerality

Aging Potential: 5-8 years

Food Pairing Suggestions:

  • Roasted duck or game birds
  • Grilled salmon or tuna
  • Mushroom risotto or earthy vegetable dishes
  • Soft cheeses (Brie, Camembert, goat cheese)
  • Mediterranean cuisine (lamb tagine, ratatouille)

Why We Love It: Grenache is often overlooked in California, but this Monte Rosso expression demonstrates its potential for elegance and complexity. Lighter in body than the Cabernet or Zinfandel, it offers a more delicate, nuanced wine experience while still delivering depth and character.

Price: $95.00

Shop 2023 Violet's Paradise Grenache →

Why Violet's Paradise Wines Matter

Beyond their exceptional quality, Violet's Paradise wines represent something larger: representation, heritage, and the power of honoring family through excellence.

Supporting Violet's Paradise Wines Means:

  • ✨ Celebrating Excellence – Award-winning wines from one of California's most prestigious vineyards
  • ✨ Supporting Diversity – Championing Black female entrepreneurship in premium winemaking
  • ✨ Honoring Heritage – Wines that tell stories of family, love, and legacy
  • ✨ Investing in Quality – Premium California wines with exceptional aging potential
  • ✨ Building Community – Supporting a winemaker who uses wine to bring people together

When you choose Violet's Paradise wines, you're not just buying a bottle – you're supporting a vision of a more diverse, inclusive, and meaningful wine industry.

An Evening with Brenae Royal – February 20th

We're honored to host Brenae Royal in person on Thursday, February 20th for an intimate wine tasting and conversation.

Event Details:

📅 Date: Thursday, February 20, 2026
🕐 Time: Evening (check your ticket for exact time)
💵 Tickets: $20 per person
📍 Location: The Wine Concierge

What's Included:

  • Tasting of all three Violet's Paradise wines (Cabernet, Zinfandel, Grenache)
  • Conversation with Brenae Royal about her winemaking journey
  • Learn about Monte Rosso Vineyard and Moon Mountain District terroir
  • Tasting notes and food pairing guidance
  • Q&A with Brenae
  • Opportunity to purchase wines

Why Attend:

This is a rare opportunity to meet Brenae Royal in person, taste her exceptional wines, and hear the story behind Violet's Paradise. These intimate winemaker events sell out quickly – don't miss your chance to be part of this special evening.

Get Tickets for Feb 20 Event →

Limited Seating – Reserve Your Spot Today!

Understanding California's Moon Mountain District AVA

To fully appreciate Violet's Paradise wines, it helps to understand what makes the Moon Mountain District AVA so special.

Moon Mountain District AVA Fast Facts:

  • Established: 2013 (one of California's newer AVAs)
  • Location: Eastern Sonoma County, Mayacamas Mountains
  • Elevation: 400-2,200 feet above sea level
  • Climate: Warm days, cool nights, above the fog line
  • Soils: Volcanic ash, red volcanic soils, excellent drainage
  • Signature Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah

What Makes Moon Mountain Special:

  • 🏔️ Mountain Elevation – Above the fog, more sun exposure, cooler nights
  • 🌋 Volcanic Soils – Ancient volcanic activity created mineral-rich soils
  • 🍇 Old Vines – Historic vineyards with vines over 100 years old
  • 🍷 Concentrated Fruit – Mountain stress creates smaller berries, more intense flavors
  • ⏳ Aging Potential – Structure and acidity for long-term cellaring

The combination of elevation, volcanic soils, and historic vineyards makes Moon Mountain District one of California's most exciting appellations for premium red wines.

Pairing Violet's Paradise Wines: A Complete Menu

Create a California-inspired dinner featuring all three Violet's Paradise wines:

First Course:
Violet's Paradise Grenache with grilled salmon, roasted beets, and goat cheese

Second Course:
Violet's Paradise Zinfandel with BBQ short ribs, smoked paprika, and grilled vegetables

Main Course:
Violet's Paradise Cabernet Sauvignon with prime ribeye steak, truffle mashed potatoes, and sautéed mushrooms

Cheese Course:
All three wines with a selection of aged cheeses, charcuterie, nuts, and dried fruits

This progression showcases each wine's unique character while creating a memorable California wine experience.

The Future of California Wine: Diversity and Excellence

Brenae Royal represents the future of California winemaking – diverse, innovative, and committed to excellence while honoring heritage and building community.

Trends in California Wine:

  • Increased focus on mountain appellations and distinctive terroir
  • Growing recognition of diverse winemakers and their contributions
  • Emphasis on old-vine fruit and historic vineyard sites
  • Premium wines with compelling stories and personal meaning
  • Community-focused wine brands that bring people together

By supporting winemakers like Brenae Royal, we're investing in a wine industry that reflects the diversity and richness of California itself.

Related Reading

Want to learn more about California wines and diverse winemakers? Check out these related articles:

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Experience Violet's Paradise Wines

Brenae Royal's Violet's Paradise wines offer wine lovers an opportunity to experience exceptional California winemaking from Monte Rosso Vineyard while supporting a visionary Black female winemaker who's creating wines with purpose, passion, and excellence.

Three Reasons to Try Violet's Paradise Wines:

  1. Exceptional Quality – Premium wines from one of California's most legendary vineyard sites
  2. Inspiring Story – Support a Black female winemaker honoring her grandmother's legacy
  3. Investment-Worthy – Age-worthy wines with 10-15+ year potential

Don't miss your chance to meet Brenae Royal in person on February 20th and taste these remarkable wines.

Remember: Free shipping on 6 bottles or more!

Shop the Violet's Paradise Collection

Questions? Contact us at (202) 763-6713 or email us anytime.

Cheers to discovering exceptional California wines and supporting visionary winemakers!

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