Back in 2020, I had the honor of interviewing Brenae Royal as one of the first “women in wine” featured on my blog. Her passion, presence, and power stuck with me—and I’ve been following her journey ever since.
This summer, she released something deeply personal and wildly special: the first three wines under her own label, Violet’s Paradise—a heartfelt tribute to her beloved soul dog, Violet Mae. These wines aren’t just beautifully made; they’re deeply rooted in love, legacy, and the land. They are hand-crafted, hand-labeled, and full of soul.
But let’s start with the story.
A Return to Monte Rosso
Brenae’s name has long been tied to Monte Rosso Vineyard—where she spent over a decade helping shape one of Sonoma’s most iconic vineyard sites. She made history as the first Black woman to manage a vineyard of that scale in California. But this return was different. It wasn’t as an employee. It was as a winemaker. A founder. A steward of legacy.
The Violet’s Paradise wines come from the very same vineyard—now farmed 100% organically under her guidance—with a regenerative mindset and a long-term vision. This isn’t just wine. It’s a statement. It’s a love letter. It’s a calling.
Let’s dive into the wines.
Violet’s Paradise Sparkling Wine x The Veraison Project
This one might make you tear up—in the best way. 100% of the proceeds from this sparkling wine benefit the Violet’s Paradise Agriculture Scholarship and The Veraison Project, helping create more access and opportunity in wine and agriculture.
The wine itself? Pure joy in a glass. Think: crisp apple, bright citrus, and a whisper of almond pastry on the finish. It’s festive and fun, but with a purpose that lingers long after your glass is empty. Pop this for any celebration—or just when you need a reminder that good things are growing.
2023 Monte Rosso Vineyard Semillon
This Semillon is sunshine wrapped in silk. Grown in the high-altitude Moon Mountain District, it’s a rare find—and Brenae makes it shine with restraint and elegance.
Expect lemon zest, green melon, and soft pear notes, balanced by a gentle, creamy texture. It’s the kind of white that evolves beautifully in the glass, and would be gorgeous paired with soft cheeses, seafood, or even a herby roast chicken.
2023 Monte Rosso Vineyard Grenache
This one gave me chills.
Not only is it the first-ever Monte Rosso Grenache bottling, it’s made from blocks that Brenae herself planted in 2017 and 2018—two clones, both on St. George rootstock. This is Grenache with gravitas. It’s generous with red fruit—think cherry, wild strawberry, even a little pomegranate—but also has this savory, windswept edge that makes it feel like Moon Mountain in a bottle.
It’s rare. It’s soulful. And it’s a wine no one else has.
Why Violet’s Paradise Matters
This release isn’t just exciting because of the wines (though, yes, they’re delicious). It’s exciting because of what they represent.
They tell the story of a woman reclaiming her place in a vineyard she helped shape. They honor the memory of a dog who meant the world to her. They give back to the next generation of farmers and changemakers. And they remind us that wine is at its best when it carries meaning.
I couldn’t be prouder to support Brenae—and I hope you’ll grab a few bottles of Violet’s Paradise before they’re gone. This is more than a wine drop. It’s a movement.
And be sure to follow Brenae on Instagram for all the latest updates. And for even more, don’t forget to join her newsletter here.
