About Us
About Rasa Vineyards
Rasa Vineyards is the manifestation of a dream shared by two brothers. Pinto and Billo Naravane have been wine enthusiasts since "forever." They are avid wine collectors and oenophiles. After working almost two decades in the lucrative Computer Industry to satisfy family expectations, they finally ditched it all. Pinto and Billo took the plunge to go completely native in the wild, cut throat world of wine making.
The Naravane brothers formed Rasa Vineyards in 2007 with the goal of producing ultra premium, terroir specific Syrah based wines.
Why Syrah? Well, because it's really tasty!
Our vineyards are located in the Walla Walla AVA where, you guessed it, Syrah grapes will be grown. Rasa will produce Syrah wines from estate grown grapes and also those sourced from select growers in Washington.
While Washington State's red wine reputation has rested on its Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines, certain Washington AVAs are considered great locations for growing Syrah. There are quite a few Washington wineries making Syrah wines, but only a handful are dedicated to it. Rasa Vineyards will produce world class, terroir specific Syrah wines. Oh, yeah!
Meet the Naravane Brothers
Makrand (Pinto) Naravane - Managing Partner
Pinto has been in the Computer Industry for almost two decades including 15 years as Founder and Chief of Operations for Plexus Technologies, a computer networking company. Pinto received his BE in Computer Science/Electrical Engineering and MS in Electrical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology.
Yashodhan (Billo) Naravane - Winemaker
Billo has worked in various technical and managerial positions in the Computer Industry for over a decade and a half. Billo received his BS in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science from MIT and his MS in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University. Billo finished his MS in Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis in June 2008 and is currently running the Viticulture program at Walla Walla Community College.