Akash Winery: And Unexpected Find in Temecula Valley

This family-owned winery offers a harmonious blend of modern sophistication and rich tradition, reflected in their expertly crafted wines and the serene beauty of the estate. Founded by the Patel family, Akash Winery is quickly gaining recognition for its exceptional wines, such as the 2019 Reserve Unfiltered Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. With winemaker Renato Sais at the helm, Akash Winery is setting a new standard in Temecula’s wine scene. If you’re looking for an unforgettable wine experience in Temecula Valley, Akash Winery is a must-visit. The winery offers a perfect blend of modern sophistication and deep-rooted tradition, reflected in both their meticulously crafted wines and the stunning ambiance of the estate.

A Family Affair

With some time to kill before a Jazz concert, we decided to give the Akash Winery a try.

This is a family-owned and operated winery located in the heart of Temecula Valley. The winery was founded by the Patel family—Nalini, Ray, and their son Akash—in 2010 when they purchased a 20-acre parcel of prime vineyard land in Temecula. The family had long nurtured a dream of owning a winery, and this vision became a reality with the establishment of Akash Winery.

The Wines

For a new winery, they produce a large variety of wines (23 different wines are currently listed on their website) that showcase the unique terroir of Temecula Valley. Their offerings include both estate-grown wines and wines sourced from neighboring vineyards. We focused on the Estate wines and were blown away by three wines in particular:

The  2019 Akash “Reserve Unfiltered” Petite Sirah & The 2019 Akash “Reserve Unfiltered” Cabernet Sauvignon are both outstanding wines.  Aged 36 months and racked every two months while aging, these are some serious wines that we would never have believed came from this or ANY vineyard in Temecula.  And at $125 a bottle, that are as good at the price would suggest.

And at $75, the Estate 2019 Three’s Company, a blend of 46% Zinfandel, 35% Petite Sirah, and 19% Cabernet Sauvignon is also a stand out.

The Wine Maker

Big credit has to to to the Patel Family for hiring Renato Sais as their winemaker, a prominent winemaker known for his contributions to the Temecula Valley wine scene. Born in Sonora, Mexico, and raised in Tijuana, Sais initially pursued a career in International Business. However, his path took a significant turn when his father invited him to join a family project that involved establishing a winery from scratch. This was a pivotal moment that set the stage for Renato’s future in winemaking.

Sais started his winemaking journey in Mexico, working on a family winery project in the Guadalupe Valley. His passion for wine grew, leading him to further his education in viticulture and enology. In 2009, he moved to the United States, where he continued to hone his craft, eventually becoming a well-respected figure in Southern California’s wine industry.

Bottom line, Sias knows what he is doing, and really set’s Akash apart from many other wineries in the Temecula Valley.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Akash Winery offers a well-rounded and highly enjoyable experience that goes beyond just tasting great wine—it’s about immersing yourself in the art and science of winemaking, all in a beautiful, welcoming setting. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a curious novice, you’ll leave with a greater appreciation for the craft and a few new favorite wines to savor.