Aril Wines
About Aril Wines
Aril began with a simple belief: exceptional wine does not need to be mass-produced to be meaningful. Over time, we have sourced vineyard-designate Cabernet from Napa Valley (Calistoga to Rutherford to Oakville), Sauvignon Blanc from Kick Ranch, Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast, and other limited bottlings when quality aligned with opportunity.
Each Aril release is:
- Limited in production
- Carefully selected
- Balanced and expressive
- Released with patience
We are devoted to authenticity, not volume.
“Great wine doesn’t need to be loud. It needs to be honest.”
Team
Born in Hong Kong and raised within a prominent Shanghaiese industrial family, Anita Jay’s journey is one of remarkable resilience. After 1949, her family rebuilt their business in colonial Hong Kong, becoming the leading manufacturers of the iconic stainless teapots found in every dim sum parlor. Anita attended the prestigious Sacred Heart Canossian College. It was here, amidst the city’s vibrant “East meets West” culture, that she was first exposed to the “Old World” elegance and greatness of French wines.
Though her move to the United States paused her wine aspirations, her passion remained. In 2018, that love was reignited with Aril Wines. Now a “California Wine Girl,” Anita champions bold Napa Cabernets, blending her sophisticated upbringing with genuine California warmth.
Richard founded Vinum Cellars with a business partner on credit cards in 1997 to make small-production, single-vineyard, small-lot wines, sell them to restaurants and independent retailers at value pricing, and secure national distribution. Richard has over 20+ years of winemaking and production experience. He graduated from UC Davis in 1997 with a B.S. degree in Viticulture & Enology and worked at Bonny Doon Vineyard, Rosenblum Cellars, Alexander Valley Vineyards, and Folie à Deux. From 2000-2009, he served as Director of Winemaking for Don Sebastiani & Sons, overseeing 2+ million cases annually. Richard has consulted for Niebaum-Coppola, Michael Pozzan Winery, Acre Wines, and Wander & Ivy. Based in Napa Valley, he brings decades of experience in production and operations.
Quinton Jay is the Vintner of Aril Wines, bringing over 25 years of experience in the wine industry as both an operator and consultant to top wineries across California and Oregon. Quinton blends business acumen with a deep passion for crafting expressive, site-driven wines. His approach to winemaking reflects balance, authenticity, and respect for the land—values that define his leadership at Aril Wines and his ongoing commitment to elevating the art of Napa Valley winemaking.
Aril Wines, founded in 2008 and acquired by the Jay family in 2018, is a small, family-owned winery dedicated to producing limited-production, hand-crafted wines that capture the purity of Napa Valley. The name “Aril”—the seed of the pomegranate—symbolizes vitality and craftsmanship at the heart of the brand. Under the lifetime mentorship of renowned winegrower and winemaker Tony Soter (Etude Wines, Soter Vineyards), Aril’s organically farmed Calistoga estate yields elegant, powerful Cabernet Sauvignons that express both place and precision. The 2018 Aril Reserve Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon embodies that philosophy—rich, structured, and deeply layered, it’s a true reflection of Napa Valley’s beauty and strength
Melissa is a seasoned wine industry professional with over a decade of experience spanning
key areas of winery operations. Throughout her 10-year career, Melissa has specialized in
managing bonded and tax-paid inventory, ensuring meticulous tracking and regulatory
compliance. She is highly skilled in navigating the complexities of TTB reporting, excise tax
filings, direct-to-consumer (DTC) tax and reporting, Certificate of Label Approval (COLA)
registrations, and Interstate Wholesale Compliance and Brand Registration.
In addition to her compliance and inventory expertise, Melissa has a strong background in wine
club management, focusing on building lasting relationships with members and enhancing the
customer experience. With a passion for operational excellence and a deep understanding of
regulatory frameworks Melissa plays an integral role in supporting winery growth and success.
Wines Made for Meaningful Moments
Aril Wines are created to accompany long conversations, shared meals, and unhurried evenings. They are crafted to support connection, not dominate it.
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Contact Us
- 1625 Trancas Street, Unit 2314 Napa, CA 94558
- info@arilwines.com
- 707 812 8898
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