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 Syrah from Atlas Peak, 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.”
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Year Experience
Years of Winemaking Heritage
Purpose in Every Detail
Our wines are shaped by deliberate choices from vineyard selection to final presentation, guided by clarity rather than excess.
Vineyard Expression
Every wine reflects its site without manipulation or shortcuts.
Selective Harvesting
Fruit is picked based on balance, not sugar or yield targets.
Hands-On Approach
Small-lot production allows close attention from harvest through bottling.
Gentle Fermentation
Natural processes are favored to preserve texture and aroma.
Thoughtful Design
Packaging is understated, allowing the wine to speak first.
Intentional Releases
Each release is timed for readiness, not demand.
Team
Quinton Jay is the President and 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Value Chain
Aril operates across the full wine value chain—leveraging long-standing partnerships, scalable production infrastructure, and end-to-end execution to deliver consistent, premium wine programs.
- Access to premium bulk wines through trusted partnerships
- Scalable production from small lots to high volume
- Integrated sourcing, production, and packaging
- Customized solutions for retail and private label needs
Special Offerings
Customized blends, premium bottling, elegant packaging, and private/control label programs designed to elevate brand presence and customer loyalty.
Unmatched Partnerships
Partnerships with top wine brokers and world-class vineyards provide access to excess grapes and premium bulk wines.
Flexible, Scalable Production
Winemaking, blending, and bottling executed at Napa facilities and trusted partner sites—scalable from small-lot to high-volume runs.
End-to-End Execution
From vineyard to shelf, Aril manages sourcing, production, packaging, and fully customized private label solutions.
What Sets Us Apart
At Aril, we believe in wines with identity, not just inventory. That’s why we don’t build “fake brands” or empty shells. Our brands are soul-driven expressions of people who live the craft. We back stories, not slogans.
We partner with brands that have real people behind them -growers, vintners, and stewards of the land
We don’t build fake or formulaic wine brands
Each label we support is a story, not a slogan
Our wines come from real places, with real passion , and that’s what customers connect with
From the Vineyard to the Table
Wine is only complete when it’s shared. At Aril, every bottle is designed to evolve alongside food and conversation. Structure, freshness, and balance are carefully considered so the wine feels present—but never overwhelming.
Rather than chasing intensity, Aril focuses on continuity—from the first pour to the last glass. This approach creates wines that feel welcoming and natural, allowing gatherings to unfold without distraction. The goal is simple: wines that bring people together and remain memorable long after the table is cleared.
FAQ'S
Our approach centers on restraint and respect for the vineyard. We believe wine should reflect its origin rather than the hand that made it. Minimal intervention allows balance, texture, and natural character to emerge over time.
Working in small quantities allows us to remain closely connected to each vintage. It ensures careful attention from harvest through bottling and allows each wine to develop with intention rather than pressure.
Our wines are crafted to be enjoyed thoughtfully whether during a quiet evening or shared over a long table with friends. They are designed to evolve in the glass and reward patience, conversation, and time.
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