From California to Thailand: A Unique Blend of Cultures
An intervention in Burgundy and a Conversation in Napa led to the creation of Farang.
The Intervention
Kittinee and I (Jim) were in Burgundy, France, taking some time to reflect. I was struggling because I could not find a spark to inspire me despite all the great things I have in my life. A duality it was hard for me to come to terms with.
In Burgundy, we experienced a culture that thrived off of what was around them. Most of the food and wine were sustainably raised, harvested, and cooked within a five-mile radius. The integration of all aspects of this supply chain serves as the foundation for a thriving culture:
"For the secret of human existence does not consist in living, merely, but in what one lives for" - Dostoevsky
Kittinee is more of a doer, and I am more of a dreamer. Having made wine at home more than a decade prior, I told Kittinee that we should buy a vineyard and get back to a community in the US that is more farm-to-table like Burgundy.
My plan was to leave it at that, but when we got back to the US at our home in Florida, I received a call that pushed me way out of my comfort zone. It was Kittinee. She told me that, with the help of our dear friends Brett and Susan Snyder, she had found a vineyard in Napa for us. With the fear of being unable to afford it, I said that maybe later, but now was not the time. Kittinee replied that it was too late, and the deal was done.
"If not now, when?" - Hillel the Elder
With that, we set out to Napa.
The Conversation
A conversation within the wine caves of Arkenstone between Myself, Kittinee, and Roberto Alfaro, the winemaker, inspired Farang Wine.
Kittinee and Roberto were born in Thailand and Mexico, respectively, and became US citizens. Living between two cultures, creates a persistent feeling of being a foreigner. We all agreed that this is a super power because it gives us perspective that makes us more curious about what makes people different from each other. This curiosity has been the catalyst for us to create new and lasting friendships.
We were inspired to create a wine that was designed to bring people together in a way that would bring them closer after they shared it.
To make this work, we need to create a high-quality wine that will make people savor each sip and, therefore, sit together longer and be together. We also wanted the bottle to have an exotic feel to inspire more curiosity among those sharing the wine.
The Vineyard
Harvested from our CCOF certified organic vineyard in Coombsville AVA, wines from this AVA have a distinct thread of old-world elegance combined with excellent structure, distinct minerality, and smooth tannins - balanced and beautiful.
We are located in a caldera on the Southeastern corner of Napa Valley. The fog burns off in the late morning, and the breezes coming off the Bay keep us significantly cooler than other AVAs. This results in a longer growing season and sophisticated wine.
Our winemaking philosophy is to express the terroir and the season with minimal intervention.
Embracing Diversity and Connection
At Farang, we believe that being a foreigner—stepping outside of our comfort zone—allows us to connect with others on a deeper level. By letting our guard down and opening ourselves to new experiences, we can enrich our lives and foster meaningful connections.
Our wines are crafted with this philosophy in mind. Each bottle of Farang Wine expresses the terroir and season. I hope is that this encourages you to explore new flavors, share stories, and create lasting memories with those around you.
Whether you are an experienced wine enthusiast or new to the world of wine, we invite you to join us on this journey of discovery and connection.
Our Commitment: Sustainability and Quality
At Farang Wine, we are dedicated to sustainability and quality in every aspect of our winemaking process.
From responsible vineyard practices to eco-friendly packaging, we strive to minimize our environmental impact and create wines that are not only exceptional but also sustainable. Being CCOF certified helps us prove we walk our talk.
We are committed to using the finest grapes, state-of-the-art techniques, and meticulous attention to detail to ensure that every bottle of Farang Wine meets the highest standards of quality.
Our goal is to provide you with wines that you can enjoy with confidence, knowing that they have been crafted with care and integrity.
