Adi: A New Chapter in an Ancient Story
- madhavi padala
- Feb 19
- 3 min read
Wine—it is history in a bottle. It has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, wars and peace, economic booms and busts. It has been present at tables for celebrations and quiet reflections alike. And yet, in today’s world, younger generations are still discovering what wine can be.
Wine and War: A Legacy Worth Defending
In Burgundy, vintners built false walls in their cellars to hide their best bottles.
In Champagne, producers misled German officers, offering them lower-quality vintages while secretly keeping their finest cuvées out of sight.
In Bordeaux, winemakers deliberately mislabelled barrels, ensuring that their prized vintages remained untouched.
Following real images are licensed for the use on my website only.
French soldiers removing wine for safe keeping, WW1
At the Isonzo front: A family in Gorizia has moved into the wine cellar to protect themselves from artillery fire.
To the French, wine was more than an industry—it was identity, heritage, and national pride. The vineyards had seen wars, economic downturns, and political upheavals, yet they endured. Winemakers understood that they were not just making wine; they were preserving a legacy.
Soldiers of the German Wehrmacht toast their victory with champagne on a turf course in Bordeaux
ON THE BATTLEFIELD. German Medical Officers giving wine to a severely wounded soldier ca. 1918
A New World Perspective on an Old-World Craft
Viticulture dates back to 8000 years according to some sources. Viticulture is special because it is the science and practice of growing grapes, which are the foundation for winemaking, meaning that the quality of the grapes directly impacts the quality of the final wine; essentially, viticulture is the art of managing vineyards to produce the best possible grapes for winemaking, taking into account factors like climate, soil, pests, and vine training to achieve optimal flavor and character in the finished product.
I didn’t inherit a vineyard, nor did I grow up with wine as an everyday tradition. My Indian background did not have the same deep-rooted winemaking culture as France or Italy. And yet, something about viticulture drew me in—just as strongly as my early career in Silicon Valley’s high-tech industry did.
Perhaps it’s the commonality of both worlds that makes it so compelling:
Craft & Precision – Both winemaking and technology require a balance of meticulous craftsmanship and continuous refinement to achieve excellence.
Data & Intuition – Whether in algorithms or fermentation, success comes from blending analytical precision with instinctive artistry.
Legacy & Innovation – Great wines and groundbreaking tech both tell compelling stories—rooted in drive to push boundaries to create something lasting.
I believe the next chapter of wine belongs to those who see it not just as a beverage but as an experience—one that tells a story, preserves the land, and brings people together. Adi Wines is about balance—between tradition and innovation, between patience and progress, between nature and knowledge.
Wine for a New Generation
The recent SVB State of the U.S. Wine Industry Report (2025) said it best:
"Wine is what younger consumers want. They just don’t know it."
And it makes sense. Wine is already aligned with today’s values:
✅ Green & Sustainable – Crafted with care for the land, free from unnecessary intervention.
✅ Natural & Plant-Based – No added sugars, no artificial ingredients, just pure expression.
✅ Minimalist & Story-Driven – Each bottle has history, culture, and meaning.
The French fought for their vineyards not just because wine was valuable, but because it was a reflection of their land, their time, and their people. And that is what wine remains today.
At Adi Wines, we are not just making wine. We are curating stories, preserving the beauty of our vineyard, and sharing a perspective that respects the past while embracing the future.
Our First Bottling: A Beginning, Not an End
With the first bottling of Adi Wines, this vision takes shape. It is a reminder that wine is about experience, curiosity, and connection to nature and rich history. We name each variety with a unique name. Adi: Cabernet Sauvignon, Radha: Pinot Gris, Noor: Rosé. Each bottle carries a story that inspired its creation.
It is a privilege for me to be able to contribute and add value to this ancient tradition that is now a part and parcel of California, the leading wine producer.
For those who believe in craftsmanship, in nature’s rhythm, and in the joy of discovering something meaningful, I invite you to be part of this journey. Because much like great wine, this is only the beginning.
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