Welcome back to the Cellar Door Podcast! 2025 is shaping up to be an extraordinary year with fresh guests, compelling topics, and plenty of excitement. As we kick off the 5th season of the CDP, we're starting by releasing the final conversations recorded in the U.S. during 2024.
I'm thrilled to begin with a truly inspiring discussion with Raj Parr. Born in Calcutta, Raj moved to the U.S. to attend the Culinary Institute of America in New York. His journey then took him to San Francisco, where he worked alongside the legendary Larry Stone. From there, Raj went on to become a trailblazing winemaker in California, renowned for his work with whole cluster fermentation.
In our conversation, Raj shares his rise through the restaurant world, the profound influence Larry Stone had on his career, and his candid thoughts on the changing landscape of the wine industry. A celebrated figure in his own right, Raj underscores the enduring importance of soul and passion in winemaking.
For anyone in the wine industry feeling disconnected from their spark, Raj’s insights are both grounding and inspiring. I can't recommend his words and perspective enough.
A heartfelt thank you to Raj Parr for joining me.