The story of the Winery begins at the vineyard. Located in the heart of Temecula’s Wine Country, off of Calle Contento, the vineyard stretches across a 20 acre parcel where the Patels, Winemaker Renato Sais, and the winery staff give the vines the upmost care all year long. Working together, learning and understanding viniculture, curating the perfect grape & vine, and learning the wine business have become a huge passion for the team. 100% estate grown & single vineyard, Akash wines are developed with passion and sophistication. The wines showcase familiar varietals in contemporary, eye catching packaging, and are crafted with consistency of style and quality across all vintages. The Akash Winery & Vineyards tasting room officially opened mid 2019, though the Patels also hope to open a resort, spa, events venue, and bed & breakfast in the coming years.

The Jooste family, consisting of Lowell, Anne, and their four children, relocated from Cape Town, South Africa, to the scenic shores of La Jolla in 2012. Drawing from their experience managing the family-owned Klein Constantia and Anwilka vineyards—ventures they shared with two renowned French winemakers—they began crafting the vision for their new business.

Lowell, a fourth-generation member of a family devoted to the wine industry, cultivated deep ties in the international wine scene during his 20+ year career in South Africa. Launching a wine business in Southern California required both a pioneering mindset and entrepreneurial innovation to stand out in the emerging urban winery landscape. Their commitment to creativity and reducing environmental impact became key elements of their distinctive approach.