Our Team
Dr. Sudha Patil
Wine Maker
Dr. Sudha Patil’s extraordinary palate and BS in chemistry go hand in hand in producing Narmada Winery’s elegant wines. In the short time since the winery opened its doors, her skills in both the art and the science of winemaking have brought national and international recognition and more than forty gold medals.
show moreSudha’s focus is to create graceful wines that preserve the true character of the fruit. She became interested in fine wine during extensive US and international travel with her husband Pandit Patil. She has observed winery operations and discussed winemaking techniques with vintners in the US and abroad.
Dr. Patil’s formal study of winemaking began with Jim Law of Linden Vineyards who she calls the “guru” of Virginia wine. At the winery, she works closely with consultant Tom Payette to finetune her approach to producing the best quality wines from the best Virginia-grown fruit. Sudha remarks, “Not enough can be said about these wonderful people in my life of winemaking.”
In addition to managing wine development and production for Narmada Winery, Sudha’s touch is evident in every aspect of the winery. The grounds are lovingly landscaped according to her seasonal plans. The warm and welcoming tasting room is enhanced by both her personal hospitality and her international sensibility in the choice of decor, food pairings, and gift selections.
Sudha Patil hails from Thane, a small town outside Mumbai, India. From her parents, Balachandra and Susheela Khadke, Dr. Patil learned the hard-driving, tenacious work ethic that is needed to succeed in business. She has been a proud Virginia resident for over 40 years and practiced endodontics in Northern Virginia for 20+ years, and now part-time in Culpeper, VA. She holds a BS in Chemistry from George Mason, a DDS from Georgetown University and an MS in Oral Biology from the University of Maryland.
In her free time, Sudha enjoys travel and spending time with her family.
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Pandit Patil
Owner/CEO
The late Narmada Winery owner Pandit Patil’s life came full circle. Pandit came to the United States from India some 50 years ago to study engineering and make a home away from home for himself and his new bride Sudha in the USA.
show moreHe did undergraduate work at New Mexico State University, followed by a Masters degree from Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh, then attained his PhD from the University of Pittsburgh. After an illustrious career as an engineer, Dr. Patil returned to his agrarian roots.
As far back in time as we can go, Pandit’s family have been farmers. His father Goba and mother Narmada Patil both unfortunately passed before Pandit founded his vineyard.
The winery is dedicated to his mother. Her devotion to him made it possible for Pandit to pursue his education in the US. Pandit passed away in January of 2018, but his legacy at the winery remains.
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Tom Payette
Winemaking Consultant
Tom Payette, a premier hands-on and analytical winemaking consultant, serves clients throughout the United States and internationally, most recently in Spain. His extended expertise focuses on winery and vineyard start-ups and expansions, still and sparkling wine production, and general winery issues.
show moreTom has 27 well-rounded years of experience in still and sparkling wine production in Virginia along with seven years experience in ultra-premium Bordeaux varietal wine production in Napa, California. Tom studied under famed Bordeaux enologist Jacques Boissenot after receiving his Food Science degree from Virginia Tech.
Mr. Payette received several awards in 2011 for his outstanding contributions and achievements in the wine industry including The Atlantic Seaboard Productivity Trophy and the Virginia Governor’s Cup for a 2008 meritage red blend and a 2009 reserve chardonnay. Tom was awarded “Winemaker of the Year” in 1999 by Vineyard and Winery Management Magazine. Tom has been consulting with Narmada Winery since 2008.
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Alexander Dias
Winery Manager
Alexander Dias is a veteran member of the Narmada Winery team. Starting when the winery was 6 months old, he started as a kitchen prep employee. With his passion for the business, he quickly learned almost every end of the winery. As the Winery Manager, he prides himself in exceptional customer service. If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask him!
“Every moment is a moment to make someone smile”
