Meet Aaliyah Nitoto | Winemaker and Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aaliyah Nitoto and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aaliyah, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my winery because of a passion for both winemaking and herbalism. During my studies, I discovered the ancient practice of making wine with flowers, a tradition that spans cultures and history, from Asia, Africa and Europe. Most people haven’t heard about this tradition because it was primarily practiced by middle- and lower-income women. Inspired by this forgotten skill and driven by a desire to revive it, I began the journey of founding Free Range Flower Winery. My goal was to bring these unique and aromatic flower wines to a modern audience, combining tradition with innovation to create something truly special in the wine industry.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Free Range Flower Winery is my passion project turned thriving business. What sets us apart is our unique approach to winemaking – crafting premium wines from locally sourced, organically grown flowers instead of grapes. It’s an art form that combines my background in biology, herbalism, and nutrition education, allowing me to revive ancient women’s garden winemaking traditions for modern palates.

I’m incredibly proud of the journey that brought us here. It hasn’t been easy balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with the stability of a full-time job, especially in the nonprofit sector. But through perseverance and a deep-seated determination to see my vision come to life, I’ve overcome numerous challenges.

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is the importance of resilience. Every setback has been an opportunity to reassess, adapt, and grow stronger. Building Free Range Flower Winery from the ground up has taught me the value of hard work, patience, and unwavering belief in my mission.

What I want the world to know about us is that we’re more than just a winery – we’re a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. Our commitment to using flowers instead of grapes not only produces exquisite wines but also honors forgotten traditions and celebrates diversity in the wine industry.

Our story is one of passion, perseverance, and possibility. It’s a testament to the power of following your dreams, even when the path isn’t easy. As we continue to grow and evolve, I’m excited to share our journey with the world and inspire others to pursue their passions fearlessly.

I have a fund raising campaign going on right now to help us renovate our very first tasting room, The Blossoming Dreams Capital Campaign. Every donation helps me to finally realize my goal of creating a flower wine oasis in the heart of Livermore. People can join the dream by drinking our wine, contributing, and spreading the word!” https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/cultivating-california-s-first-flower-winery#/

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had the opportunity to treat a friend to a memorable staycation, I’d take them to the charming Livermore Valley for a delightful wine-tasting adventure. Nestled in the heart of California, the Livermore Valley wine region is a hidden gem that I’m thrilled to share with others. I’ve been captivated by the warm camaraderie of the winemaking community and the picturesque rolling hills.

During our staycation, we’d indulge in the cozy hospitality of one of the valley’s many quaint vineyard bed and breakfasts, immersing ourselves in the serene ambiance of wine country living. With no rush on our agenda, we’d leisurely explore the array of inviting restaurants and boutique shops lining downtown 1st Street.

Among the many wineries dotting the landscape, my personal favorite is Rosa Fierro Cellars, owned by the vivacious Rosie Fierro. While smaller in size compared to others in the Valley, Rosie’s winery exudes an infectious spirit of fun and relaxation. The atmosphere is refreshingly laid-back and unpretentious, setting the stage for memorable experiences.

To enhance our visit, we’d aim to coincide with one of a the many live band performances. Nestled outdoors amidst the vineyards, we’d sway to the soulful tunes of Latin Jazz, perhaps even joining in for a spontaneous dance under the stars. It’s these magical moments of music, laughter, and friendship that make the Livermore Valley staycation an unforgettable escapade.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to shoutout Barbara Gratta of Gratta Wines in San Francisco. She owns a little winery that she started in her garage back in the day. She started with one barrel and slowly increased her volume until now, she has a thriving little winery in the Dog Patch neighborhood. She was definitely the prototype for what I’ve done.
Not only has she always been an inspiration, but she has also always been there when I had a question or needed help.

Website: https://www.freerangeflowerwinery.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freerangeflowerwinery/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/free-range-flower-winery-8399713b/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freerangeflowerwinery/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/free-range-flower-winery-livermore

Image Credits
Pictures by Kana Kana Azhari