Meet the Maker: Daniel Howsepian & Raisin d'Être Vineyards

The Maker's Story The heart of Raisin d’Être is vintner Daniel Howsepian, whose love for wine traces back to childhood summers spent with his uncle Jojo, the Cellar Master for Dufouleur Père et Fils in Nuits-Saint-Georges, Burgundy. Surrounded by family vineyards and ancient Roman-built cellars, young Daniel caught a lifelong passion for the craft.   The winery's name itself is a playful nod to that journey: a clever spin on the French phrase raison d'être, meaning "reason for being." For Daniel, growing grapes and crafting wine isn't just a project—it is quite literally his reason for being.   That French-inspired dedication to organic, hand-crafted winemaking eventually brought Daniel to the hills of Lafayette, where he built a gravity-flow micro-winery. Today, with his son Julien continuing the tradition, Daniel brings his deep generational heritage and genuine appreciation for the soil straight to your glass.     Featured Tasting Flight Find these four signature varietals highlighted on your placemat corners: • Merlot: Approachable and lush, with ripe black cherry, plum, and a velvety finish. • Petite Sirah: Bold and intense, offering rich blackberry, blueberry, and black pepper. • Cabernet Sauvignon: A classic, full-bodied powerhouse showcasing black currant, cedar, and dark chocolate. • Petit Verdot: Densely aromatic, highlighting vibrant violet florals, dark fruit, and crushed gravel.   Event Details • Date: Sunday, August 9, 2026 • Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM • Location: Local Vines (3393 Mount Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, CA) • Admission: $25 per tasting flight (plus tax and platform fees) • Exclusive Perk: 20% off same-day bottle purchases of any amount for all attendees!   Space is limited—reserve your spot today for an afternoon of exceptional wine and rich family tradition.