Unreserved Wine Talk 372: How is Namratha's "Vineyard Melody" memoir the wine version of Eat, Pray, Love?
How can a wine story rooted in darkness leave you feeling hopeful about your life? Why is France such a symbol of freedom, possibility and reinvention for her? How can discovering France through art, cinema, and wine become an escape into a completely different world?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Namratha Stanley, author of Vineyard Melody: How One Woman Rebuilt Her Life, One Grape At A Time.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.
Giveaway
Three of you are going to win a copy of Namratha Stanely's terrific new book, Vineyard Melody: How One Woman Rebuilt Her Life, One Grape At A Time. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights
Which childhood moments shaped Namratha's sense of courage and adventure and understanding of injustice?
What is Vineyard Melody about and how does it differ from other wine and reinvention stories?
Why did Namratha feel compelled to write this book despite the risks of telling her truth?
What early warning signs in her marriage did Namratha only recognize in hindsight?
How did the system ultimately fail to protect Namratha and how did learning French become an act of survival?
Why did the language prove so valuable when an unexpected job opportunity in Paris arose?
How did ridicule and resistance at home strengthen her resolve to pursue independence through work?
What was it like to arrive in Bordeaux for her wine MBA?
What did seeing the Eiffel Tower and having her first meal in Paris symbolize about freedom and possibility?
Why did Namratha ultimately decide that leaving India permanently was the only path toward rebuilding her life and identity?
About Namratha Stanley
Namratha Stanley is the debut author of Vineyard Melody, a memoir chronicling her personal and professional transformation. Once confined to a patriarchal household in India, where she was barred from working, she broke free from marital violence and moved to France in 2017 to pursue a Wine MBA. She went on to found Wine Equation, a Bordeaux-based wine merchant company, and created Solicantus, her signature wine brand now distributed in five countries. Today, she serves as Program Director at INSEEC (Omnes), mentors women and students, and donates part of her wine sales to support children's education in India. Her journey—from traditional housewife to entrepreneur—has been featured in Forbes, Decanter and many other magazines. Namratha lives in France with her daughter and two cats, continuing to write and grow her wine business.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/372.