From Art to Wine
Ash, pictured in his Los Olivos tasting room.
Written by Gabe Saglie
Photography by Talia Helvey
“Producing natural wines is like walking the tightrope without a safety net”
If art by any other name is still art, then Ashkahn “Ash” Shahparnia is in the perfect place. The Redondo Beach native is a professional illustrator by training, a graduate of the Otis College of Art, with a resumé that includes brands like Capitol Records and Target. A trip to visit his wife’s family in Paso Robles sparked a love for wine, leading to harvest internships at Bien Nacido and Presqu’ile wineries and a job at Stolpman. Ash closed his L.A. design gallery and in 2020 launched ASHKAHN WINES, his viticultural brand, which has an unapologetic focus on natural wine. Minimal intervention in the cellar means using only native yeasts, as well as no filtering, no fining, and no defensive additives of any kind. Colorful and eclectic, the Los Olivos tasting room opened in May, featuring wines like Chardonnay and Gamay alongside the artist’s original greeting cards. 2446 Alamo Pintado Rd., Los Olivos, ashkahnwines.com
