Meet Aaliyah Nitoto

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Aaliyah Nitoto. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with AALIYAH below.

AALIYAH, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic comes from my mother, who has been working tirelessly since she was seven years old when my grandparents put her in charge of her younger siblings. As the second child in a family of 14, she and her older sister had their hands full. No matter what life threw at her, she would close her eyes, take a deep breath, and then get to work.

She started her first business when I was three, balancing her role as a stay-at-home mom with six kids—my two older sisters, two older brothers, me, and my younger brother. She would make fried chicken and cakes for dessert, selling them to people getting out of church across the street. The money she saved from those sales went toward buying our first house.

She’s spent her life working little by little to achieve big things, always on her own terms. Her determination and resilience are my biggest inspirations and the foundation of my own work ethic today.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

At Free Range Flower Winery, I create unique, small-batch wines made from organically farmed flowers and fruits, offering an innovative alternative to traditional grape wines. What excites me most is reviving ancient, women-led winemaking traditions and combining them with modern techniques to craft wines that celebrate nature’s beauty. Each bottle is a reflection of the seasons and our commitment to sustainability.

What makes our wines special is not just the distinctive flavors, but also the story behind them. We take pride in crafting wines that connect people to the environment and support biodiversity. Our wines, like Lavender, RoseHybiscus, and Marigold, are a true celebration of creativity and sustainability.

We’ve recently moved into a new location in Livermore, where we’re hosting exclusive events and tastings. This fall, we’re excited about our special events including “Blossom & Bottles” flower arranging workshops and an upcoming holiday wine collection that includes our limited-edition Celebration Trio gift set. We’re always finding new ways to engage with our community and bring people together through the magic of floral wines.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

My creativity and unique vision to revive the practice of flower winemaking have played a huge role. Drawing on a time-honored tradition, I wanted to modernize it for today’s tastes. I started small, with a ceramic pot and kettle, and later upgraded to 5-gallon fermentation containers. I remember feeling like I’d made a lot when I could produce a 20-gallons!
Now, I can create 500-gallon batches, but that early sense of excitement and possibility continues to fuel my journey.
Adaptability and resourcefulness have also been key. At every stage, from fermenting in small batches to scaling up production, being able to adjust and make the best of what I had helped me keep moving forward. Whether it was starting with a modest budget or later adapting to a smaller tasting room, I’ve always tried to view obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow. Things rarely go as planned in the early stages, and it’s important to stay flexible. I’d encourage others to develop strong problem-solving skills and be open to changing their approach when needed.
Community building and collaboration have been fundamental throughout my journey. Mentoring others, supporting diversity, and working with organizations have enriched my business while allowing me to contribute to a broader mission. For those starting out, I recommend seeking mentors, joining industry groups, and networking with like-minded individuals. Building a community around you offers not just business connections but moral support and fresh perspectives. Giving back has often brought unexpected benefits, enriching my journey in ways I never anticipated.
For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to foster creativity, stay adaptable, and prioritize building a community. Seek out opportunities to learn from others, experiment with no fear, and be open to change. Obstacles will arise, but each challenge is a chance to grow, and a supportive network can make all the difference. The journey may start small—like my first 5-gallon batches—but with persistence, you’ll be amazed at how far you can go.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

The number one challenge I’m currently facing is increasing brand awareness and establishing the winery as a must-visit destination since our recent grand opening. Being the only winery in California that specializes in flower wines presents an incredible opportunity to carve out a unique niche, but it also means I have to put in extra effort to educate people about what flower wines are and why they’re worth trying. Additionally, with the recent move to a smaller location, I’ve had to adjust to having less storage space and fewer production areas, which can be limiting during busy seasons or when scaling up production. There’s also the challenge of maintaining cash flow in a competitive industry where most people are more familiar with traditional grape wines.
To overcome these challenges, I’m focusing on hosting more events at the winery, such as music nights and special gatherings, to draw people in and create memorable experiences that go beyond just wine tasting. I’m also working to maximize the use of the space I have, investing in efficient storage solutions, and carefully planning production schedules to make the most of our capacity. Additionally, I’m leveraging partnerships with local organizations like Livermore Vally Wine Association to reach a wider audience and collaborating on events that promote both the wine and the broader mission of supporting diversity in the industry.
Social media plays a big role in these efforts, too, as I ramp up our online presence with engaging content that tells the story of flower wine, shares what makes it special, and offers a glimpse into the unique experience visitors can expect. By combining in-person events, strategic partnerships, and online storytelling, I’m working to turn curiosity into enthusiasm, build a community of flower wine enthusiasts, and overcome the financial and logistical hurdles that come with running a small, specialty winery.

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Image Credits

photos by: Mayank Mekala

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