Vailia From might just be the best penname of all time. It also happens to be the actual-real-life name of proprietress and winemaker of Desparada wines, who was named after her grandmother. Speaking of old-school, the Desparada brand is named after the lawless, Wild West figure of the desperado, but in the feminine. Vailia is a bit of an outlaw herself, willing to take winemaking risks just to try out different techniques herself, with her own hands. A true Wine Goddess, she is one of the most exciting California winemakers on the scene, and we love everything she makes!