Sandhi was founded in 2010 by Rajat Parr, wine director for Michael Mina Restaurants, and Sashi Moorman, a chef-turned-winemaker. Based in the Santa Rita Hills, Sandhi sources Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from area vineyards. Parr, who has become one of the most ambitious and complimented wine entrepreneurs on the Central Coast, and Moorman are especially noted for their Chardonnays. Wine writers have described Sandhi Chardonnays as Burgundian in style, though clearly from California in terms of the ripeness of the fruit.
Sierra Foothills AVA is in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and it includes parts of eight counties. With total acreage of 2.6 million acres, and nearly 6,000 vineyard acres, it is one of the largest appellations in California. Wine grapes were planted in the foothills during the Gold Rush in the mid-19th century and the appellation was officially recognized in 1987. There are five sub-appellations within the Sierra Foothills region, and more than 100 wineries, most small and family-owned. Zinfandel is the most successful wine grape in this region, though Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are also planted.