We recently connected with Neviana Zhgaba and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Neviana, thanks for joining us today. One of the toughest things about entrepreneurship is that there is almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

When we set out to open Aquila’s Nest Vineyards, we imagined a space where people could gather, connect, and experience the beauty of wine and storytelling. But as we approached our grand opening in October 2020, the world had changed in ways we never could have anticipated. The COVID-19 pandemic brought uncertainty, fear, and a wave of restrictions that threatened to derail everything we had planned.

Opening a hospitality business during a global crisis was daunting. There were strict capacity limits, social distancing requirements, and constantly evolving health guidelines. Indoor gatherings were restricted, and food regulations meant that our ability to serve guests was more complicated than ever. On top of that, winter was approaching, and the cold weather posed an additional challenge—how could we create a welcoming and safe experience when outdoor seating was the only viable option?

At times, it felt like we were fighting an uphill battle. But instead of seeing these obstacles as roadblocks, we chose to innovate. We adapted our space to prioritize outdoor seating, investing in fire pits, heated igloos, and cozy blankets to extend the season as long as possible. We reimagined our wine-tasting experience to be socially distanced yet intimate, allowing guests to enjoy a safe yet memorable visit.

Our team worked tirelessly to stay ahead of changing regulations, ensuring that every detail—from sanitization procedures to guest flow—met the highest safety standards. We also leaned into digital marketing and pre-booked reservations to manage capacity while maintaining an exclusive and personalized experience.

Despite the challenges, something incredible happened. Guests embraced the opportunity to escape, even for a little while, into the beauty of the vineyard. The pandemic had created a deep craving for outdoor experiences, for human connection, for moments of joy—and Aquila’s Nest became a refuge.

Looking back, what felt like an overwhelming challenge at the time turned into one of our greatest strengths. It forced us to think creatively, build resilience, and create an experience that not only survived but thrived. The lessons we learned in those early months continue to shape how we evolve and grow today, always with adaptability and innovation at the heart of what we do.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Aquila’s Nest Vineyards was born out of a deep passion for storytelling, sustainability, and creating unforgettable experiences. My journey into the wine industry wasn’t a conventional one— We come from a corporate engineering background, but we always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a vision to build something truly unique, a place where wine, art, and culture come together to form a deeper connection with the land and the people who visit.

When we founded Aquila’s Nest Vineyards, we didn’t just want to create another winery—we wanted to craft an immersive destination. Inspired by mythology and the celestial beauty of Aquila, the eagle constellation, our vineyard blends ancient storytelling with modern-day experiences. Every detail, from our wine labels to our tasting experiences, reflects a story. Guests don’t just visit a vineyard; they step into a world where every glass of wine tells a tale.

What We Offer
We specialize in producing high-quality wines that reflect the terroir of our land. But beyond wine, we focus on curating experiences that engage and inspire. We host events ranging from live music and theatrical performances to wine and food pairings, creative workshops, and themed gatherings. Our goal is to provide a space where guests can relax, celebrate, and create memories.

We also take pride in being Climate Neutral Certified, ensuring that sustainability is at the core of our operations. From responsible farming practices to eco-friendly business decisions, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and protecting the environment.

What Sets Us Apart
What makes Aquila’s Nest Vineyards different is the way we merge wine with storytelling, community, and sustainability. We don’t just serve wine—we create experiences that transport guests into mythological tales, celestial wonders, and artistic expression. Whether it’s a stargazing event under the night sky, a historical wine-tasting journey, or a carefully curated pairing with local foods, we make sure every visit is unique.

The Problems We Solve
Many people seek more than just a glass of wine—they crave experiences, connection, and a moment of escape from their daily routine. We offer an environment where guests can disconnect from the hustle and immerse themselves in a sensory adventure. Whether it’s a couple looking for a romantic evening, a group of friends wanting a memorable night out, or a company searching for a distinctive event space, we provide an atmosphere that is both welcoming and extraordinary.

What We’re Most Proud Of
We are incredibly proud of how Aquila’s Nest Vineyards has grown into a beloved destination, especially given the challenges of opening during the COVID-19 pandemic. Seeing our guests return again and again, hearing their stories of how they proposed here, celebrated milestones, or simply found a peaceful retreat, reinforces why we do what we do.

More than just a vineyard, Aquila’s Nest is a space for creativity, love, and connection. It’s a reflection of our dedication to innovation, sustainability, and community. Our hope is that every visitor leaves with not just a bottle of wine but a story to share.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

Aquila’s Nest Vineyards started as a passion project while we were both still working in engineering. Inspired by our travels to vineyards worldwide, we envisioned creating an experiential winery that blended storytelling, wine, and community.

Taking the leap wasn’t immediate. In our first year of operation, My husband balanced both his full-time engineering job and overseeing the vineyard’s opening and day-to-day operations. I continued working full-time in my corporate career for four years, managing both roles to ensure financial stability while growing the business. My mother played a crucial role in helping care for our children, allowing us to balance work, business, and family without losing our sanity.

For me, walking away from a high-paying, flexible senior program management role at a well-known corporation wasn’t easy. I had invested years in education and building my career, and leaving that behind was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. But in the end, what mattered most was focusing on our family business—a place so deeply loved by our community—and having more time to spend with our growing children.

Looking back, the journey was demanding, but following our passion was the best decision we ever made. Today, Aquila’s Nest is more than a vineyard—it’s a place for connection, creativity, and unforgettable experiences.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

Working with my husband, Ardian, as business partners has been a unique and sometimes challenging experience. I grew up watching my parents work together, so I was familiar with the dynamics. But actually experiencing it for myself was something else entirely.

In our first few years, we were juggling two full-time jobs, two kids, a growing business, and, of course, the added complexity of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. It felt like we were constantly trying to balance everything, and maintaining harmony in our relationship was tough. There were moments when communication broke down, and we had to relearn how to work together effectively while keeping our personal relationship strong.

It hasn’t been easy, but we’ve made it a priority. It’s a work in progress—one that requires daily commitment, patience, and support for one another. What helps is that our skill sets complement each other. We know where each of us excels and work to avoid stepping on each other’s toes, focusing on what we do best.

We’ve learned that in order to thrive as business partners and as a couple, we need to support each other with our strengths and communicate openly. It’s a continuous journey, but I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aquilasnestvineyards.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aquilasnestvineyards/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AquilasNestWine
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aquilasnestvineyards/
• Twitter: @AquilasNestWine
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWw5awCU3dOGzIW8uy15O8A
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/aquilas-nest-vineyards-newtown

Image Credits

Aquila’s Nest Vineyards, Morcelo Photography