Lifting Her Voice

My journey into the wine world began when I was a waiter at Zuni Café back in the early ‘90’s while I trained as an opera singer.  Little did I know then that I would start up a winery here in Walla Walla. Looking back at all my experiences and trainings—whether in food and wine, or as a singer—I realize that all of those components have made me and my company who we are today. I am so incredibly thankful for all the interesting, smart and talented people who helped me pave my way, whether they knew it or not at the time.

As business owner and winemaker, I oversee so much of the day to day business from within in the tasting room to the winery. I wear many hats. This all keeps me on my toes and never leads me to boredom.

A typical day is checking in with my tasting room manager in creating great experiences that are so important to us and our brand. There are other times where I am needed in the winery for blending, bottling, or if it is harvest time I am running between vineyards checking on the fruit to processing the fruit for a future vintage. As I said, never a dull moment.

My classical training as a singer has given back to me in so many ways within my life now as a winemaker. One of the greatest lessons I have learned is that this business takes an orchestra to make wine. I have learned how to collaborate, not unlike performing a duet or trio with other singers. To work in harmony to create the ultimate goal of a great piece or wine! Or at  times I am the conductor, managing all the players.

I have also learned what it means to be a diva and to let my own voice shine through while making sure that all who make this all possible have their light as well.

One of the most interesting coincidences that I found within singing and wines is the acknowledgement  that I strive to have “squillo” in both.

What does this mean? As a singer, we strive to create that the vibration of the voice that can be heard after a note has been sung. This is not unlike wine in regard to the flavors that keep on flowing within your palate after you taste. When I finally made that connection between my  two different worlds I knew I was on the right path of combining my love of singing with my love of wine.

Winemaking like singing is very mathematical but without the artistry of your personality I believe a wine becomes one dimensional. And like singing you need to understand & have a strong base so that your artistry shine through.