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Richard Salvestrin

Winemaker, Salvestrin

A third-generation grapegrower, Rich learned the art of farming on the family ranch from his father and grandfather. He completed his degree in viticulture from Fresno State University in 1987 and has diverse experience in the wine industry over a 35 year career. While in college he interned at Louis Martini Winery and then held positions at Mumm Napa Valley, S. Anderson Winery and was vineyard Supervisor at Jaeger Vineyards for eight years. Rich finished his outside employment career as VP/COO of California Grapevine Nursery, a position he held for nine years until 2006.

During that time he continued to help farm the family vineyards and expanded the family's grape growing business to include winemaking. Rich and his wife Shannon established Salvestrin Wine Co in 1994 and constructed the family estate winery in 2001.
Since 2006 Rich has been focused on the family vineyard and winery's growth and success.

Country born: United States

Education: Fresno State University - 1987 (Major - Viticulture)

Years in the wine industry: 30+ years

Honors / Awards:
Napa County Farm Bureau Outstanding Agriculturist of the Year - 2014

Winemaking Philosophy:
Rich believes in making wines that are true to their origin and reflect the passion, effort and lifestyle he grew up with on the family ranch. "Wines that are enjoyable expressions of what we do on a daily basis". It's all about balance: balance in our lives, in the land and in our wines. He strives to make wines that can be enjoyed on their own and pair well with food.

Natalie Winkler

Winemaker, Salvestrin

Natalie’s enthusiasm for viticulture and winemaking began in an inconspicuous way. She landed a gig at a local wine bar while attending the University of Oregon. Immediately smitten by the variety of profiles from wines grown all over the globe, the sommelier path seemed the logical trajectory. A friend and mentor at the time suggested working a harvest abroad. Recently graduated, fluent in Spanish, and ready for adventure, Natalie jumped on a plane to Spain in 2009 for vintage at Bodega Elias Mora in Toro. Once she had dirty vineyard boots and purple hands, suddenly her future became very clear.

After her stint in Spain, she moved to Healdsburg, California to pursue a winegrowing career. She’s worked at a variety of wineries in both winemaking and viticulture: Windsor Oaks (Russian River Valley), Mill Creek Winery (Dry Creek Valley), Westwood (Sonoma), and Salvestrin (St. Helena). In 2013, she travelled to Victoria, Australia for harvest at Delatite Winery. In 2015, Natalie travelled to Bordeaux, France for vintage at Chateau Fontenil, where Dany and Michel Rolland celebrated their 30th harvest at the winery. Natalie has been privileged to learn from renowned winemakers David Ramey and Dany Rolland.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Political Science (University of Oregon) and a Master’s in Viticulture and Enology from the University of Valladolid in Ribera del Duero, Spain.
Natalie is very keen on farming as the key to quality winemaking and focuses her efforts in the vineyard to transitioning toward organic and biodynamic methods.

Country born: United States

Education: Master's in Enology & Viticulture
Harvests in Bordeaux, Spain and Australia
Mentor David Ramey

Years in the wine industry: 10-15 years

Winemaking Philosophy:
Always seeking balance and focusing efforts in the vineyard through the growing season. Let the vineyard speak for itself in the wines, a winemaker's impression should be minimal.