Renowned winemaker joins family of Okanagan wineries
[Oliver, BC – November 1, 2023] – Okanagan-based Montalvino Wineries Inc. is thrilled to announce the appointment of Caroline Schaller as Winemaker for its three estate properties: Uppercase Winery (Okanagan Falls), gadZook Vinery (Oliver), and High Note Estate Winery (Naramata Bench). Schaller, recognized as a Knight of the Ordre du Mérite Agricole, brings nearly 25 years of winemaking experience, offering an unparalleled combination of international expertise and local acumen to the Montalvino winemaking team.
Born and raised in Toulouse, France, Schaller completed her master’s degree in plant chemistry and biology before specializing in enology.
“I am more of a winegrower than a winemaker. For me, it starts in the vineyard, which is really where the wine is made. The chance to steward nine estate vineyards at Montalvino, each with its own distinctive terroir and exceptional potential, iswhat made this such an exciting opportunity.”
Caroline Schaller
After completing her oenology degree, Schaller travelled throughout the Americas, garnering experience at Pine Ridge in Napa Valley and Viña Leyda in San Antonio, Chile. Later, she returned to France to work with Petit Manseng at Domaine Cauhape (Jurançon) and Tannat at Plaimont (Madiran), before joining Domaine d’En Ségur (Côtes du Tarn) as winemaker and general manager, working with Bordeaux and Rhône varieties for 13 years.
In 2017, she jumped at the chance to move to the Okanagan Valley to lead Osoyoos Larose as winemaker and general manager. She led the Canadian wine icon for four years, before taking the position of winemaker at Rainmaker Wines on the Black Sage Bench. In 2021, she was recognized with the Ordre du Mérite Agricole for her contributions to agriculture, one of a handful of British Columbians to receive the award from the French Ministry of Agriculture.
“We are thrilled to bring Caroline on board as winemaker. Her experience in Napa Valley, Chile, southwest France, and the Okanagan will only help to build upon the quality and identity we’ve established at all three properties,”
Levi Gogolinski, Director of Marketing at Montalvino Wineries.
Schaller joined Montalvino in August 2023 and oversaw harvest at all three estates. Despite the challenges faced by the Okanagan over the past year, Schaller is steadfast about the quality of the 2023 vintage.
“Although the crop may be small, our vineyards were resilient and rewarded us with pristine, concentrated fruit,” said Schaller. “We’re really excited by what we’re tasting in the cellar even at this early stage. They are characterful wines that uniquely express our estate vineyards from Naramata to Osoyoos.”
Caroline Schaller
About Montalvino Wineries Inc.
Montalvino has been described as “one of the most ambitious new projects in the South Okanagan” by David Lawrason, and includes Uppercase Winery in Okanagan Falls, gadZook Vinery on the Golden Mile Slopes, and High Note Estate Winery on the Naramata
Bench.