Marilia Nimis-Schrader is a native of Italy, having been born and raised in Friuli-Venezia Giulia in the northeastern region of the country and bordering on Austria and Slovenia. Wine has been a part of her life from a very early age because her grandfather, who made a few gallons of wine each year, would ask her to “check the wine” to be sure that it was good. Indeed, her family continues to focus on wine, farming some 15 acres that are home to several varietals, including Glera, Ribolla Gialla, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Nero. Growing up, Marilia helped in the vineyards, and mastered pruning, among other skills.

At age 18, she enrolled in viticulture and winemaking classes at college, interested in learning more about the industry and following in her family’s footsteps. Looking back, Marilia thinks it’s one of the best decisions she’s ever made! She furthered her knowledge of winemaking with internships at La Roncaia and Ferrari Fratelli Lunelli in Italy and gained international experience in New Zealand. This all was followed by an internship that brought her to Oak Farm Vineyards in Lodi, California, in 2019. Although the plan was to work there just for harvest, she never left. As she says, “our [the personnel at the winery] spirit is what made me stay here.”

Marilia is now the winemaker, assuming this position in mid-2021. In this role, she provides a positive attitude, hard work, and innovative ideas, not to mention a passion for Italian grape varieties, which thrive in Lodi’s Mediterranean climate. Her philosophy of winemaking, and that of Oak Farm as well is, to quote her, “making quality wines requires a lot and starts from quality grapes, and we do that respecting the terroir. I want to keep challenging myself, considering every wine we produce like a child. It takes attention, time, work, knowledge, and love... a lot of love!”

As winemaker, Marilia is responsible for crafting a number of varietals and red blends, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, and Barbera, among others.

In her free time, Marilia loves to go on walks with her two dogs and her young baby boy. She enjoys good food and wine, loves to cook, and to spend time with family. She also has a passion for sport, mainly for American football and, on that note, she has started recording a podcast with Tyler, her husband, called "49ers wine talk," presenting in each episode a different bottle of wine and commenting on the Niners game!