Natalie Winkler found her way to winemaking in an unusual way, earning a B.A. degree in 2009 from the University of Oregon with majors in Spanish and Political Science. Her interest in wine was sparked by a stint at a wine bar while in college, where she was smitten by the various profiles of wines from throughout the world. Knowing of her growing interest in wine, a friend suggested that she go abroad for a harvest.

Being fluent in Spanish, Natalie headed to Spain after graduating to experience a harvest. She completed a Fall harvest internship at Bodegas Elias Mora as an assistant enologist, followed by four months as assistant enologist at Bodegas Monje in Tenerife on the Canary Islands. She returned to the States in early 2010 as viticulture assistant at Windsor Oaks in the Russian River Valley. Natalie then moved to Mill Creek Vineyard in Healdsburg in mid-2010 as vineyard manager and assistant winemaker.

Natalie augmented her academic credentials by enrolling in the Escuela Universitaria de Ingeniería Técnica Agricola in 2010 in Valladolid, Spain. After earning a master’s degree in Enology & Viticulture in 2013, she went to Australia and worked its Fall harvest as assistant winemaker at Delatite Winery in Victoria.

In 2014, Natalie joined Westwood Wines in Sonoma as its vineyard manager and assistant winemaker. While there, she managed to work in yet another Fall harvest internship as assistant winemaker at Chateau Fontenil in Bordeaux, France.

Natalie moved to Salvestrin Estate Vineyard and Winery in the Napa Valley in mid-2017, where she was the winemaker and viticulturist. A key factor in making the move was the opportunity for her to focus on crafting Cabernet Sauvignon. The Estate Dr. Crane vineyard at Salvestrin is now CCOF-certified organic, and regenerative farming as well as some biodynamic techniques have been implemented there under her supervision.

She moved to Michel-Schlumberger Wine Estate in mid-2024 as its head winemaker. The winery is located in the Dry Creek Valley region of Sonoma County. There, Natalie is implementing the winery’s move to organic certification, along with her winemaking duties.

It is noteworthy that Natalie’s interest in viticulture prompted her to work with Philippe Corderey in mid-2012 in order to learn about biodynamics and sustainable wine; she is now part of his firm, Traditional & Biodynamic Vineyard Consulting. The firm’s focus is on transitioning and establishing vineyards to organic, regenerative, and biodynamic farming.