Natalie Alberton: Wild Flower Winery

Chumash land - Ventura, California, US

www.wildflowerwineryventure.com, @wildflowerwiney

Natalie Albertson (she/her) established Wildflower Winery in 2020 in Ventura, CA out of a passion for fermentation and wine, using ancient techniques combined with modern technology. Her low-intervention approach in the winery ensures the wines she produces see no new oak, are native yeast fermented, only minimal SO2 additions, and are unfined and unfiltered. Currently producing ~750cases.

In her first life, Natalie was a Registered Nurse working in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. After living in Sicily for nearly 5 years, Natalie's professional wine journey began with taking WSET levels 1 and 2 and soon thereafter enrolled in UC Davis’ Winemaking Certificate program. She continues to challenge herself each year with different varieties, techniques, and styles.

Social Justice and Environmental Restoration Statement

Cherokee Native and woman-owned- diversity, equity, and a connection to the land is important to Natalie. Wildflower Winery supports the Ventura Land Trust which restores open spaces and preserves land for future generations. We support sustainable and organic farming practices both in the vineyards we care for and those we partner with. During harvest, used pomace, stems, and discarded grapes are donated to local farms to be used as compost and feed for livestock to prevent sending these materials to landfills.

Natalie is driven by creating a culture of learning and inclusivity for her staff, volunteers, and patrons. Tasting room associates are encouraged to spend a day in the vineyard and vice versa. The journey from grape to glass is ever-evolving and Wildflower Winery enjoys bringing others along on the journey.