
613: Better Soil Quality for Better Wine
Laura Diaz Munoz
Winemaker and General Manager of Ehlers Estate
“This is the philosophy I bring to my winemaking. I believe that if you start with great ingredients, there’s no need to complicate the process in the cellar.”
Laura Díaz Muñoz’s winemaking perspective is rooted in the old world, shaped by a broad cross selection of cultures, regions and vineyard sites. She is driven by her own never-ending desire to learn and experiment.
In 2011 she created Galerie wines, a brand focused on presenting “portraits of place” from some of Northern California’s most prized appellations. “I wanted to bring European style to my winemaking and make wines that were unforgettable.”
Laura joined Ehlers Estate as Winemaker and General Manager for Ehlers Estate in June of 2018. Located in the northern part of Napa Valley's St. Helena appellation, Ehlers Estate is a historic winegrowing site where premium grapes have been cultivated since the mid-1800s. The Ehlers Estate team prioritizes the preservation of their land and history by embracing organic farming practices. Under Laura’s leadership, Ehlers has expanded their sustainability practices in response to a changing climate through the implementation of replanting efforts, and the use of biochar, vermifiltration and other methods.
Bard MBA’s Erin Seglam speaks with Laura for this episode of the Impact Report.