Spirited Celebrities

ADVANCED MIXOLOGY SPIRITED CELEBRITIES Wish Upon A Star Photos by Jodi Lynn Petrosus

Most people do not know winemaker Natalie Oliveros, but recognize her pseudonym, Savanna Samson, from the adult film industry. Savanna, the likely subject of many a dream, has a few wishes of her own and they might not be what you think. Surprisingly, she fantasizes about leaving a mark in this world by producing her own wines. At first glance, Savanna’s striking wine label beckons eye-popping attention especially amid a sea of conservative wine shelf selections. Upon popping the cork and tasting a glass, skeptics crying gimmick quickly shift their attention to the extraordinary flavor and become mute. As a matter of fact, Savanna Samson’s first vintage, Sogno Uno, meaning “dream one”, was given a top Robert Parker Jr. rating of 91. Not bad for her first try.

Savanna’s love of winemaking all started when she was just a little girl growing up in Gouverneur, New York. “I was probably 10 years old when the crates of grapes arrived at my parents Victorian home and my sisters and I took turns crushing and churning the grapes in the oak barrels while the rest of the family helped with the sorting,” Savanna recalls. “That was a happy time and I remember how proud my Dad was about the finished product.” And so Savanna’s career in winemaking began.

As Savanna’s journey continued, she found herself making frequent trips to Europe and rubbing elbows with some of the best French and Italian winemakers. It was during one of her stays in Italy where she truly fell in love with the winemaking craft. Surrounded by the idylic landscape Savanna fantasized about having her own vineyard and came to realize her true passion. “My journey through Italy began with Sogno Uno, a blend of Cesenese, Sangiovese, and Montalputiano. This was my first vintage and I was taking a huge risk and only made 409 cases of 12,” says Savanna. “My second, Sogno Due, is a Falanghina from the Compagnia region of Italy. It’s crisp and fresh and you can sense the sea in the wine. Then there is Sogno Tre which is made with 100% Barbera and it’s all about the temperature. We picked the grapes at three different times during the harvest and then blended them back together. The final part of this journey brings me to Tuscany where I will make the “true dream” Sogno Vero, to be released in February 2012 with the 2006, Brunello di Montalcino Riserve, to be called La Fiorita.”

Sogno Uno, Due and Tre, or dream one, two, and three, led Savanna to her wish for the Sogno Vero, or true dream. “I always knew Sogno Uno was the first step towards owing my own vineyard,” says Savanna. “And now that dream has become a reality. I have a long way to go but the terroir and my partner and winemaker Roberto Cipresso are both so incredible.” Savanna’s passion and enthusiasm for her craft is obvious when she talks. Her extensive knowledge of winemaking elevates her to a noteworthy level and explains why her wines are gaining serious attention especially from critics who thought an AVN (Adult Video News) award winner could never be held within the ranks of the winemaking community. “It makes me proud when I do something and I give it my all,” says Savanna. “I put my heart into it and the fact that I have been awarded in my chosen careers makes me even more proud. Going forward, my focus is on my wine and making it the best it can possibly be.” Beautiful and smart… a winning combination. For more Savanna Samson Wines, visit chilledmagazine.com. Be sure to check our upcoming issue to follow Savanna’s new venture with the La Fiorita brand.

My passion brings me closer to reaching my “ il Sogno Vero, or true dream.

FUN FACT Once Savanna Samson wines reached the “big wigs” they wanted her to change the label to something less risqué. Savanna, not wanting to sacrifice the integrity of the late artist and photographer, Richard Dean, refused. She was convinced that people would view the labels as a work of art and judge the wine solely on its amazing taste. Cool.