SCHERMEISTER

The Tiny and Mighty Winery Whose Waitlist Awaits

BY ELIZABETH SMITH | PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAURA SCHERMEISTER

If one had asked Rob and Laura Schermeister 10 years ago what they would be doing in 2022, meeting, marrying, and launching a winery that sells out of wine within months – during wildfires and a global pandemic – might not have been their answer. However, thanks to unconventional roots combined with their winemaking style, work ethic, and dedicated followers, they have thrived. Just over three years into running their Glen Ellen tasting room, the couple have sold out of their wines twice, and there is now a waitlist for new releases.

So how does this lesser-known winery among hundreds manage to stand out? The answer, for the Schermeisters, is a trifecta. Rob said, “We’ve created this perfect little niche that so many people are seeking now – noticeably better wine, which I believe is achieved through native fermentation and not filtering, a small under-theradar production, and an awesome tasting experience with the winemaker.”

Rob has been in the wine industry for his entire adult career, but his humble beginnings are rare for a winemaker in Sonoma. Born in Idaho, he first worked at Arby’s of roast beef sandwich fame, then later as a Disability Specialist helping developmentally challenged people to train and find meaning in the workforce.

Starting in 2006, after completing his Biochemistry degree, he jumped right into winemaking, working the Walulla and Seven Hills vineyards of Walla Walla, Washington, and then as Assistant Winemaker for famed producers Mark Aubert and Jayson Pahlmeyer.

While Rob was hustling for others, he saved every penny to put towards the dream of owning his own winery. The fancy, highvalue wines that were gifted and traded to him went to auction instead of his own collection. This sacrifice funded one Damy Rouge barrel for his first Schermeister vintage – the 2012 Paladini Pinot Noir from Los Carneros, Napa Valley. It was the wine that started it all and wooed his website designer and future wife, Laura, who has affectionately dubbed it “seduction wine.”

Laura, California-born and North Carolina-raised, illustrates and designs all Schermeister wine labels and also designed their Scandinavian-inspired tasting room. Reflecting on their success, Laura said, “People ask us how we’ve accomplished so much so quickly. Guests walk in the door after reading about us and say, ‘Wow – it really is you!’ Then they smell and taste Rob’s wines, saying, ‘Holy (expletive), this wine is so good!’ Upon leaving, they share with emotion, ‘This was exactly what we were looking for.’ It’s all about the wine, but it starts with the human connection.”

Despite curveballs, the Schermeisters cannot imagine doing anything else. “We are absolutely in love with wine and winemaking. When you love what you do and where you are in life, every challenge is surmountable.”

Schermeister Winery, now a seasonal operation, reopens in November 2022 with their 2020 Chardonnay and 2020 Pinot Noir releases. The 2019 Scavenger Syrah, whose label features local wildlife, gives 20% of profits to animal rescue. Join the membership waitlist and read their love story at schermeister.com. Reservations are available now at opentable.com for tastings beginning November 3, 2022.

www.schermeister.com