Getting to Know Lynzee Schatz, Winemaker, TIME Family of Wines

O&V: How did you get started in the wine industry?

It all started when I was 18. I took a cellar job at Summerhill Pyramid Winery where one of my first tasks was to hand label their sparkling wine. I couldn’t help but wonder what else was happening in the cellar, and quickly transitioned into a full-time cellar hand. That started my interest in wine making, and I have always worked in wineries since.

O&V: Where did you go to school or apprentice?

Lynzee Schatz: I did a wine making internship in California and then studied Bachelor of Wine Science at Charles Sturt University in Australia.

O&V: Have you worked in any other countries?

Lynzee: Yes, before and after my studies, I traveled extensively and completed vintages at several wineries including Pisoni Vineyards in California, Domaine Chandon and Yeringberg in Australia's Yarra Valley, as well as Tawse, and Angels Gate in Ontario.

I grew up in the Okanagan, so coming back here to make wine is special. In the early days of my wine making journey, I was focused on trying to soak up as much knowledge as I could. This led me all around the world, but I am truly happy to be back in the Okanagan.

O&V: What is your favourite varietal to work with?

Lynzee: I LOVE CHARDONNAY. It is such a shape shifter. From barrel ferments, only stainless-steel ferments, or somewhere in-between. It is also a staple in sparkling wine, and if you know me, you know I love bubbles.

O&V: What is the best thing about your job?

Lynzee: That it is always different. We get to be creative by blending art and science. We work within a huge variable that is the vineyard and growing season. We have to continually adapt to what happens in that growing season to be able to use those grapes and produce the best wines we can. It’s also great that we move with the seasons, every month you’re doing something different in the cellar. I also really enjoy getting to know the farmers and learning about the land where the grapes are grown. We would be nothing without our passionate hardworking growers.

O&V: Is there a particular wine or vintage that you have made that you are most proud of?

Lynzee: I have an amazing team that help me craft intentional, varietal, and super expressive wines. In 2020 our fruit ripened perfectly and we had plenty of nice weather. This was also the last vintage I got to share with my mom before she passed. She was always my biggest fan so I have lots of fond memories from that year. The 2020 reds are now released and drinking beautifully. Every vintage tells a story and I am always excited to share the wines with everyone.