The best way to pay tribute to Ray was with a wine that personifies his character and spirit.
For Laura Oskwarek, making Timeless Napa Valley is about capturing a sense of place and time—bottling the story of each vintage at Soda Canyon Ranch. With over a decade of hands-on experience, Laura brings a thoughtful, collaborative and detail-driven approach to her work. As the winemaker of Timeless, Laura’s philosophy is rooted in curiosity and respect for the vineyard. “Each vintage is different,” she says. “Even though Timeless is a single-vineyard wine, it’s never a static blend. It’s about which blocks stood out that year.”
Working in close collaboration with Vineyard Manager, Dave Shein, Laura tracks the nuances of Soda Canyon Ranch throughout the growing season—from subtle differences between the ridgeline and the lower blocks to the evolving character of newly planted vines. “The blocks tend to perform predictably, but there’s always vintage variation,” Laura notes. “Young vines can be like knees and elbows—bold and expressive at first, but with time they develop elegance and composure.”
Laura’s curiosity continues through harvest and fermentation. She and her team taste each tank daily, taking notes that will later shape the final blend. She explains “our goal is to farm the best grapes we can and ferment in a clean, purposeful way that highlights each block’s character. The blending bench becomes about honoring what nature has given us and making thoughtful choices from there.”
A believer in teamwork and mentorship, Laura draws her greatest inspiration from the people around her. Having worked her way up from entry-level cellar and lab roles, she understands the value of collaboration at every stage. “I’ve witnessed the work it takes at every level of winemaking,” she says. “Seeing the team thrive and contribute is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.”
To Laura, crafting Timeless is a meaningful responsibility: one that honors the vineyard, the people behind the wine and the ongoing story of Soda Canyon Ranch.
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