Much like the seven winemaking generations that preceded Bernd and Stefanie Schales, 8th Generation is true family winery. Stefanie, a 12th-generation wine grower, is at the very epicenter of managing both the business and the Schales’ young, energetic family. Professionally trained as an architect, Stefanie has a strong appreciation for order, structure, and balance. Bernd is an eighth-generation winemaker, and considers his responsibilities as important in their estate vineyards as they are in the cellar. He studied viticulture, oenology, and business management at the University of Weinsberg in Germany. Bernd has refined his wine-growing and wine-making skills at his family’s vineyard in Germany, as well as in other wineries in Germany, New Zealand and South Africa. Most gratifying to the Schales is their ability to expose their children to the importance of taking pride in their craft, and how to care for the land from which they are fortunate to make their living. At every step, they know that they are helping to nurture the 9th Generation of proud, talented wine growers. |
