From Architecture to Urban Winemaking: Caroline Schrader's Journey to Head Winemaker of City Winery Chicago - Part One
The Grapevine: To start, can you tell us about your journey into winemaking? What first drew you to it?
Caroline Schrader: Honestly, it was more of an organic path. I didn’t grow up knowing I wanted to be a winemaker—in fact, after high school, I barely even knew what wine really was. It wasn’t until after I earned my second degree, a master’s in architecture, that things shifted. I took a trip to Sonoma with my dad, and I was just drawn in. The atmosphere, the people, the creativity—it all clicked. As someone with a technical mindset from architecture, the science and structure of winemaking really appealed to me.
I started out part-time in a wine shop, selling wine. Eventually, I wanted to get my hands dirty, so I began working at a meadery, which also did some winemaking. That’s what really launched my journey into wine production. I eventually joined City Winery, first as a seasonal intern, and I’ve been here for nearly 11 years now.
The Grapevine: That’s amazing! How long have you been in the head winemaker position?
Caroline Schrader: I took over in 2019. Of course, that meant navigating the industry through the chaos of 2020 and COVID right after stepping into the role. But I’ve learned a lot and really grown with the company since then.
The Grapevine: What’s it like working at City Winery?
Caroline Schrader: It’s a really unique environment. We’re an urban winery, which means we’re not right next to the vineyards—we bring grapes in from places like California, Oregon, and New York. Making wine in the heart of a city like Chicago is both exciting and challenging.
What makes City Winery special is that we blend wine with food, music, and events. We’re not just a winery—we’re also a concert venue, restaurant, and private event space.
At first glance, it might seem like a lot going on, but when you sit down, have a glass of wine, enjoy a meal, and catch a show, it all comes together.
Our goal is to “indulge your senses,” and I think we really succeed at that.
The Grapevine: Do you have a favorite memory from the winery recently?
Caroline Schrader: One of our fun traditions is something we call “beer fines.” If someone makes a silly mistake—like forgetting to close a valve—they owe the team a beer. It started years ago when I was an assistant winemaker, and we had an intern from California who introduced the concept. It’s a lighthearted way to own up to mistakes and keep things fun. Ironically, I usually end up with the most beer fines!
The Grapevine: How big is your team?
Caroline Schrader: Just three of us in production—myself, our assistant winemaker, and a full-time winery tech. We’re all hands-on, doing every part of the process. It keeps us close-knit and really engaged with every detail of the wine.
The Grapevine: Can you tell us more about the wines you’re producing?
Caroline Schrader: We focus on single-vineyard, family-owned sites—mostly in California and Oregon. Pinot Noir is a big one for us, especially from places like Baciagalupi Vineyard in Russian River Valley and Durant Vineyard in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. I love Pinot—it’s challenging, but beautiful.
We also make Malbec, Zinfandel, Syrah, Merlot, and whites like Chardonnay, Roussanne, and Viognier. Since we’re based in the Midwest, we also like to feature regional wines—like Chambourcin from Illinois and Riesling from Michigan—to help tell the story of winemaking in our own backyard.
When you go to City Winery, you’re supporting local, family-owned, and sustainable vineyards.
Tune in for part two!
Editor
Natalie is co-founder and editor of The Grapevine Magazine where she helps winemakers big and small tell their stories. She lives in Manhattan, New York City.
