Laura’s winemaking career began at Schramsberg Vineyards of Napa Valley, CA in 2008 as a Laboratory Intern. Two years later, she gained her Bachelors of Science in Viticulture and Enology at the University of California, Davis and was awarded the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin Scholarship to work abroad in Burgundy, France in 2010. In the following years, Laura continued to work harvest internships abroad and at home. Working closely with Pinot Noir in different regions, Laura was drawn to this variety, and eventually to Santa Barbara County. This passion led Laura to Sanford Winery in 2012, where she started as the Enologist and was promoted to Assistant Winemaker in Spring 2015 and to Associate Winemaker in Fall 2019.

As the Associate Winemaker at Sanford Winery she has assisted in the production of high-end Pinots noirs, Chardonnays, Rosés and Sparkling wines. In recent years, Laura also launched her own brand, Loubud in Santa Barbara County. The cool marine climate and long growing season support the development of fruit forward wines with bright, vivacious acidity. These
characteristics allow for quality Pinots, but even more so for beautiful sparkling wines and rosés of this delicate variety.

Laura is a panelist for The New "Grand Cru" of California Seminar on Friday, March 1, from 9:30am - 11:30am.