Today we’d like to introduce you to Meghan Sanders.
Meghan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I hope this isn’t too much!
Freelance photography was my main bread and butter until COVID completely put life on pause. That was the first time in my life I felt lost..
In early 2021, I received a phone call from a client of mine I had worked with photographing wine lifestyle campaigns. He told me he had a proposition. He and a winemaker named Etienne were launching a new wine label and were searching for an assistant winemaker who embodied the adventurous, outdoorsy California lifestyle they wanted the brand to represent. After struggling to find the right fit, he thought of me. His question was simple: Would I uproot my life, move to Buellton, become part of the brand, and work my first harvest? I knew next to nothing about making wine, but something about the opportunity felt right and I think it took me maybe less than two days to call back and say yes.
The first time I met my now boss and mentor, Etienne Terlinden, was actually on a surf trip to capture shots for this label. Sitting in the water waiting for waves, we had what was essentially my interview. I remember telling him that I had zero experience in winemaking, but that I had a feeling I was going to love whatever I was getting myself into. I promised him two things: that I would work harder than anyone and that I would be fiercely loyal. Shortly after, I packed up my life, moved into a ranch house I found on Craigslist, bought a pair of Doc Martens and Carhartt overalls after searching “women’s winery outfits” on Pinterest, and stepped into a world I knew absolutely nothing about.
What I remember most about that first harvest is how alive I felt. I was exhausted, covered in grape juice, finding bugs in my hair, and learning an entirely new language every day. My knowledge of wine up to that point had been limited to photographing the lifestyle around it, but I quickly fell in love with what happened behind the scenes. The science, the artistry, the problem-solving, the connection to the land, and the centuries of history woven into every bottle completely captivated me. This upcoming harvest will be my sixth, and today I serve as Assistant Winemaker at Cordon of Santa Barbara while also producing wines under my own label, Wandering Roots Wines, and making wine for a few other clients at our custom crush production facility. Looking back, the best decision I ever made was saying yes to something I wasn’t qualified for, simply because it sparked my curiosity. Wine has given me a career, a community, and a purpose I never expected to find.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
On a practical level, harvest is demanding work. The days are long, the work is physical, and there are times when you’re running on very little sleep while trying to make important decisions that affect an entire vintage. There have been plenty of moments where I’ve gone home exhausted, sore, and long for someone to just be at my house to give me a back massage 😂
But honestly, some of the biggest struggles haven’t been physical, they’ve been more internal.. because I didn’t come from a traditional winemaking background, there have been times when I’ve questioned whether I belong in this industry or if I’m truly on the right path. Although I’m constantly learning, making mistakes, and surrounded by incredibly knowledgeable people, I’ll admit that I’ve fallen a little into comparison and self-doubt. I’ve had seasons where I’ve wondered if I was good enough or if I should try to go back into my photography field.
What has kept me going is remembering why I fell in love with wine in the first place. Every harvest teaches me something new, and even after six harvests, I still feel like a student. I’ve learned that growth often comes with discomfort, and that confidence isn’t something you suddenly wake up with—it’s built through showing up, staying curious, and continuing forward even when you’re unsure. Looking back, the challenges have shaped me just as much as the successes, and I wouldn’t trade that journey for anything.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work includes everything from harvest operations and fermentation management to blending, bottling, quality control, and sharing our wines with customers. I also produce wine under my own label, Wandering Roots Wines, which has allowed me to explore my own creative voice within the industry.
Outside of wine, I am also an abstract artist and photographer. Creativity has always been a central part of my life, long before I ever stepped foot into a winery. Whether I’m behind a camera, creating a painting, or crafting a wine, I’m ultimately drawn to the same thing.. storytelling in an abstract kinda way, and a sense of place. Much of my artwork is inspired by nature, feelings, movement, landscapes, and the organic patterns found in the world around us. In many ways, wine and art feel deeply connected—they both have the ability to evoke emotion, spark conversation, and create a lasting memory.
I definitely didn’t follow a traditional path, (kinda proud of it) and there were certainly moments when I questioned myself along the way. But I’ve learned to trust curiosity, work hard, and stay open to learning.
What sets me apart? This question is difficult but I think what sets me apart is that I approach winemaking through both a technical ant my best ability and creative lens. I also feel like I’m just a weird (good way) kind of human that puts me in somewhat of a different category of some of the winemakers around me. My background as an artist, photographer, and storyteller influences how I experience wine. I’m fascinated not only by what’s in the glass, but by the people, landscapes, and stories behind it. To me, wine is where agriculture, science, history, art, and human connection meet, and it has yet to fail to inspire me everyday.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I think the wine industry is at a really interesting crossroads. Over the next 5–10 years, I believe we’ll continue to see shifts in consumer behavior, particularly among younger generations. People are becoming more intentional about what they spend their money on and are looking for experiences, authenticity, and connection rather than simply buying a bottle off a shelf. They want to know who made the wine, where it came from, and the story behind it. It’s also a little scary right now too..
I think every winemaker has had to put so much more of their time and energy just to make ends meet by going to every event, wine maker dinner, etc in the last few years..
Also, I think sustainability and adaptability will play a huge role in shaping the future of wine. As growers and winemakers continue to navigate changing climate conditions, there will be an increased focus on farming practices, water conservation, vineyard management, and finding ways to produce exceptional wines while caring for the land.
Although the future is unknown, I’m still excited because the heart of wine remains the same. Wine has always been about bringing people together, sharing stories, and expressing a sense of place. I think the wineries and brands that thrive in the future will be the ones that embrace innovation while staying connected to those timeless values.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.capturesbymeghanmarie.com
- Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/megstamariee
- Other: https://Www.cordonwinery.com
