Natalie Oliveros, who was born in Northern New York, was given an Italian heritage and education by her Calabrese nonna (grandmother), and she was introduced to ‘basement winemaking’ by her parents. ‘I remember how happy my father was when he was making wine,’ she has said. Her love of wine was cemented by years of travel in France and Italy - the first winery she ever visited was Domaine de la Romanée Conti – and she fell in love with Montalcino when she visited La Fiorita in 1998.
In the early 2000s, parallel to her ten-year adult entertainment career (during which she won 11 awards – ‘I’m proud of that’, she says), she started a collaboration at La Fiorita with Roberto Cipressi to produce a series of Italian wines called Sogno, which translates as ‘dream’.
Today she has full control of La Fiorita Brunello di Montalcino, and is the driving force behind the construction of a dramatic new winery, and conversion to organic viticulture. She produces a range of highly-regarded wines with winemaker Vincenzo Pirrone and consultant Maurizio Castelli.
In London in April 2024 to show her wines, she remembered the first time she visited La Fiorita she was overwhelmed by the scent of ginestra flowers (the fragrant yellow-flowered shrub known as broom in English), and knew she had to realize her dream of making wine there. Her first wine was Sogno Uno (‘Dream One’). ‘I knew it was time to find something to call my own,’ she said.
She spends her time in Montalcino and New York, where she continues her acting career and – despite ‘not having time for auditions’ – she has just landed a part in a new play called Ghost Radio.
Fattoria La Fiorita wines are distributed in the UK by Stannary Wine
What inspired you to become a wine producer?
Some of my fondest memories growing up in Northern New York were when my family made wine in our basement. I remember my father’s laughter as we all came together sorting the grapes, and my sisters and I taking turns crushing them into the barrels. Fast forward, years later during my adult entertainment career, I wanted to do something that would produce that same kind of joy. I started travelling to Italy and France, visiting wineries where my dreams of making wine began.
How long have you been in the wine business?
I released my first wine called Sogno Uno in 2006. It was a 2004 vintage from the Lazio region of Italy and was a blend of Cesanese, Sangiovese, and Montepulciano. It truly was the start of a whole new life as well as a dream come true.
What would you be doing now if you weren’t making wine?
Exactly what I’m doing now. I have a passion for theater and film and study with a play group called DH&Co. I don’t have the time to dedicate to auditions as much as I’d like, but I did just land a part in a play called Ghost Wife Radio by John Krisiukenas.
Who do you most admire of the great winemakers (both of the past and the present)?
I had the honour of meeting some of the world’s greatest winemakers like Bartolo Mascarello and Gianfranco Soldera when they were still with us. Jean-Louis Chave and the great Giulio Salvioni, as well as Luca Currado, are dear to me. But the one I see so much potential in and believe in is La Fiorita’s own Vincenzo Pirrone. I see great potential in him and am so happy he is with us.
Which do you think is the most underrated wine region?
There are so many varietals in Italy and so much for me to explore, but I am really loving the Etna wines and am glad to see they are starting to get the attention they deserve.
If you could make wine anywhere in the world (apart from Montalcino), where would it be?
I think in Campania or Etna…I’m loving the volcanic soil influence. Sicily called to me when I was there in the same way Montalcino did; almost as if I lived there in a previous life or will in my next.
Who is/was your mentor?
I’m not afraid to ask questions and look to the experts of Montalcino like Francesco Marone Cinzano of Col D’Orcia, but my true mentor and the man I look up to the most is Louis Camilleri. He always believed in me and made me see I can do anything I put my mind to. Besides the fact that he knows everything about everything and has a heart of gold.
Which of your achievements in wine and elsewhere are you most proud of?
When I decide to do something, I put my all into it. I was proud of my career at Vivid Entertainment, but nothing compares to sharing the La Fiorita love. My company really is a flower in bloom, and I am thrilled with the direction it’s going. What started with a couple of small plots is now 10 hectares of Brunello-certified Sangiovese vineyards. We are certified organic and have built an amazing, state-of-the-art winemaking facility. I was so proud of my Sogno line of wines, which was a reflection of who I was then. And now, I have Fiore di NO, which is my personal thumbprint and limited edition of the La Fiorita brand. I am truly blessed to have a piece of paradise that is La Fiorita.
La Fiorita vineyard
What would you have done differently?
Well, I guess I wouldn’t have spent so much money on shoes and frivolous things; instead, I would have invested that money in the future.
What are the greatest opportunities for Tuscan wine today?
Brunello di Montalcino is still a young appellation in the heart of Tuscany. I remember my first Brunello not so long ago, and surprisingly, many people I talk to in America have never been to Tuscany. It’s a whole experience with its beauty and landscapes, rolling hills, and aromas in the air, not to mention its wines and the people behind them. Once you experience it, you will want to relive it and may never drink anything else but Tuscan wines.
What’s your motto?
I have lots:
- ‘There’s always another flight.’
- ‘You can always sleep on the plane.’
- ‘The more you give, the more it will come back to you.’
- ‘It takes just as much energy to be nice.’
What’s your favourite restaurant?
Oh my goodness, it depends on what I’m in the mood for. L’Ami Louis in Paris is always an amazing time. Alle Logge in Montalcino feels like home. Gabrielle Kreuther in Manhattan at Bryant Park, and if I’m craving oysters and a raw bar, I just have to go to Balthazar. Then there’s Tonchin for ramen, and I can’t forget La Masseria, which is my go-to for Italian cuisine and entertaining guests. Gallagher’s Steakhouse in Manhattan and Sexy Fish in London. Obviously, this question has made me hungry…
