Meet Melaney Schmidt and Malia Myers of Landmass Wines

Melaney Schmidt and Malia Myers of Landmass Wines are a duo inspired by their roots in New Mexico and Colorado, respectively. Driven by a shared commitment to quality, they launched Landmass Wines, which specializes in high-elevation sparkling wines and small-batch still wines that highlight the diverse terroirs of Oregon and Washington. Both Melaney and Malia transitioned into winemaking from unique backgrounds: Melaney's experience in the food and beverage industry and Malia's career in set design for entertainment. Their collective passion for wine developed into a mission to produce wines that reflect both the land’s character and their innovative spirit.

Melaney Schmidt

Melaney Schmidt grew up in Southern California, but her roots reach back to New Mexico, where her family first lived before relocating. Raised in a small town surrounded by dairy and cattle, Melaney’s early years instilled a love for agrarian landscapes, which would later influence her approach to winemaking. Her career began in the food and beverage industry, where she worked her way from restaurants to bars. This experience honed her palate and sparked a deep interest in wines and spirits, which she further developed alongside a degree in art. Melaney’s background in hospitality plays a central role in her meticulous approach to wine, focusing on creating memorable sensory experiences through each bottle.

Malia Myers

Malia Myers, a Denver native of Filipino descent, brings a unique artistic vision to Landmass Wines. With a background in set design and experience working on high-profile projects in the entertainment industry—including the Oscars—Malia’s career cultivated her sense of aesthetics and attention to detail. The crossover between visual storytelling and winemaking drew Malia to explore wine as a new medium for artistic expression. Her perspective on winemaking emphasizes the beauty of simplicity and minimal intervention, allowing the qualities of the Pacific Northwest terroir to guide each wine. This approach complements her dedication to using winemaking as a form of creative storytelling that respects the land.

Together, their wines, including a notable Sparkling Chenin, are crafted with the intent to showcase the vibrant growing regions of the Columbia River Gorge. Landmass’s name itself is a tribute to the unique landscapes that shape each wine they produce. By taking on the industry as first-generation winemakers, they have faced and persevered through challenges typical of a male-dominated field. Both women aim to expand their reach and influence in the Pacific Northwest wine scene, hoping to elevate the region as a premier location for winemaking through their hands-on approach and commitment to authenticity.