The strength of Terra Valentine is grounded in its intimate team, working with intention each day to deliver the wines and experiences you love.
Sam Baxter
Proprietor and Winemaker
Sam Baxter quite literally grew up among the grapevines in Saint Helena, most often found just a few small steps behind his father, Phil, a legendary winemaker starting in the late 1960s in the Napa Valley. Sam began working in wineries as a young teenager and began learning the art of blending from his father at the age of 16.
After graduating from the University of California in Davis with a degree in Fermentation Science in 1998, Sam worked abroad in Australia before returning to his hometown. He started as Cellarmaster at Terra Valentine Winery at its inception in 1999 under his consulting winemaker father, where the father-son team began the transformation of the ghost winery property into a world class vineyard estate on Spring Mountain.
As Winemaker and proprietor, Sam built the Terra Valentine brand into a nationally recognized wine company specializing in mountain wines from their Spring Mountain. In 2014, as the founders of Terra Valentine exited the business, Sam negotiated the acquisition of the company that he had worked his entire early career to build. At the same time, he founded Foretell Wines to showcase his reserve-selected barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon and Fort-Ross Seaview Pinot Noir.In 2015 Sam forged the path for the future of his wine business by acquiring a 112 acre ranch at 2,300 feet elevation at the very summit of Spring Mountain where he is developing new vineyards and a winery and tasting room to carry on the legacy of Terra Valentine Winery and Foretell Wines.
Sam’s wines over the last 25 years reflect a classic Napa Valley winemaking style where elegance and balance allow the purity of the fruit, the distinct character of the vineyards, and the mountain intensity to come through in the wine.
Carolina Schoof Centola
Director of Experiences
Carolina Schoof Centola is a hospitality professional and entrepreneur with a deep-rooted passion for wine, luxury experiences, and community building. Originally from Brazil and now based in Napa Valley, she brings an international perspective shaped by years of travel, cultural immersion, and extensive time in the world’s most prestigious wine regions, including Champagne.
As Director of Experiences at Spring Summit Ranch on Spring Mountain, Carolina curates elevated, bespoke wine experiences that blend storytelling, education, and genuine connection. Her approach is centered on creating memorable moments that reflect both the authenticity of the land and the individuality of each guest.
With a background in luxury hospitality and a natural talent for relationship-building, Carolina has developed a strong network within Napa Valley and beyond. She is known for her intuitive hosting style, attention to detail, and ability to transform a visit into a meaningful and lasting experience.
In addition to her work in hospitality, Carolina is the founder of Carolina Spicy Oil, an artisanal product inspired by her Brazilian roots and her passion for flavor, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship.
Carolina continues to bring creativity, warmth, and vision to every project she undertakes, with a focus on elevating experiences and fostering genuine human connection.