Winemaker of the Month:

 Monkey Island Winery – Craft, Passion & Recognition

From the concert halls of Boston to the vineyards of Grand Lake, Val Saamer’s journey to winemaking is as rich as his wines.

 After earning a Bachelor of Music from the Boston Conservatory and teaching public school music, he spent more than four decades in the restaurant and hotel industry, working as a French chef, teaching dining service and running a corporate special event consulting firm with his wife, Nancy. They moved to Monkey Island Oklahoma and planted their first vines in 2004 and earning his Oklahoma winemaker’s license in 2010.

In November, Val was proudly nominated as “Winemaker of the Month” by Oklahoma Agritourism, a testament to his dedication to small-batch, handcrafted wines and his warm hospitality.

• Award-Nominated Craftsmanship: Wines recognized by Oklahoma Agritourism for their quality and artistry.
• Handcrafted Wines: Small-batch vintages, often in the French Bordeaux style.
• Charming Cottages: Stay in Cabernet, Chardonnay, or Merlot — cozy retreats on-site.
• Royal Horse Ranch: Trail rides, lessons, and equestrian adventures for all ages.
• Unforgettable Tastings: Val’s favorite part — sharing stories, pouring wine, and entertaining guests.

At 75, Val calls himself “a one-man band,” but his passion for winemaking and entertaining guests makes Monkey Island Winery a destination full of heart.

Come taste the story. Come taste the wine.