Our People
Michael and Vicky Farrow
Vicky and Mike, Proprietors
When we started out together, we never knew we'd end up living in Sonoma's beautiful Dry Creek Valley surrounded by our own vineyards. The creation of Amista Vineyards enables us to discover a satisfying and stimulating life, connected to the land and engaged in a business that cultivates friendship.
Learn more:
Vicky, Proprietor & CEO
Mike, Proprietor & Winemaker Emeritus
Ashley, Winemaker
I graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a degree in Chemical Engineering and the intention to go to medical school. Then I came to Sonoma County to work a harvest in a winery lab. One harvest quickly turned into an all-encompassing passion and love of winemaking with all the science, art, chemistry, engineering and fun behind it!
Joining Amista in 2011 opened a new chapter in my winemaking career - sparkling wines! Making small lot, single vineyard, Methode Champenoise sparkling wines is a dream come true.
Ashley Herzberg
Brian Shapiro
Brian, Estate Director
As graduate of Sonoma State’s Wine Business Institute with a Bachelors in Wine Business Strategies, it comes as no surprise to most that I’ve come to immerse myself in the wine country way of life. A passion for small producers and exceptional wines and stories has led me to work for some of the best brands in Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley, and now here in Dry Creek Valley. I’ve come to find the varietals from the Rhone region of France to be incredibly alluring and it was all but inevitable that I would find my way to Amista Vineyards and inspired wines both sparkling and still produced from this beautiful estate.
Julia, Hospitality & Outreach Manager
Julia brings decades of hospitality and wine knowledge to our team, and we can't wait for all of you to meet her on your next visit! Take a moment to hear first hand about Julia's journey to become our new Hospitality & Outreach Manager.
"My first harvest job was 2003 here in Dry Creek Valley, and I've been in love with the wine biz ever since. Making wine, sharing wine and telling the stories of this region is an unending joy. I'm excited to be here at Amista to spread the love of Rhone varietals, and especially our unique estate Sparkling wine. Hospitality is a wonderful calling, come visit us and see how we make friends here at Amista."
Julia Lander
The Friendly Amista Spirit!
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Torin
Torin, a Sheltie (Shetland Sheep Dog), came to live with us as a 10-week old puppy in August 2011. His Celtic name means thunder, which is an apt description of this noisy boy. He spends his time barking, monitoring the vineyards for rabbits and teaching Mike to play fetch. He says Mike is getting better every day.
Dylan
Dylan is the newest Sheltie in our family, born on April 5, 2014. His name means "streak of light" and between him and Torin, we certainly do have lightening and thunder. They have become best buddies and spend their time wrestling, chasing and pilfering tomatoes.