Amista’s Morningsong Vineyards Earns Organic Certification…
…a memorable moment for our 20th anniversary
On the radiant morning of August 16, 2024, the sun shone brightly over our Morningsong Vineyard estate in Healdsburg. The usual morning fog was nowhere to be seen, setting the perfect stage for a momentous occasion. Just after daybreak, we gathered in the vineyard to celebrate the start of the season’s harvest—our very first pick of grapes that will become sparkling wine from organic grapes.
This moment held even more significance: Morningsong Vineyard had achieved CCOF organic certification on June 12, 2024, making these the first grapes we’d ever hand-sorted and picked under that proud organic label. Every step forward felt like a tribute to our commitment to craft exceptional wines while nurturing the land.
Our team pictured above: Ashley Herzberg, Winemaker, Vicky Farrow, Proprietor, Paco Mendoza, Vineyard Management, Jackie Cain, Hospitality, Brian Shapiro, Estate Director (not pictured, Maritza Mendoza)
A Milestone Realized
Our journey toward organic certification began years earlier, beginning with rigorous standards that emphasized soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable practices. In 2018, we earned certification for sustainable farming. By 2021, after three years of organically compliant farming, we received the coveted CCOF status.
As our team watched someone affix the first “organic” sticker to a grape bin, we felt a surge of emotion—proof of a dream realized. Now, these same grapes would be the foundation of sparkling wine from organic grapes, reflecting not just our labor but our land’s renewed vitality.
Blessing of the Grapes
At Amista, the first harvest of the season is always sacred. We honor it with our “blessing of the grapes,” a cherished tradition that connects us to nature, community, and the cycle of growth itself. We started with our early-ripening Chardonnay—which, harvested at lower sugar and higher acidity, creates the clear, crisp profile of our signature sparkling style.
Despite this being our 22nd harvest, nothing ever feels routine. There’s a heady mix of relief, anticipation, and respect for the vineyard’s rhythms. As we poured sparkling wine from organic grapes over the bins and raised a toast, the significance of this moment—our first organic harvest—resonated deeply.
A Sabrage Fit for Celebration
This year, our celebration included a dramatic flourish: a sabrage with a bottle of Amistara, our 20th anniversary Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine. As Ashley slid the saber along the bottle’s seam and popped the cork skyward, we felt the spirit of celebration rising—and the spirit of our land shining through.
As the cork flew and the bubbles flowed, we couldn’t help but smile. After 20 years, it was a joy to celebrate not just how far we’ve come, but also the promise of our first sparkling wine from organic grapes.
Looking Forward with Gratitude
As we look ahead, these grapes will be transformed into sparkling wine from organic grapes that truly reflects our home—bright, elegant, and full of character. Every bottle will tell the story of our vineyard, our commitment to farming with care, and the joy we find in sharing wine with friends.
We’re deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey. Achieving organic certification and celebrating this first harvest was not something we did alone—it happened with the support of family, friends, and our community, all gathered among the vines under the Healdsburg sun.
Still Thirsty?
If you want to learn more, here is a curated list of resources.
About California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF)
CCOF Directory – Amista’s Morningsong Vineyard
Harvest 101: The Basics of Crush
How to Saber a Bottle of Champagne
All images courtesy of the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley. A special thank you to Amanda Brower for joining and capturing our celebration!
