Amista Vineyards - 5 Magical Memories

Celebrating 20 Years…

 

…of adventure, friendship and joy.

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, I'm excited to share a series of short weekly posts that take you behind the scenes, revealing memorable moments that have shaped our journey at Amista Vineyards.

 

As we wrap up our 20th anniversary celebration at Amista, I find myself reflecting on the incredible memories we’ve made along the way. Some moments shine brightly the instant they happen, while others reveal their magic only with time. It was no easy task to choose just a few highlights from the 20-year journey my late husband Mike and I shared. But here are five cherished memories that capture the heart, joy and fulfillment of our adventure in wine.
 

1. The Joy of Our First Garage Syrah Bottling Party

One of the most unforgettable moments happened in December 2003, when we bottled our "Garage Syrah." Mike had harvested three tons of Syrah grapes the year before, and by the time bottling rolled around, we needed help. So, we turned it into a party, inviting a dozen friends and family members—many of whom had already invested in futures of our first official Amista Syrah.

That day wasn’t just about bottling wine; it was about community. Together, we bottled 100 cases in record time, laughing and forging new friendships in the process. That evening, we gathered around a candlelit table for a dinner Mike and I prepared, to relive the day’s best moments. The warmth, laughter, and shared sense of accomplishment linger to this day, a beautiful reminder of how our journey began—with friends, family and the magic of wine.
 

2. Barbecue Bonds that Became Lifelong Friendships

In 2006, our winery was not yet built, but we had plenty of wine to sell. We decided to host a happy hour for guests who had joined us for a vineyard tour the year before during Passport, Dry Creek Valley’s signature wine event. Among them was Jack, who brought a few friends. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and soon more of their group arrived, turning the evening into a full-blown party.

Jack’s crew had a tradition of hosting an upscale barbecue during Passport weekend, but that year they lacked a location. Hearing this, Mike didn’t hesitate. “Bring the food,” he said. “You can cook here.” The next night, coolers in tow, Jack and his friends arrived. They filled our kitchen with laughter and incredible aromas—grilled red curry coconut chicken, asparagus, and crusty French bread.

As the group of 20 gathered around our table, it felt like a reunion of old friends. Their stories, laughter, and love for life filled the evening. They cleaned up after dinner and left with plenty of wine, ensuring our first Passport sales were a hit. This tradition continues to this day, creating a bond that spans generations. Jack’s family, friends, and now even their children have become part of our Amista family.
 

3. Diner Amista – A Passport Celebration to Remember

Passport weekends are a highlight at Amista, with each year bringing a new theme. One of the most memorable was when we celebrated the classic American diner—with a twist. Picture truffled mac and cheese, black-and-white checkered decor, and jukebox tunes filling the air.

Our staff donned retro diner attire, and even our dogs wore paper hats. The winery transformed into a lively, nostalgic space where guests sipped wine, enjoyed comfort food, and danced the jitterbug. My mom stole the show on the dance floor, embodying the spirit of the day. This event was a beautiful reminder that joy comes not just from great wine but from the teamwork and shared experiences that bring us together.
 

4. Sabrage and Sparkling Beginnings

Our annual Sparkling Soiree is a cherished tradition, but one evening stands out as a turning point. It marked the debut of our first Blanc de Blanc — the first sparkling wine crafted by our winemaker Ashley Herzberg—and truly launched our sparkling wine program. What began with two sparkling wines that evening has since grown into a collection of seven.

That night was also memorable for another reason: it was the first time Mike donned his iconic tux, top hat, and red bow tie. As he performed the sabrage ceremony, his signature look became inseparable from the celebratory spirit of Amista. The Blanc de Blanc went on to win gold at the “Best of the Best” North Coast Wine Challenge, but the true prize was the joy of that evening, which marked the start of a sparkling journey that continues to thrive and expand.
 

5. Wine Cruising on the Danube – A Journey of Connection

In 2017, we co-hosted a wine cruise along the Danube with fellow Dry Creek Valley wineries. The first evening, as we sailed past Budapest’s glittering lights, the air was filled with wonder. The next night, we hosted an Amista wine dinner, presenting our wines alongside exquisite dishes.

Sitting at the head table with Ashley, my parents, and dear friends, I watched Mike beam with pride. Guests approached him afterward, eager to hear the story of how we turned a dream into reality. In that moment, I realized the magic of Amista wasn’t just in the wine—it was in the connections we made and the community we built.

As I reflect on these memories, I am reminded that Amista has always been more than a vineyard. It’s a place of friendship, joy, and the belief that life is meant to be celebrated. Here’s to 20 years of magic—and many more to come.

 

 

Still Thirsty?

If you want to learn more, here is a curated resource.

How to Properly Saber Champagne

 

The Magic of Sabrage

7 Magical Moments…

 

…in celebration of friendship and tradition.

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, I'm excited to share a series of short weekly posts that take you behind the scenes, revealing memorable moments that have shaped our journey at Amista Vineyards.

 

Sabering is the art of opening a bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine with a saber, transforming an ordinary moment into something extraordinary. At Amista, this grand tradition has become the heart of our annual Sparkling Soiree, held on the first Saturday of December. It all began in 2011, thanks to my late husband Mike, the visionary behind Amista and our first winemaker. Each year since, we’ve carried on this joyful ritual, celebrating not only wine but friendship and cherished memories.
 

Mike's First Sabrage

Our holiday parties began in 2007 when we first opened the tasting room, but over time, the gathering evolved into something more elegant and festive. In 2011, Mike was eager to add a new flair to the evening by performing a sabrage. That night, with a grin and a t-shirt perfectly matched to our Sparkling Syrah, Mike prepared to open the first bottle with style, setting the stage for a tradition we would treasure.
 

Top Hat, Tux, and Timeless Style

The following year, Mike elevated the sabrage experience by dressing to impress – tuxedo, top hat, red cummerbund, and bow tie. His new look quickly became iconic, and the sabrage became more than just a party trick. He poured the first glasses from the newly opened bottle, his joy evident in every pour. That image of Mike sharing his wines with love and pride is a treasured memory.
 

Night Under the Full Moon

In 2014, the sabrage took on an almost magical quality. The full moon hung low, shrouded by delicate wisps of cloud, creating a breathtaking backdrop. As Mike raised the saber and popped the cork, the moonlight cast a glow over the festivities. Guests eagerly anticipated the moment each year, cheering Mike on – even when it took a few tries to get the cork flying. His infectious joy made each attempt more delightful than the last, turning the Sparkling Soiree into an unforgettable celebration
 

Passing the Saber

In 2015, Mike once again donned his tux and top hat, ready for the ceremony. But just as the moment arrived, he handed the saber to our winemaker, Ashley. She was taken by surprise, but in true Ashley fashion, she embraced the challenge. With Mike’s top hat atop her head, she sabered the bottle effortlessly on her first try, marking the start of a new chapter in the tradition.
 

A Sabrage to Remember (or forget!)

The following year, I decided to try my hand at sabrage. I was nervous, following in the footsteps of Mike and Ashley, who always made it look easy. Whether it was bad luck, a faulty bottle, or simply my nerves, the bottle didn’t pop as expected – it shattered in my hand. In the excitement, I hadn’t noticed the cut on my finger until a guest pointed it out. Fortunately, three surgeons happened to be in attendance and quickly patched me up. I happily passed the saber back to Ashley from that day on!
 

Joy in a Bottle

Our Sparkling Syrah has always been more than just a wine; it’s a symbol of celebration. We fondly call it "joy in a bottle" – its vibrant color and crisp, dry flavor make it Ashley's favorite wine to saber. No matter what she is doing, Ashley brings a joyful spirit, and her enthusiasm makes the sabrage even more special.
 

Carrying on the Tradition

The 2021 sparkling sabrage ceremony was the last Mike witnessed. Dressed in his signature tux and top hat, he stood proudly as Ashley performed the sabrage. I know he felt immense gratitude—for the partnership we shared, for Ashley’s talent and friendship, and for the community we built together.

To Mike – thank you for your vision, your love, and the traditions that continue to bring us together in friendship. Cheers to you, always.

Still Thirsty?

If you want to learn more, here is a curated resource.

How to Properly Saber Champagne

 

Amista Vineyards Path to Sparkling

Serendipity and Sparkling…

 

…a story of adventure and gratitude.

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, I'm excited to share a series of short weekly posts that take you behind the scenes, revealing memorable moments that have shaped our journey at Amista Vineyards.

 

A twentieth anniversary is a perfect moment to pause and reflect on the blessings that have shaped our journey. It feels like the right time to share a few stories that capture our deep sense of gratitude, joy, and fulfillment. Here is a story that embodies the spirit of our adventure.
 

Rosé of Syrah – A Happy Accident

I'm convinced that Amista wouldn't be Healdsburg's premier sparkling winery without a series of serendipitous events. In September 2005, we decided to try machine harvesting our Syrah for the first time. My late husband, Mike, was in the vineyard that night (machine harvesting typically happens at night when it's cooler) to supervise the pick. As the machine worked its way down the rows, Mike was captivated. His excitement grew with every pass, and he kept asking the operator to harvest more. He just couldn't stop.

The next morning, still energized from the experience, Mike received a call from the winery. They informed him that he had 10 tons of Syrah grapes packed into a 10-ton fermentation tank. When the wine started fermenting, it would overflow and spill everywhere — and he would have to clean up the mess.

Mike acted quickly, transferring 200 gallons of juice to neutral barrels, which don’t impart oak flavors. His plan was to blend it back with the Syrah in the tank once fermentation was complete. However, when we tasted the wine in January 2006 with our winemaker, Chris Wills, we discovered something unexpected. The juice, having spent little time on the skins, was a rosé instead of a red wine. It was stunning. Right then, we decided to keep it separate and bottle it as our very first Rosé of Syrah. This marked the first step on our path to sparkling wine.
 

Sparkling Syrah from a Class Project

The next twist of fate came two years later. Our Rosé of Syrah had become a favorite among our guests. In 2007, Chris asked if he could use some of our rosé for a class he was teaching at the local junior college. He wanted to show his students how to craft sparkling wine using the Traditional Method, the same technique used for French Champagne. We agreed immediately — with one condition. We had to taste the finished product.

When we finally sampled the sparkling rosé, we were hooked. We knew we had to make more for ourselves and our friends. We sent one barrel each from our 2007 and 2008 vintages to a custom crush winery specializing in sparkling wine production. There, the wine underwent a second fermentation in the bottle, transforming it into sparkling wine. In 2009, we debuted our sparkling Rosé of Syrah at our first Sparkling Holidays party. Mike started a new tradition that night by sabering open the first bottle.
 

Next Stop – Sparkling Blanc de Blanc

Our next sparkling adventure began in 2011 when Ashley Herzberg joined us as our winemaker. One day in the vineyard, I asked her if she thought we could make a Blanc de Blanc from our Chardonnay grapes. Although she had never made sparkling wine, Ashley, a fellow bubble enthusiast, didn't hesitate. "Absolutely," she said.

That fall, we harvested Chardonnay to create our first Blanc de Blanc. When we released it in 2013, it scored 91 points and won a gold medal in the Press Democrat’s “Best of the Best” North Coast Wine Challenge. I fell head over heels for this wine, and it remains my personal favorite to this day.

Cheers to a Sparkling Wine Collection

The combination of personal joy and public recognition fueled our desire to keep going. Today, we have seven sparkling wines in our collection. As a devoted lover of bubbles, I’m thrilled by our sparkling program. But even more, I cherish the unexpected turns and adventurous spirit that have shaped Amista over the past 20 years.

 

 

The Power of Wine and Teamwork at Amista

Virtual Tastings, Car Parties and Celebrating 20 Years…

…how we found joy and unity during challenging times.

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, I'm excited to share a series of short weekly posts that take you behind the scenes, revealing memorable moments that have shaped our journey at Amista Vineyards.
 

Pivoting with Purpose: Staying Connected Amid Uncertainty

When the COVID pandemic struck in 2020, Amista's tasting room was forced to close for six weeks. For a small winery like ours, the sudden shutdown could have left our part-time team members without work. But instead of letting them go, we embraced a different path—one that kept our community strong and spirits high.

Our team transitioned to remote work, reaching out to wine club members with heartfelt calls. They checked in, wished them well, and ensured their cellars remained well-stocked. It wasn’t just about sales; it was about staying connected when the world felt distant.
 

Weekly Virtual Tastings: A Toast to Togetherness

One of the most cherished hours during this time was our weekly virtual team wine tasting. Tammy, our tasting room manager, carefully selected bottles from our collection and hand-delivered them—along with a roll of toilet paper, a scarce commodity then—to each team member’s home. On Thursday afternoons, we gathered on Zoom to share stories and find comfort in each other's company. A highlight of the gathering was a wine tasting led by our winemaker, Ashley Herzberg, when we tasted one of our wines each week. These virtual happy hours became a beacon of laughter and support, reinforcing our bonds as an Amista family.
 

A Drive-In Holiday Party: Creativity in the Face of Distance

As the holidays approached, another shutdown loomed. Our usual festive gathering seemed out of reach. Undeterred, we reinvented the celebration with a drive-in parking lot party. Cars formed a circle in our tasting room lot, and masked team members distributed wine glasses and holiday cheer.

Two of our team members marked the occasion by simultaneously sabering bottles of our Sparkling Syrah. From car to car, they poured celebratory sips, culminating in a heartfelt toast to resilience and unity. Before everyone departed, I delivered bags of signature chocolates to each car, a small but sweet reminder of our togetherness. Despite the physical distance, the warmth of our parking lot gathering lingered long after.
 

Honoring 20 Years with Heartfelt Memories

2024 was meant to be a joyful celebration of Amista's 20th anniversary. But just weeks before the new year, my husband Mike—co-founder, thought partner, and best friend—passed away. In the midst of grief, I was determined to make the year a tribute to his memory, though I lacked the energy to carry the vision forward.

Brian, Estate Director, and Ashley, Winemaker, stepped up, ensuring that every event and communication reflected the spirit of celebration Mike would have wanted. Kerri, a long-time team member, suggested a beautiful gesture—engraving Mike’s director’s chair with the words, “Reserved for Mike Farrow, Proprietor and Winemaker Emeritus.” A framed photo of Mike in his signature tux and top hat accompanied it, joined by his red bow tie and a bottle of his favorite wine. Fresh flowers always graced his spot, thanks to Jackie, our hospitality manager.

Brian helped to pen a moving tribute to Mike, which was shared with our club members, while Jackie meticulously orchestrated every event. From dazzling gold balloons at our Sparkling Holiday Soiree to the glowing "20" that illuminated our vineyard dinner, no detail was overlooked. Ashley brought every celebration to life by sharing the stories behind our wines, her infectious passion lifting us all.

The Heartbeat of Amista: A Passionate Team

Perhaps the most touching aspect of our 20th-anniversary year was how the entire team embraced Amista's history. Even those who had joined us recently spoke about our past with the same warmth and authenticity as if they had been part of the journey from the start. Their ability to weave our stories into tastings and events is a testament to the heart they put into their work.

Hearing our team share Mike’s stories, recount our early days, and celebrate Amista's milestones was a reminder of the power of community and shared passion. In a year of personal and collective challenge, our team became more than coworkers—they became storytellers, caretakers of tradition and family.

Amista has always been about connection—to the land, to our wines, and to each other. Through the trials of the pandemic and the heartache of loss, we discovered just how strong those connections could be. And as we continue to toast to the future, we do so with gratitude for the incredible people who make Amista not just a vineyard, but a home.