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.

 

 

The Pleasures of Creating Amista Vineyards

Savoring Family Bonds…

 

…a story of gratitude, cherished memories and connections.

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. With Thanksgiving upon us, it feels like the right time to share a few stories that capture our deep sense of gratitude, joy, and fulfillment. Here is one of my favorites.

My parents always enjoyed an occasional glass of wine, but their excitement blossomed when they traveled from Arizona to help us bottle our "Garage Syrah." This was the first wine my late husband, Mike, crafted from our vineyard in Healdsburg, California. As a thank-you to everyone who pitched in that day, we offered cases of wine to take home. Most of our friends left with a case or two.

My mom, however, shyly asked if they could take ten cases. We laughed and said, “Of course! Take as many as you can fit in the car.” Mike and I were surprised but didn’t think much more of it until six weeks later. During a phone call, she hesitated before asking if they could get more.

“Mom, did you drink all that wine already?” I teased.

She laughed and assured me they hadn’t. Instead, they’d brought the Syrah to parties, served it at gatherings, and shared it with friends. Apparently, my parents were quite the social butterflies! Knowing they were spreading our vision of friendship and community warmed our hearts.

When we officially launched Amista Vineyards, they became our biggest supporters. They were among the first to invest in futures of our inaugural vintage, attended our winemaker dinners and festivals in Healdsburg, and even joined us on a wine cruise along the Danube. They never missed an opportunity to introduce friends to our wines.

Our journey with Amista has deepened bonds within both of our families and even unearthed long-lost relatives. Sharing the fruits of our labor and the beauty of wine country with loved ones has been an unexpected surprise and one of the most rewarding parts of this adventure.

 

7 Reasons Why Amista is Dog Friendly

7 Adorable Shelties…

 

…and the  Amista wines they exemplify.

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.

 

Did you know Amista is dog friendly? For many of our guests, this is a highlight—bringing their best furry friends to relax among the vines while sipping our handcrafted red, white, and sparkling wines.

But for us, it’s more than just being dog friendly. It’s personal. Over the years, we’ve shared our lives with seven wonderful Shetland Sheepdogs—affectionately known as Shelties. Each has left a pawprint on our hearts and inspired our connection to the special bond between humans and dogs.

So, meet the Shelties who have shaped our days and discover the wines that embody their unique personalities!
 

1. Mickey – Our First Sheltie

Mickey came into our lives unexpectedly. A colleague of my late husband Mike, needed a home for a dog he couldn’t keep, and we couldn’t resist. Mickey was about a year old, sensitive, loyal, and intelligent—the classic Sheltie personality. He also introduced us to their well-known tendency to bark, sometimes a little too enthusiastically!

Mickey’s arrival marked the beginning of our love affair with this remarkable breed.

The Wine: Mickey earns the honor of being paired with our Syrah, the first wine Mike ever made for Amista—a fitting tribute to our beginnings.
 

2. MacDuff – A Pal for Mickey

With both Mike and me working long hours, we realized Mickey needed company. Enter MacDuff! This charming little Sheltie shared Mickey’s Sable coloring and quickly became his partner-in-crime.

The Wine: MacDuff’s lighter personality best matches our Grenache, a Rhône variety similar to Syrah but with a softer touch.
 

3. Casey – An Adventurous Companion

Casey was our first tri color Sheltie and quickly became Mickey’s new sidekick after we said goodbye to MacDuff. Casey loved exploring the woods around our home in New Jersey, often returning with that unmistakable sparkle of mischief in his eyes.

The Wine: Casey’s three colors and adventurous spirit are captured by Tres, a bold blend of three Rhône varieties: Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.
 

4. Finnegan – Jumping for Joy

When we moved to Verdi, Nevada, Casey needed a new playmate, and Finnegan came bounding into our lives. His bubbly energy, love for leaping, and fascination with lawn sprinklers brought endless joy to our home.

The Wine: Finnegan’s effervescence shines in the Amista Sparkling Syrah rosé, our most robust sparkling wine—perfect for his spirited personality.
 

5. MacGregor (Mac) – The Resilient Soul

Mac’s story is one of resilience and redemption. At 13 years old, he came to us through Sheltie Rescue after enduring years of neglect. Tiny, nearly toothless, deaf, and fearful of the world, Mac slowly found solace in our gentle care. With patience and love, he transformed into a trusting, cherished member of our family, blessing us with four unforgettable years.

The Wine: Mac’s quiet strength and unexpected blossoming remind us of our Estate Chardonnay - a variety we hadn’t planned to make but has since become a cornerstone, featured in five of our wines.
 

6. Torin – The Independent Spirit

We brought Torin home as a puppy from Orland, California. A winding drive made for a messy (and memorable!) journey, but his strong, independent personality makes him unforgettable.

The Wine: Torin's coloring and character mirror our Sparkling Tres, a rosé blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. Both are unusual, complex and full of pleasant surprises.
 

7. Dylan – A Bundle of Love

After saying goodbye to Finnegan, Torin needed a new puppy to boss around. Dylan entered our lives as the perfect balance—cuddly, affectionate, and endlessly playful.

The Wine: Dylan’s bright, lively nature makes him the ideal match for our Sparkling Blanc de Blanc, a wine that brings happiness to every moment.

At Amista, we don’t just welcome dogs—we celebrate them. Our Shelties remind us of the special connection between a dog and their human, and we’re thrilled to see that bond shared here at the winery. So, the next time you visit, bring your furry friend. We’d love to meet them!

Cheers to dogs, wine, and the joy they bring into our lives!

 

 

Amista Danube Wine Cruise

A Journey to Treasure…

 

…magic, community and connection.

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.

Imagine standing on the deck of a river cruise ship on a crisp fall evening, gliding along the Danube through the heart of Budapest. Glittering city lights dance on the water, and a sense of wonder fills the air.

That’s the magic Mike and I experienced during our unforgettable Danube wine cruise. Let me share the three things that made this journey truly special.

Priceless Moments

This was Mike’s and my first cruise—and, though we didn’t know it then, it would also be his last. Mike, my late husband, wasn’t always enthusiastic about traveling but would end up having the time of his life. That cruise was no exception.

One of the highlights was hosting an Amista wine dinner on the ship. Mike beamed with pride, sitting at the head table, chatting with the chef about cooking techniques, and watching winemaker Ashley present our wines to an engaged audience.

Later in the lounge, guests approached Mike to ask about the wines and how he had brought his winemaking dream to life. He was touched, even if he wouldn’t admit it outright.

In those moments, I could see how much it meant to him that we had built Amista together from nothing—a shared dream turned reality.

Precious Relationships

While the breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and delicious cuisine were unforgettable, it was the relationships we deepened—and the new ones we formed—that made the cruise truly extraordinary.

My mother and stepfather, both in their late eighties at the time, joined us on the cruise. It was my mom’s first trip to Europe, and she embraced every moment.

From excursions to events, she didn’t miss a thing. Watching her and my stepfather dance in the lounge after our Amista wine dinner was pure joy.

One of my favorite memories was our girls’ night out in Vienna, where we attended a concert in a stunning palace.

We also met Marge and George, who were part of a lively group in the dining room. Their warmth and humor drew us in, and we quickly became fast friends. Our shared love of cooking, wine, and laughter has kept us close ever since.

After the cruise, Doug and Tamara, our gracious trip hosts from Expedia Wine Cruises, invited us to join them on their drive to Prague. Along the way, they arranged a fascinating visit to a Budweiser brewery.

In Prague, we met up with dear friends from Europe—Bertram, Traudl, and their daughter Anina, who had flown in from Germany and Belgium to spend time with us. These friendships, some decades old, were renewed and deepened during those precious few days.

The Spirit of Community

The sense of community that blossomed on this cruise was a delightful surprise. Organized by our local wine association, the cruise included six wineries, each hosting winemaker dinners.

Despite representing different wineries, we all gathered in the same dining room each night, creating a shared space where conversations flowed and friendships flourished over great food and wine.

Even though the other winery owners and I live and work in the small Dry Creek Valley, we rarely have time to connect socially. This cruise gave us the chance to bond, not just as colleagues but as friends.

Beyond the wineries, the spirit of community extended to our wine club members from across the country. Seeing them connect with one another, share stories, and cheer us on during the winemaker dinner was heartwarming.

One evening, we gathered for a private toast and wine tasting at the Captain’s Table, a moment that encapsulated the friendly, welcoming essence of Amista.

A Journey to Cherish

Years later, those of us who shared this magical Danube wine cruise still reminisce about the experiences, friendships, and memories we made.

It wasn’t just a trip; it was a celebration of life, connection, and community—proof that wine has the power to bring people together in the most meaningful ways.

If only I could bottle the magic of that brisk fall evening on the Danube with Mike, surrounded by glittering lights and warm laughter. It’s a memory I’ll hold close forever.

 

 

Blanc de Blancs

The Story Behind My Favorite Bubbly and…

…three fascinating secrets.

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.
 

Sparkling wines hold a special place in the heart of Amista Vineyards, and one of our most beloved creations is our Blanc de Blanc. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how this signature bubbly came to life and the unique details that make it truly one-of-a-kind.

1. Winemaker Ashley’s First Sparkling Adventure

In 2011, Ashley Herzberg joined Amista as our winemaker. By then, we had already been crafting a Sparkling Syrah since 2008, thanks to a creative spark from my late husband, Mike, who was also our first winemaker. While I loved the Syrah, my dream was to see a Blanc de Blanc—my personal favorite—added to our lineup.

Ashley and I were standing in our Chardonnay vineyard just months after she joined the team, and the idea struck: Could we create a sparkling wine from these very grapes? To this day, we both claim credit for the idea, but perhaps it was a shared vision born from our mutual love of bubbles. Ashley, undaunted by the challenge of crafting her first sparkling wine, immediately said, “Yes, we can!”

That fall, we harvested 3.25 tons of Chardonnay grapes, producing 214 cases of what would become our first Blanc de Blanc—a crisp and refreshing wine that continues to delight us and our community.

2. Blanc de Blanc…or Blanc de Blancs?

If you’ve ever enjoyed a sparkling wine labeled Blanc de Blancs, you may have wondered about the difference in our naming. While the traditional French term is plural, meaning "white from whites," our label simply says Blanc de Blanc - “white from white.”

Here’s how it happened: I loved Blanc de Blancs from a well-known Northern California sparkling house but hadn’t paid close attention to the plural spelling on the label. Two years after releasing our first vintage, a host on a live radio show asked me about our choice of the singular term. He may have noticed the surprised look on my face because he offered, “Is it because it is made from a single white grape variety?” And I said, “Yes, that’s exactly right.”

While my reaction was spontaneous, it turned out to be accurate. Nearly all Blanc de Blancs are made from 100% Chardonnay, as is ours. We’ve kept the name Blanc de Blanc ever since—and while the singular term remains rare, we’re proud to have embraced this unique twist. Who knows? Perhaps we’ve even started a trend.

3. Non-Vintage Labels, Vintage Roots

Another common question we hear is: Why are your sparkling wines labeled non-vintage if they’re all harvested from a single year?

The answer lies in the aging process. At Amista, we craft our sparkling wines to be vibrant and fresh, with aging periods of 12 to 18 months before disgorging. This timeline contrasts with Champagne’s strict requirement of at least three years of aging for vintage designation. While no such regulations apply in the U.S., we choose to follow the spirit of this tradition by refraining from vintage dating.

Interestingly, most non-vintage sparkling wines are blends of several years, designed for consistency. By contrast, each of our sparkling wines reflects the unique climate and character of the harvest year. The result? A true vintage wine in every sense—except for the label.

A Celebration in Every Glass

Our Blanc de Blanc represents the perfect blend of passion, creativity, and commitment to quality. From its serendipitous beginnings in our Chardonnay vineyard to its distinctive name and aging process, every bottle tells a story.

Raise a glass of Amista Blanc de Blanc, and celebrate not just a wine, but the joy of discovery and the shared love of bubbles that brought it to life. Cheers!

 

Still Thirsty?

If you want to learn more, here is a curated list of resources.

What is Blanc de Blanc?

What Does ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Mean in Wine?

The Difference Between Multi-Vintage and Nonvintage Champagnes

 

Why Rhônes at Amista Vineyards?

The Story of Our Rhône Journey…

…and the spirit that shaped Amista.

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.
 

Que Será, Será

This phrase, “what will be, will be,” captures the spirit of why we planted our first Syrah vines in the year 2000 in our recently acquired vineyards in Dry Creek Valley, just outside the charming town of Healdsburg. We’re not really sure why we planted Syrah, a Rhône variety, except it was being hailed as the “next big thing,” and we were eager to be part of its rise. Little did we know that shortly after planting, the movie Sideways would hit the screen, catapulting Pinot Noir into the spotlight and nudging Syrah offstage.

"Garage Syrah"

Undaunted by this development and the fact that the Syrah vines were young, Mike, my late husband and co-founder, saw their potential. Typically, a vineyard in its second year would drop its grapes, letting the vines strengthen without the demands of producing a crop. But Mike, eager to revive his love for winemaking that began nearly a decade earlier in our Silicon Valley home, had other plans. In 2002, he harvested three tons of Syrah from those young vines, and with the help of neighbors, family, and friends from Munich and Denver, he made our first wine in our garage. We fondly called it “Garage Syrah.”

The Launch of Amista

Garage Syrah was never meant for sale—it was a hobby, a chance to share something personal with our friends. But every time they came to taste it, they wanted more and kept asking when they could buy a bottle. Their encouragement gave us the nudge to consider making wine for others, and in 2004, Amista Vineyards was born. That initial Syrah, with all its humble beginnings, had woven a path for us into the world of Rhône wines.

Our Love for Rhônes Grows

While Syrah didn’t skyrocket to fame as expected, it became a cornerstone of our winemaking journey. We—and eventually our guests and members—fell in love with it. Over time, we began exploring other Rhône varieties, all thanks to that “gateway grape” of Syrah.

Expanding Our Rhône Collection

In 2011, we decided it was time to diversify. We were eager to experiment with more Rhône varieties but didn’t want to uproot our established Syrah vines. So, we opted for a grafting method called T-budding, placing buds of new varieties into small cuts on the existing vines. This way, we could grow new varieties—Grenache and Mourvèdre—without waiting the typical four years for the vines to mature. By the 2012 harvest, we had our first Grenache and Mourvèdre. We also created our first Rhône blend. We called it Tres, combining all three Rhône grapes: Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.

The Debut of Tres and Our First Blend

Tres quickly became a hit—and Mike’s new favorite. Winemaker Ashley Herzberg, who joined us in 2011, inspired us to try our hand at blending. Having always made single-varietal wines, we were hesitant, but Ashley’s excitement for a classic GSM blend (Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre) won us over. What began as an experiment quickly became a cherished addition to our lineup.

The Amista Rhône Lineup Today

Today, our estate-grown Rhône wines include Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Tres, our Rhône-style blend. We also produce a Rosé de Tres, a refreshing blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. We also make a unique collection of sparkling Rhône wines.

Why Rhônes?

When people ask why we chose Rhône varieties, I think back to the spirit that has shaped Amista. We didn’t have a grand plan or flawless reasoning. We simply followed our instincts, letting the path unfold. Along the way, we embraced challenges, unexpected delights, and every opportunity to learn and grow. Rhône grapes continue to guide our journey, surprising and inspiring us, and, above all, allowing us to share a piece of this adventure with others.

 

Still Thirsty?

If you want to learn more, here is a curated list of resources.

Know Your Grapes: Syrah

Know Your Grapes: Grenache

Mourvedre — A Guide to the Basics

How do you pronounce "Mourvèdre"?

What Do We Mean When We Say Rhône-style Wine?

Why do we blend wine?

 

The Syrah that Sparked the Amista Community

Our First Harvest Adventure…

…and three insights that continue to shape Amista.

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 approached our first commercial harvest, we realized we had far more Syrah than we could use for Amista. My late husband and Amista co-founder, Mike, couldn't bear the thought of seeing tons of grapes dropped from the vines, wasted. Determined to find a solution, we brainstormed until Mike had a brilliant idea—what if we invited our friends to invest in our first vintage?

The concept was simple: we’d offer the chance to purchase grapes in ½-ton lots, the size of a single macro bin. We would handle all the winemaking—crushing, fermenting, and bottling—while they would pay for the grapes. In return, each “partner” would receive a case of the Syrah, a special case of a blend that they would help create and a case of every other wine we planned to make that year.

We sent out invitations to friends, family, and some of my consulting clients, unsure of what to expect. To our surprise, we had an enthusiastic response—we sold 10 lots, allowing us to harvest 5 extra tons of Syrah. What started as a practical solution to avoid wasted grapes soon blossomed into something much more—a community of people excited to call themselves “partners” in our new winery.

We wanted this group to feel as much a part of the journey as we were, so we kept them updated and hosted several events. Our first gathering was the “Garage Syrah Bottling Party,” where everyone helped bottle the Syrah we’d been making in our garage, followed by a cozy dinner at our home. It was an incredible experience for everyone—intimate, hands-on, and fun.

Throughout the next year, we invited our partners to taste the young wines from the barrel and to visit our winery while it was still under construction. Strangers became friends, bonding over the excitement of seeing our dream take shape.

One of my favorite memories is the Vintage Partners Summit in October 2006. The weekend kicked off with a welcome reception at our house on Friday night, followed by a trip the next day to a beautiful vineyard on the rolling hills above Dry Creek Valley. We wanted our partners to experience the vineyard firsthand, so we taught them how to assess grapes for harvest—checking sugar levels with a refractometer, examining the color of the seeds, and, most importantly, tasting for that perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.

After a morning in the vineyard, we headed back to our future winery for lunch among the vines. We toasted to friendship at a makeshift bar set up on the construction site—an unforgettable moment. The day continued with barrel tastings at the winery where we were crafting the wines, and that night, we gathered back at our house for dinner under the harvest moon. It was truly magical. The weekend wrapped up with a farewell brunch on our back deck, where no one wanted to say goodbye.

Another unforgettable event was the blending workshop, where our partners created the 2006 Vintage Partners Blend. It was our first gathering in the newly finished winery. Our winemaker guided us through the art of blending, with each team coming up with their own version. We tasted them all and voted on the best blend, which became the recipe for their special wine. Though they had to wait two more years for the wine to be bottled and ready, the celebration continued with a sumptuous farm-to-table lunch in the courtyard, paired with the very wines we had just blended.

Looking back, we realized that what we were offering was essentially wine futures, but with a twist. Typically, wine futures are sold after the wine is already in the barrel, giving customers a taste of what's to come. In our case, people were investing in the wine before the grapes were harvested. They weren’t just betting that the wine would turn out delicious—they were betting on us. They believed that two people, their friends and family, could not only craft wine they would love but also launch a business and keep it alive long enough for the wine to be bottled. It was a huge leap of faith, and I am eternally grateful. More than the trust, we built something even more precious—a community of friends.

Our journey has been filled with valuable life lessons. In those early days, we discovered three insights that would continue to shape Amista:

1. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
2. Building a business is about building relationships.
3. People long to be part of a community.

These lessons have stayed with us through every harvest, every challenge, and every success, reminding us that at the heart of it all, we are not just making wine—we are creating connections.

 

Still Thirsty?

If you want to learn more, here is a curated list of resources.

Here a Bin, There a Bin, Everywhere …

Why do we blend wine?

How (and Why) to Buy Wine Futures

 

 

Launching a Winery: The Story of Amista Vineyards

From Panic to Partnership...

George Christie (right) managing the first Amista video

…learning the power of relationships and community…

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 Chance Meeting

In early 2004, I found myself in a panic. We had two harvests' worth of wine aging in barrels, and it was time to think about bottling. But my late husband Mike and I were clueless about where to begin. We needed bottles, corks, capsules, and labels, but had no idea how to procure them.

That’s when I met George.

I attended a meeting of the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley, a local trade organization for our region's growers and wineries. George, the president of the board, was giving an update. His presence and insights immediately impressed me. After the meeting, I introduced myself and discovered that he was also the general manager of a local winery.

I shared our story—that Mike and I were launching Amista, a new winery in Dry Creek Valley. I also happened to mention that my day job was as an executive coach and leadership consultant. George replied, “I could use an executive coach.” A lightbulb went off in my head.

How About a Trade?

“What would you think about a trade?” I suggested. “You help us navigate the complexities of starting a winery, and I’ll be your executive coach.” He agreed on the spot.

George jumped into action immediately, which I would come to learn is just his way. He guided us on where to buy glass (the industry term for bottles), and connected us with suppliers for corks and capsules, and a printer for our labels. Little did he know that what he was doing for us would later evolve into his own sophisticated business venture.

Meanwhile, I kicked off our coaching partnership by conducting a 360-feedback process. This involves gathering anonymous feedback from an executive’s colleagues to identify areas for growth. The results shaped George’s development plan, which became the foundation of our coaching sessions.

From Panic to Partnership

Over the next several months, George provided invaluable advice. He helped us strategize the sale of grapes we didn’t plan to use for Amista and decide whether to replant some struggling Chardonnay vines. He advised on choosing a location for our winery, obtaining a use permit from the county, and even launching tasting parties to introduce our first wines. He also connected us with our first consulting winemaker and a wine broker and managed our first video shoot (pictured  above).

With George’s guidance, we progressed from brainstorming on yellow legal pads in our living room to using spreadsheets to manage production planning. He stood by us through the grueling process of securing our use permit and brainstorming creative ways to market our wine without a tasting room. Once we received the permit, he helped us design and outfit the tasting room and even hired and trained our first team.

Harvest Celebration - A Memorable Weekend of Learning and Friendship

George Christie (center) explaining how to decide when to harvest wine grapes

One of our most memorable experiences was our Harvest Celebration, a weekend-long event we created for friends who had invested in our first vintage. The festivities included a wine reception, vineyard workshop, barrel tastings, and a magical dinner under the harvest moon. George played a key role in designing the weekend, teaching our guests how to determine the perfect time to harvest grapes, and answering their many questions. This event not only celebrated our new venture but also deepened the bonds within our community of supporters.

The Wine World is All About Connections

We’ve had many people support us over our 20 years since launching Amista, but George Christie was one of the most pivotal. Today, he is known as the founder and CEO of Wine Industry Network, a leading resource for wine business services, events, connections, and education. We are incredibly fortunate and grateful to have experienced George’s expertise, passion, and vision during our early days.

What we got was a sneak peek of the incredible work he does today: bridging the gap between producers and suppliers, championing the wine industry, and educating others on the latest trends and innovations. Our journey wouldn’t have been the same without him.

Still Thirsty?

What is Wine Industry Network?

What is 360 Degree Feedback?

The Unforgettable Joy of Our Garage Syrah Bottling Party

A Special Memory of Togetherness…

…to celebrate “Come over October.”

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.
 

This October, we’re raising a glass to the incredible role wine has played throughout history in bringing people together and creating cherished memories. As part of “Come Over October,” we’re joining others around the world in toasting to the joy of togetherness.

For me, one of the most unforgettable examples of this spirit of community took place in December 2003, when we bottled our very first “Garage Syrah.” My late husband Mike had harvested three tons of Syrah grapes in 2002—an amount I thought was enormous at the time—and we needed help to get it all into bottles. So, we turned it into a bottling party, inviting a dozen friends and family members, many of whom had already invested in futures of our first official Amista Syrah, harvested just a few months earlier in 2003.

That day was special in so many ways. It wasn’t just about bottling wine—it was about friends coming together, working as a team, and sharing in the joy of a shared accomplishment. We bottled 100 cases of wine in record time, with lots of laughter and new friendships made along the way.

The weather that day wasn’t ideal—drizzly, gray, and chilly—so we moved our operations into the garage. But despite the gloom outside, the mood inside was anything but! There was an electric energy in the air as we worked together on a job that most of us had never done before. Friends came from throughout the Bay Area, and even a couple from Chicago. My parents drove all the way from Arizona to join in the fun. Out of the group, only two people had experience bottling wine, and they were convinced it would take us all day—if we finished at all! To their surprise, we knocked it out in just one and a half hours.

It was amazing to watch this group of near strangers seamlessly divide tasks and work together like a well-oiled machine. And, of course, a little 'product testing' and plenty of laughter only helped speed things along! When we finished, everyone headed home or to their hotels to clean up, since we were all sticky with grape juice. Then we reconvened on our back deck, overlooking the soggy vineyards, and raised a glass of the wine we had just bottled.

Later, we gathered around a long, candlelit table for a dinner that Mike and I had prepared to relive the day’s best moments. There was much laughter and camaraderie as everyone got to know each other better.

Then, like a spontaneous flash mob, one of our guests stood up and began performing the hilarious story of Rindercella, a spoonerism that had us all in stitches. I had never heard anything like it before, and what made it even more special was that the storyteller—and Mike—were laughing so hard they could barely get through it! When he finally finished, we erupted into applause and raised our glasses in a big toast.

To thank everyone, we invited them to pack their cars full of cases of the wine we had just bottled. Years later, one of our guests surprised me with a bottle of that very same 2002 Garage Syrah. It’s a lasting reminder of a day filled with friendship, laughter, and the magic of coming together over wine.

We invite you to make some memories and taste with us at Amista.

 

Still Thirsty?

What is Come Over October?

Join us for Come Over October Celebrations at Amista

Ideas for Your Own Come Over October from Wine Roads

If you’ve never heard it, here is a rendition of Rindercella on YouTube.

How (and Why) to Buy Wine Futures