We’re delighted to share some wonderful news: Sarah Doyle, writing for The Press Democrat, recently profiled Amista Vineyards proprietor Vicky Farrow and the launch of Sparkling Discoveries. The article highlights Vicky’s personal journey with sparkling wine and her mission to create a community dedicated to stories, inspiration, and the connections that bubbles inspire.
For those of us at Amista, it’s exciting to see Vicky’s passion for sparkling wine recognized in such a respected publication.
The Story Behind the Launch of Sparkling Discoveries
In the feature, Sarah Doyle captures what makes Sparkling Discoveries unique. Originally, Vicky imagined a blog about her own sparkling journey. But as she explains in the article, the project quickly became bigger than her story—it became about everyone’s stories.
Instead of rehearsed talking points, Vicky set out to create authentic conversations with sparkling wine lovers, makers, and thought leaders. The goal? To uncover the personal experiences, challenges, and inspirations that shape people’s relationship with sparkling wine.
“When I pop a cork and the bubbles rise, I see the joy it brings people. It’s celebratory, but it’s more than that. It’s something you want to share.” – Vicky, quoted in The Press Democrat
That spirit of joy and sharing is at the heart of Sparkling Discoveries.
Amista’s Sparkling Journey
Doyle also highlights how natural it is for Vicky to lead a sparkling-focused community. While Amista Vineyards first planted Rhône varieties, sparkling wine soon became central to the winery’s identity.
The journey began in 2008 with a class project that transformed Amista’s Rosé of Syrah into a sparkling wine. The experiment was such a success that Vicky and winemaker Ashley Herzberg continued exploring méthode traditionnelle. Just a few years later, Amista introduced its first estate-grown Blanc de Blanc, and the sparkling program has grown ever since.
Today, Amista produces six sparkling wines from estate vineyards, with a seventh on the way. Amista was the first winery in Healdsburg to:
- Offer grower sparkling wines,
- Create a sparkling-only flight, and
- Launch a sparkling-only wine club.
It’s this pioneering spirit—and a deep love of bubbles—that drives Sparkling Discoveries.
Why Sparkling Discoveries Resonates
The Press Democrat piece points out that Sparkling Discoveries is not just about wine; it’s about people. Vicky asks her interviewees not only what they do but why they do it. She explores setbacks, triumphs, and the lessons learned along the way.
This approach makes the platform valuable to:
- Wine lovers, who can deepen their appreciation for sparkling wine through human stories.
- Winemakers and professionals, who find connection and inspiration in one another’s journeys.
- The broader wine community, which benefits from the focus on authenticity and discovery.
As Vicky explains in the article, Sparkling Discoveries reflects her two great loves: discovery and sparkling wine.
A Celebration for the Amista Community
For us at Amista Vineyards, Sarah Doyle’s thoughtful article is a wonderful recognition of the passion and innovation that define our winery. We’re proud of Vicky for creating a platform that not only celebrates sparkling wine but also honors the people who make it special.
The Press Democrat story captures the essence of what we strive for every day at Amista—sharing wines that bring joy, fostering authentic connection, and making friends along the way.
Join the Sparkling Journey
We invite you to read the full article in The Press Democrat and explore Vicky’s new project at Sparkling Discoveries. Whether you’re already a devoted sparkling wine fan or just beginning your bubbly adventure, there’s something to discover.
Here’s to celebrating the people, the stories, and the sparkle that make wine country so vibrant.
Read “Profiles in wine: Vicky Farrow launches Sparkling Discoveries, online community for sparkling wine lovers” by Sarah Doyle in the Press Democrat.
