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