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.