In modern day winemaking, it takes way more than a prowess for grape growing, harvesting, and bottling to make a successful wine. It takes a business acumen that involves much beyond the farming and harvesting of fruit. In order to be successful, it requires innovation, marketing, national distribution, unparalleled hospitality, teamwork, beautiful wines, and a deep knowledge of the land, regions, and all its possibilities.

It helps when your roots run deep in the region. It helps when you know the terrain firsthand, and in the case of Amanda Wittstrom Higgins, it helps to be a cowgirl.

Featured photo and interview by Ken Amorosano.