“I once told Amanda: every time you call, I say yes without even hearing the whole story because you know how to make things happen! Amanda laughed at my comment, but I was serious. Amanda is one of those rare people who consistently overdeliver. When she says, "our campaign is going to reach at least 200 people," it ends up reaching 500. Amanda understands the power of charisma, the power of communication, the power of connection and the importance of a budget. I look forward to working with Amanda over the years to come.” 

-Dr. Laura Catena, Managing Director, Catena Zapata 

“In my nearly two decades of working in journalism and wine, few individuals have shown the combination of kindness, ambition, and commitment that comes naturally for Amanda W. Higgins. Whether she's running a major wine brand, building a brand-new conference, or empowering the next generation of female winemakers Higgins does it all with confidence and grace. She aims for big challenges, and achieves success with perfect poise and a big smile."

-Matt Kettmann, Senior Editor, Santa Barbara Independent and Contributing Editor, Wine Enthusiast

“Amanda Wittstrom-Higgins approaches every growth opportunity with a resourceful, problem-solving mindset before holistically mining her alliances and experience to put a plan in place that exceeds expectations. Amanda is sharp in her execution, a collaborative and creative visionary, a trusted authority, and respected by all who have the good fortune to connect with her.” 

-Cynthia Lohr, Co-owner, Chief Brand Officer, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines

“I have worked with Amanda since 2010. She is that space in the wine industry where innovative ideas meet crisp execution. She mentors and motivates with unparalleled results.”   

-Adrienne Ferrara, California Polytechnic State University, Wine & Viticulture Department

“Amanda has a great passion for her work and dedication to helping others develop their talent and knowledge. She has an ability to infect everyone around her with that passion and dedication to succeed!”

-Sandra J. Dickerson | CEO, Your People Professionals Human Resource Management Specialists

“I have worked closely with Amanda since 2016 and in every interaction I have always found her to be professional, innovative, mindful of budgets and reasonable in expectations. And while her business objectives typically outpaced the market index, there was always significant support from her and her team to drive to consistent double digit increases and hit the goals. I’m excited to see her utilize her talents going forward and have no doubt she’ll be successful in her next undertaking.” 

-Erle Martin, Executive Vice President, Business Development, Winebow 

“Working with Amanda Higgins is one of the most joyful parts of my role as publisher and editor. She inspires new ideas for wine articles and offers intriguing platforms for new and established beverage professionals. Her enthusiasm is matched by her talent, and I believe she will capture this passion for any of her clients in her new venture. To align with Amanda is to position your brand for success.” 

-Meridith May, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, The Somm Journal and The Tasting Panel Magazine

“I’m happy to call Amanda Wittstrom Higgins a friend and a wine industry colleague. She’s committed to sharing her business experience with others, in the spirit of elevating our industry. Amanda’s a delight to collaborate with – she’s fun, inclusive, efficient, creative, and open-hearted. As founder of Dream Big Darling, she’s demonstrated her authentic intent of empowering young women with aspirations in the business. Amanda is fierce in getting things done! And loves bringing people together. I wish her all the very best in this new venture!”

-Madeline Triffon, Master Sommelier, 1st American Woman 

“Amanda is a visionary who can see an opportunity beyond the obvious and refresh standards into the new Vanguard. She is absolutely fearless and tenacious, which is why saying no to Amanda is nearly impossible. And why would you want to? Her desire to make everyone around her more successful comes from the heart, which is 100% why she is successful.”

-Christopher Taranto, Communications Director, Paso Robles Wine County Alliance

“Amanda is truly someone special, [and is] someone who many of us have believed from early on will help foster & change the game in our industry. It is amazing what she has done at Ancient Peaks. Having then worked with her on projects like Wine Speak, I can first-hand attest she has the vision, the ability to lead, create inclusivity, camaraderie & collaboration to truly affect change through her energy, drive, determination, caring & all done by example. The "Dream Big Darling" organization, which she founded is yet another heartfelt example of her work.” 

-Chuck Furuya, Master Sommelier

“Amanda Higgins has rightly been recognized as one of the emerging stars of the wine industry. I’ve appreciated her strategic marketing advice as well as her tactical approach to sales.” 

-Brian Talley, President & CEO, Talley Vineyards and Talley Farms 

“Amanda is a Tour de Force in the wine industry and is also a complete joy to work with. She has a rising tide floats all ships mentality and actually puts that phrase into action. Being around her always fills me with inspiration for today and future possibilities in our wonderful industry and beyond.”

 -Jordan Fiorentini. VP of Winemaking & Vineyards, Epoch Estate Wines

“Amanda’s incredible leadership has, and will continue to, reshape the wine industry in ways that will have far-reaching effects. Her ability to bring together renowned icons and creative minds to collaborate, mentor, and support professionals, people and communities, extends far beyond Paso Robles, and lends meaningful and much-needed innovation and inspiration to the art of winemaking. As a businesswoman striving to become a better leader in my own industry, I find Amanda’s passion, integrity and brilliance one of my greatest inspirations.” 

-Renee Awana, Managing Director, Product Development, Hawaiian Airlines