We came for the sunshine.
We stayed for the people.
Loren and I more or less wandered into Sonoma and bought a house. We hadn’t thought it through very far. The better weather and calmer pace drew us in, but the people and sense of community made us want to stay.
Along the way, we realized how much wine is part of living here. It’s an excuse to invite someone over, linger over dinner, or get to know a neighbor. A bottle gives people a reason to connect.
Amis means friends in French. Entre amis means among friends. That’s how we like to drink our wine.
Francis & Loren HigginsFounders, AmisThe wine is a reason to get together.
Familiar from
a different street.
The green and white lettering recalls New York street signs, and the small brass emblem is modeled after a vintage subway token. Both are a nod to the city where Fran’s dad, Frank, grew up. He loved Sonoma wine country but never got to spend as much time here as he would have liked.
His hard work helped make our life here possible. Amis is a way to honor that and bring a little of his New York into our Sonoma adventure. We think he’d have liked the idea.
Explore our Pinot NoirOur 2026 Gap’s Crown Pinot Noir label design. Final packaging is pending.
Our first
vintage.
2026 Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir from the Petaluma Gap in Sonoma County. Our first wine, made to share with friends.
FIRST RELEASE · Target bottling is August 2027. Bottle artwork illustrates our label design; final packaging and release timing are pending. No wine is offered for sale.
The first pour
is still ahead.
Our first release is planned around the 2026 Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir from the Petaluma Gap in Sonoma County. Target bottling is August 2027. We’ll share release timing as the wine comes together.
2026 Gap’s Crown Pinot Noir
Our first-release plan, made with The Wine Foundry. The wine has completed malolactic fermentation.
Blend & finalize the label
Blending is expected in May–June 2027. Packaging details are still being finalized.
Target bottling: August 2027
The winery’s current target, subject to change. Release timing will be announced separately.
Before you ask.
Can I buy a bottle?
Not yet. Our first release is in development, and we aren’t taking orders or payments. We’ll post confirmed availability here.
What does Amis mean?
Amis is French for friends. Wine gives us a reason to gather; the people make it worthwhile.
Why a New York street sign?
We liked its directness: familiar green, clear white lettering, nothing extra. The small token on the back carries that New York reference a little further.
Are the wine details final?
Our planned first release is the 2026 Gap’s Crown Pinot Noir, targeting bottling in August 2027. Final wine details, tasting notes, packaging, and release timing are still to come.
Get in touch.
Have a question about Amis, or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you.
francis.j.higgins@gmail.com