Lisa Bishop Forbes
I’m often asked how I got into winemaking. It all started in chemistry class at Lodi High School. As I looked at colleges and tapped into family connections, I realized I could use chemistry to make something enjoyable, something that brings people together. What could be better than that? I love making wine! There isn’t anything else I would rather do.
I am dedicated to crafting exceptional wines that are flavorful, enjoyable, and reflective of their place. Practiced at building effective working relationships, I thrive in a collaborative environment. I genuinely enjoy working with smart, interesting, creative people. Winemaking is like a big puzzle. Fitting all the pieces together – people, grapes, styles, techniques, winery logistics, barrels, blends – is great fun and incredibly rewarding.
My winemaking consultation business officially launched in 2020 while I was managing production and operations as a winemaker for Ektimo Vineyards and Ross Road Custom Crush, a family-owned winery in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. My clients include SUTRO Wine Company, a boutique Alexander Valley winery specializing in Bordeaux varieties; Roden Wines, a Russian River estate Pinot Noir maker; Bard Clan Wines, creating unique grape and fruit wines and blends; and MoniClaire Vineyards, maker of Dry Creek Valley estate Zinfandel and Petite Sirah.
My clients are passionate wine lovers and boutique winery owners who need help realizing their winemaking dreams. That’s where I come in, guiding the process from the client’s concept to their beautiful bottle on the dinner table. Over my career, I have had the great fortune to work with some excellent wineries and vineyards, making wine from more than 20 different grape varieties. It’s a pleasure to share my experience with my clients.
my winemaking
earlier in my career
earlier in my career, I held winemaking positions at Chalk Hill Estate and Dry Creek Vineyard, both iconic Sonoma County wineries. Formative roles include assistant winemaker at Chalk Hill Estate, and enologist at Joseph Phelps Vineyards in the Napa Valley, where I got my start out of college.
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Enology from California State University, Fresno, and Certificates in Wine Business Management and Wine Entrepreneurship from Sonoma State University. I am an active member of the Women for Winesense Winemaking and Viticulture Roundtable. My family and I (including Oscar the flying dog) live in beautiful Windsor, California.
