Behind the Vines: A Chat with Caitlyn Peck

This month, it's Caitlyn's turn in the hot seat! She sat down with us to give an inside glimpse of what life is like as our Vineyard Manager. With a wealth of experience from diverse roles within the Finger Lakes wine industry, Caitlyn brings both passion and expertise to her position at Amberg Grapevines.

1. Where did you grow up, and how did that shape who you are today?

"I grew up in Seneca Falls, New York, right at the heart of the stunning Finger Lakes region. Being surrounded by vineyards, lakes, and the vibrant growth of the local wine industry really shaped my perspective from an early age. Because of this, wine wasn't something mysterious or taboo, it was part of our culture, something meant to be enjoyed, understood, and shared. Growing up immersed in this environment sparked a genuine passion and curiosity that's still driving me today."

2. What led you into grape growing and vineyard management?

"Throughout my career, I've had the chance to explore various aspects of the wine industry. I’ve been a Production Planner at Waterloo Container, a Tasting Room Manager at Knapp Winery & Vineyards, and a Wholesale Office Manager at Three Brothers Wineries. Each role taught me something valuable and helped me see the industry from multiple perspectives—but deep down, I realized I felt happiest whenever I could step away from the office and spend time outdoors, tending to my flower beds and herb garden. It clicked for me then: The production side of viticulture offered the perfect balance—time outside in the vineyard combined with my love for diving into spreadsheets and planning. It's truly the best of both worlds!"

3. What's your favorite part of your job, and why?

"My favorite part of the job is easily, harvest season. It's that special time of year when all the sweat, planning, and hard work we've put into the vineyard finally comes together. Seeing our efforts culminate in a beautiful, bountiful fruit crop feels incredibly rewarding; it's a crazy time of year but there's nothing quite like it!"

4. What's one vineyard tool you absolutely can't live without?

"No question, it's my Wildhorn 32 electric pruning shears. With nearly 45 acres to prune every season, these shears aren't

just a convenience, they're a necessity! They've saved me countless hours (and my wrists!) and have totally transformed pruning from a daunting task into something much more manageable."

5. Which fictional character would you hire to work in your vineyard, and why?

"Oh, this one's easy, I'd definitely hire The Flash! Can you imagine how quickly we'd get through pruning, harvest, and all our vineyard tasks if he joined the crew? We’d

probably have everything wrapped up before lunch!"

A big thanks to Caitlyn for sharing her insights and giving us a peek behind the scenes at Amberg Grapevines. When she's not managing the vineyard, you'll find her cheering her daughter on at soccer or softball games, crafting homemade jelly, or baking delicious treats. We’re lucky to have Caitlyn’s passion and dedication guiding our team!