Meet the Team: Eric Amberg — Leading with Vision, Rooted in Experience

Our Meet the Team series wouldn’t be complete without the person who’s been here since the very beginning. Eric Amberg, second generation owner of Amberg Grapevines, brings over 30 years of industry experience, international training, and a deep-rooted passion for viticulture to everything we do.

Many of you know him as the voice behind the phone or the one greeting you at trade shows. But behind the scenes, Eric is shaping the direction of sustainable grape growing in the U.S.—from promoting PIWI varieties to co-founding J.E.M. Vines, and everything in between.

Eric and son, Neal at the B.E.V. NY Conference

Q&A Highlights:

What inspired you to stay in the family business?

When I took a trip the summer of my 8th grade, I realized how much I missed being on the farm. When I got home from the trip, that feeling was reinforced. I still remember the smell of the irrigation that night. It is still a special memory. I knew then that I wanted to stay on the farm.

What’s one thing vineyard owners should know about planting new vines?

It is hard to pick just one thing, but the most important part of planting new vines is to cover or hill them up with soil or mulch right after planting. That helps protect them from desiccation or cold.

Why are PIWI varieties so important for the future of viticulture?

I believe PIWI varieties are the future of eastern America and humid-climate grape growing. These varieties allow us to grow high-quality fruit for high-quality wine using fewer sprays. With fungicides being phased out faster than new ones are developed, growing vinifera will only get harder and more expensive.

Eric leading a group tour through the nursery

What’s your favorite part of the growing season?

Watching the newly planted vines in the nursery start to grow. At first, it’s just rows of sticks. Then, buds start to wake up, and before long, it’s rows of green life. That’s a good feeling.

If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?

Probably carpentry. I love working with my hands and building things from wood.

If you could share a bottle of wine with anyone in history, who would it be?

Theodore Roosevelt. I imagine he’d have some wild stories and even better wisdom to share.

More About Eric:

Eric studied Enology at California State University, Fresno, and trained at a nursery in Germany before returning home to build what would become Amberg Grapevines. He has served on the board of the Clean Plant Network, contributed to the NY State Certification Program, and operated Amberg Wine Cellars for 20 years. Today, he continues to lead the business forward while staying deeply rooted in the field.

Eric’s work has helped redefine what’s possible in East Coast viticulture. Whether he’s launching new varieties, sharing insights with growers, or simply walking the nursery rows, his commitment to growth—of vines, people, and ideas—continues to shape the future of Amberg Grapevines.