John Harris

Owner, CEO

Prior to establishing Amici Cellars, John Harris’ business career spanned more than three decades and dozens of countries with posts in Bolivia, Argentina, Canada, Singapore and Australia.

A Texas native, he attended The University of Texas, and a post-college walk-about through Europe eventually led to settling in South America to make his way in mining. But on a return trip home, he changed tack to developing technologies in the oil and gas industry. After two successful stints with Houston-based companies, California called with a start-up opportunity in Silicon Valley.

Long, adrenaline-fueled weeks in start-up mode gave way to John’s weekend retreats in Napa Valley, reminiscent of his rural roots. Through his travels, John’s immersion in culture and community was largely influenced by his interest in food and wine. He had started a conscientious collection of old-world Bordeaux, Burgundies and Champagne, and soon began collecting Northern California’s new world wines. At his home in Menlo Park, California, he opened his doors and entertained, sharing his love of cooking and wine with colleagues and friends, including Bob and Celia Shepard. Along the way, these three kindred spirits’ frequent visits to Napa Valley grew more serious with purpose and passion to produce wines of their own: Amici Cellars.

Bob & Celia Shepard

Owners

Bob Shepard has a laser-like focus and attention to detail that can be disarming. You’re just as likely to see him walking the aisles of a nearby wine merchant discussing shelf placement, as you are to see him at a restaurant pouring Amici Cellars wines for clients. He’s made a career out of building relationships.

A Bay Area native, Bob graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics, where he was also a member of the university’s Division One golf team. A college internship in finance provided him an early introduction to wine through regular business dinners. Intrigued, Bob applied the same practice and precision used in honing his golf game towards a more disciplined study of wine.

Post-graduation, he began his career in real estate investment and finance, eventually settling in Woodside, CA, with his wife Celia, also a Bay Area native. With a shared passion for wine, they continued their exploration; Bob through practical study, a wine class with Master of Wine Peter Marks and together through more informal, but regular tastings with friends and neighbors like John Harris.

Bob proudly credits Celia and their daughters for his success. As a family-owned business, it’s truly a team effort that requires sacrifice; without their support and understanding it simply wouldn’t be possible. Despite his long hours and extended trips, Bob makes a point of being present for the girls’ activities and occasionally still manages to squeeze in a round of golf.

Melissa Devore

President

Melissa Devore’s path to the wine industry started in an unlikely place. Upon graduating from Rice University with degrees in Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry, Melissa moved to Washington, DC to pursue her professional endeavors. A corporate consultant by day, she cultivated creativity and community hosting wine tastings and cooking classes at night. What started out as networking events in her living room soon transformed into serious conversations about wine.

Melissa’s knack for problem solving and her drive to one day run a business led her to George Washington University, where she obtained a Master of Business Administration degree in Marketing and International Business. It was there that a professor encouraged Melissa to take her interest in wine to the next level by tailoring course work to focus on the wine industry in Chile and working with a U.S. wine importer.

Melissa’s career next took her to work at Total Wine & More, rising to the ranks of Vice President of Wine Buying during her eleven-year tenure there. In 2017, Melissa relocated to Napa Valley, where she joined Amici Cellars and Olema as Executive Vice President. Here at Amici, Melissa works alongside winery proprietors Bob Shepard and John Harris to oversee all aspects of the winery’s operations, working together to achieve a common goal: craft beautiful, distinct wines for every day enjoyment and age-worthy collections.