John Harris

Proprietor

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 Shepard

Proprietor

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 and their three children. It was Bob’s passion for wine, frequent trips with Celia, their children and friends, to the world’s famous wine growing regions in Italy and France, where their vision of starting a winery crystallized.

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.

Celia Shepard

Proprietor

Celia Shepard is unflappable. Taking an enormous leap of faith into the wine industry takes patience and perseverance, two qualities that Celia has in spades.

A Bay Area native, Celia graduated summa cum laude from Santa Clara University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Working her way through college at a local restaurant fostered an early interest in food and wine, with a job posting abroad offering more hands-on experience.

Celia’s career next took her to London, where she mastered her role as an international sales manager for a pre-IPO web software company for six years. When she returned home to San Francisco to lead the company’s Asia market, her long-distance friendship with Bob Shepard ultimately grew to a commitment of marriage, family and community that included like-minded world travelers and wine aficionados, most especially John Harris.

Striking out on her own in 1997, Celia founded a successful business consulting firm counseling small software companies on international business development, sales and marketing. With Amici Cellars, Celia saw an opportunity for a different kind of start-up, but a familiar environment that felt like home – working with a small group of people who really believe in what they’re doing, who are passionate, energetic – an environment that Celia, Bob and John thrive in.

Melissa Devore

Executive Vice 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.