Mitch Wyss, Winegrower
Winegrower Mitch Wyss, is an passionate about all aspects of the natural world, with a great reverence for the land. His eyes shine when he talks about working at Halter Ranch, how the ranch and the native oak woodlands are a piece of the big puzzle, a part of the fabric of California history. He is committed to running a sustainable farming operation, giving back as much or more as he takes, always respectful of balance of nature.
Satisfying both his inherent desire to be outside, and his fervor to experience new things, Mitch worked as a salmon fisherman in Alaska, a whitewater outfitter on rivers in Alaska, California, Oregon and Montana, a gandy-dancer (spike pounder) for the Burlington Northern Railroad in Montana, a canoe guide in the Florida Everglades, and a whale-watching guide in Baja California. He then settled down a bit for 25 years, and managed farming operations in the northern Sacramento Valley that specialized in growing kiwifruit, chestnuts, mandarins and sugar plums. Not only did he love each of these varied experiences, they taught him something more about the importance of managing the earth’s natural resources.
When Hansjörg Wyss (ironically, no relation) offered Mitch the opportunity to create the Halter Ranch Vineyard, he knew it was a perfect fit. As winegrower, Mitch can apply his past experiences, his belief in sustainable farming, and his tremendous passion for life into the creation of something beautiful - a great bottle of wine!
Mitch currently serves on the Central Coast Vineyard Team Board of Directors.