An Afternoon with Sofia Rivier: The Winemaker Shaping Two Northern California Wineries

My husband and I recently had the chance to spend an afternoon with Sofia Rivier, winemaker and vineyard manager for not one but two wineries, Terra Savia and Ettore Wines. She is part of a remarkably small circle of women leading vineyard and winery operations in Northern California, and spending time with her makes it clear why she stands out.

Sofia’s story begins in Mendoza, Argentina, where her family established their winery in 1956. Wine wasn’t just part of her upbringing—it was the rhythm of daily life. After earning her master’s degree in agronomy in Switzerland, she moved to Northern California in 2018, bringing with her a rare blend of South American roots and European training. That dual influence shows up clearly in her work: at Ettore Wines, she leans into a more European style of winemaking, while at Terra Savia she embraces a classic California approach. Both expressions are precise, intentional, and deeply rooted in place.

How Sofia Approaches Vineyard Management and Winemaking

When we asked Sofia about the decisions that guide her work, she immediately began with the vineyard—and with her team.

Collaboration is her cornerstone.

She believes every person working in the vineyard should understand the personality of each block. Together, they build a block‑by‑block strategy rooted in shared knowledge and mutual respect. As an organically certified operation, Sofia ensures the entire team understands not only the practices required but the purpose behind them, so those standards are honored thoughtfully and consistently. Decisions aren’t handed down; they’re shaped collectively.

She takes a holistic view of the vineyard.

Every season brings its own challenges and opportunities, and Sofia adapts her winemaking plans to the year’s conditions. How much will each block yield? How will that influence the wines she chooses to craft? Her approach is dynamic, never formulaic.

Hand harvesting is non‑negotiable.

It’s gentler on the fruit, she explained, and allows pickers to be selective, choosing only the clusters that meet the standard she’s aiming for.

Once the wine is in barrel, she stays close.

Every two months, Sofia tastes through each lot, tracking its evolution and adjusting as needed. It’s a rhythm of attention that reflects both discipline and intuition.

Spending the afternoon with Sofia was a reminder of how much intention, collaboration, and care sit behind every bottle. Her blend of global experience, organic farming leadership, and hands‑on vineyard work is shaping two Northern California wineries in ways that feel both grounded and forward‑looking.

What struck us most was her steadiness—this quiet confidence that great wine comes from listening: to the land, to the season, to the people who steward each block. It’s a philosophy that feels deeply aligned with the future of sustainable winemaking and with the growing community of women redefining leadership in the vineyard.

At Renard Creek, we’re grateful for the chance to share her story—and to celebrate the women who continue to expand what’s possible in wine, one thoughtful decision and one beautiful vintage at a time.