Winemaker Ashley Holland

Brashley Vineyards is so proud of our winemaker Ashley Holland. Learn more about our amazing winemaker Ashley Holland below.

A serendipitous road brought me to winemaking. I grew up in Oklahoma riding horses and my horse obsession meant I hoped to become an equine veterinarian. While studying animal science, I took a class called “International Beverage Education,” as an elective. After a couple of classes focused in wine, I quickly realized that the science from studying to become a veterinarian, applied to winemaking as well. Winemaking embodied a creative essence that I did not find in animal science.

Initially, I took a job with E & J Gallo Winery in Colorado working in off premise sales. This experience only helped to further my interest in winemaking and, a few years later, I made the move to California. During my first year, I was able to procure Merlot, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from a friend’s vineyard. While hand cranking the old wooden basket press, the overwhelming desire to concentrate solely on winemaking really hit me! From then on, my mission was to experience as many harvests around the world as possible.

I have worked in Australia, Uruguay, Oregon, Sonoma, Anderson Valley, Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Rita Hills, and lived in New Zealand working in the wine industry for a few years before being lured back to CA by Bob Cabral at Three Sticks.

In 2018 I created Ashley Holland Wine Consulting focusing on wines of character and elegance.