Marie-Laure Ammons was born and raised in the rural Limousin region of France. Surrounded by an agricultural community, she seemed destined to become involved in the wine industry. After earning winemaking diplomas at universities in both Burgundy and Bordeaux, she initiated her professional career with stints at Domaine Lejeune in Pommard, Château de Pressac Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, and négociant Dulong in Bordeaux.

Marie-Laure broadened her French winemaking experience by moving to the Napa Valley and joining the Philippe Melka team in 2003. She was soon convinced that the energy of the group and the potential for making quality wine made California the place to be. As of the 2010 vintage, she became the head winemaker at Oakville East.