Dot Wine (Winemaker, Viticulturist, & Founder)

Lise Asimont’s first major in college, biology, with the intention of following her parents into medicine, as well as her second, anthropology, would not suggest that she would pursue a career in the wine industry. Her parents were big lovers of wine, however, and her father suggested that she consider becoming a winemaker. So, after completing a B.A. in anthropology at Saint Mary’s College in 1998, Lise enrolled in the Environmental Horticulture program at the University of California, Davis, specializing in viticulture; she earned her M.S. in Viticulture in 2000.

Lise’s first post-graduation position was a one-year stint as assistant vineyard manager at Cambria Vineyards, which is located in a challenging region to farm because of its unique mesoclimate. She joined Beam Wine Estates in Healdsburg, where she worked until 2006 as grower relations representative. Lise then became Director of Grower Relations for Francis Coppola Winery in Geyserville until late 2017. This was followed by Lise’s working for VinSense, a firm marketing technology for increasing wine quality, yield, and sustainability. By early 2019, she had returned to her viticultural roots by joining Cakebread Cellars in the Napa Valley as Director of Vineyard Operations. This was followed by her being named Vice President of Grower Relations and Winery Operations for the Foley Family of Wines in 2022.

Along with her artist husband, Shawn Phillips, Lise launched her own label, Dot Wine, in 2016. Founding the enterprise came at the impetus of Shawn, who couldn’t find a Pinot Noir she loved, so he dared her to start making her own. Not surprisingly, she is focusing on crafting Pinots but also makes Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Rosé, and a sparkling Brut.

In early 2020, Lise established Lise Asimont Winegrowing Consulting, providing expertise in sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices focused on improving wine quality and profitability. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Santa Rosa Junior College, where she teaches the science and technology that, as she says, she loves!