Armin Fisher grew up in the heart of the Napa Valley, roaming the hills and canyons of Howell Mountain, while also dedicating his childhood to the violin and his musical talent. At age 13 he was invited to study at the prestigious Conservatory of Music in Vienna, and moved to Austria, together with his family, to further a possible musical career. During these formative European years, Armin developed another passion that would shape his life even further. That was his love for the Mountains. His adventures as a child in the Napa Valley hills now found flight in the rugged peaks of the European Alps.
At 19 Armin returned to California and graduated from UC Davis with degrees in International Relations and German. A path forward seeking an MBA and international business opportunities seemed the logical choice.
A gap year between studies changed his life forever. Moving to Italy to learn Italian and enjoy his passion for climbing and skiing turned into multiple years and ultimately a “dream job” combining his passion for adventure travel and the outdoors. Armin became the first non - Italian to gain entry into the prestigious “UIAGM” mountain and ski guiding association in Italy, and has run a successful guiding business in the European Alps and around the world for the past 30 years.
While traveling the globe Armin had the opportunity to develop a palate for great wine and food. Being based in Italy for so many decades made him appreciate the differences in wine and cuisine from all over the world. Having his roots and a family property in the heart of one of the most renown and exclusive areas for wine growing was the final stroke of luck that brought him full circle back to the Napa Valley. In 2014 the first vines were planted, and after many years of careful planning and hard work his vision of Sylvan Lake Vineyards has taken shape.