In the world of wine, there are certain figures whose influence reaches far beyond the vineyards and cellars they steward. For me, Sam Sebastiani was one of those rare people—a mentor whose passion, integrity, and dedication shaped not only my approach to business and leadership but also became part of the very foundation on which Copper Peak Logistics was built.
For Merilee and me, our 27-year journey working together began under Sam’s guidance at Viansa Winery. Working for Sam was, we often say, our first course in passion-driven business. He didn’t just want things done—he wanted them done with heart. He believed that excellence was born not from process alone, but from dedication: dedication to the craft, dedication to the people behind it, and dedication to the experience it created for others.
Sam was notorious for showing up at odd hours to demonstrate solidarity and commitment to his team during crunch times. I’ll never forget the countless times he would walk through my office door at 3:00 a.m., offering a few words of acknowledgment, thanks, wisdom, and motivation. During those quiet moments, I learned from Sam that logistics, like winemaking, can be artful. It’s not just about moving boxes or meeting deadlines—it’s about honoring the artistry that goes into every bottle.
I’ll never forget Sam explaining how important the art of direct-to-consumer shipping truly was. He wanted every customer to feel reconnected to their first experience at Viansa—to remember what made them fall in love with the brand each time they opened a box. The vineyard and winemaking teams crafted the product, the grounds crew set the stage by tending the winery so beautifully, the tasting room and direct marketing teams created the experience—and my team was entrusted to keep that love going, and hopefully growing, month after month.
Sam had a remarkable way of making you feel seen and valued. He knew your name, asked about your family, and genuinely listened to what you had to say. He taught me that how you treat your people—your team, your customers, your partners—matters just as much as what you produce.
When the Lane family invited me to help create Copper Peak from the ground up, I knew it was a rare opportunity I couldn’t turn down. From day one, my goal was to create a place where people felt heard, where quality mattered more than shortcuts, and where relationships were everything. Those ideals—inspired by Sam—remain the heartbeat of who we are today. One of my proudest moments at Copper Peak was the full-circle day when Sam asked us to become the logistics provider for his winery, La Chertosa Old World Wines.
Here’s to you, Sam—thank you for believing in people, for leading with heart, and for showing us that legacy isn’t just what you leave behind. It’s what you inspire others to carry forward.
With gratitude and love,
Stacey
Everyone at Copper Peak Logistics extends our deepest condolences to Robin and the entire Sebastiani family, as well as to Jane, Derek, and the entire La Chertosa team. Our hearts are with you during this difficult time, and we honor the remarkable legacy and spirit that Sam leaves behind.