Meet Amy Atwood of Oeno Wines
When Amy Atwood was a child growing up in Dallas, Texas, wine was something she associated with fancy occasions—dinner parties and celebrations where her parents and their friends would toast with glasses of red and white. Little did she know that one day, she would become a trailblazer in the wine industry, known for her leadership in the natural wine movement and her unwavering commitment to sustainability, diversity, and authenticity.
Amy’s journey to winemaking was inspired by her passion for travel and exploration. “I knew from a very young age that I wanted to see the world,” she says. After moving to Australia and immersing herself in restaurant culture, she discovered the vibrant world of wine. With no Google to rely on, Amy learned the ropes the old-fashioned way—by tasting, experimenting, and diving headfirst into her new passion.
Today, Amy Atwood is the founder of Amy Atwood Wines, a producing, wholesale, and importing company specializing in natural wines. The portfolio includes her own label, OENO, and represents 21 other like-minded labels. Amy’s focus on natural wines—crafted sustainably, with minimal intervention—reflects her dedication to authenticity and the environment. “Supporting these winemakers, many of whom started out financially strapped, is what I’m most proud of,” she shares. Her work is about more than wine; it’s about uplifting the artists behind the bottles.
One such story of impact involved a young female winemaker whose entire vintage Amy purchased, effectively saving her fledgling business. Moments like these, Amy says, highlight the importance of championing diversity and inclusion in an industry where, as of 2018, only 10% of wineries in California were run by women. She believes the natural wine world, with its emphasis on creativity and community, has helped foster an environment where more women feel supported to step into leadership roles.
Amy’s pioneering spirit isn’t just about the wine itself but also about the culture surrounding it. When she launched her company in 2012, natural wine was a niche, risky venture. Now, it’s a booming segment of the industry, attracting a new generation of wine lovers. Amy attributes part of her success to her now-famous “zero asshole policy,” which she laughs about but takes seriously. “You don’t have to work with unpleasant people, and I’ve been lucky to find so many amazing individuals in this space,” she says.
Underpinning her success is her brand, OENO Wines, which reflects her philosophy of letting the wine speak for itself. Amy partners with like-minded vineyards, focusing on organic and biodynamic practices, native yeasts, and neutral oak to create wines that truly express their terroir. Based in Los Angeles, Amy splits her time between supporting winemakers, running her business, and traveling the world to deepen her understanding of wine and culture.
Amy is hopeful for the future of the wine industry. She sees more women entering the field as winemakers, sommeliers, importers, and distributors than ever before. “There’s been a positive shift in recent years, with more women feeling confident to start their own companies and speak their minds,” she says. This movement, she notes, is helping to reshape not just the wine industry but society at large.
Amy Atwood’s story is one of vision, grit, and passion. From her childhood memories of wine as a symbol of celebration to her current role as a leader in natural wine, she has always stayed true to her values. Through her work, Amy continues to redefine what it means to enjoy wine—not just as a beverage, but as a vessel for connection, sustainability, and inclusivity. With every bottle, she invites us to raise a glass to change.