North Bay Woman

S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 | NORTH BAY WOMAN 45 By Adrienne Shubin my and Fred Groth stared out at the stunning vistas of Sonoma Valley from their seats on the patio at Gloria Ferrer in 2008. They looked at each other and uttered, "Let's do this." "This" was a leap of faith and a consider- able undertaking that would uproot their lives in Boulder, Colo- rado, where they were raising their three small children, and tending to well-established careers. Fred left behind a 15- year tenure as director of a technical group at an environmental firm. Amy said goodbye to the successful wedding and event planning company she owned since college. "This" was making and selling organic limoncello made with high-quality ingredients in Sonoma. During their visit to the Bay Area, the Groths fell in love with the natural beauty, interesting people and culture of Sonoma Valley, as well as its fine wines, cheeses, olive oils, bacon and other delicacies that make the region so special. They noticed the appreciation for the farm-to-table philosophy. So much about Sonoma Valley reminded them of Italy, their favorite travel destination, but something was missing: limoncello. Making homemade limoncello to serve at parties and give as gifts at Christmas to family and friends since the 1990s, the Groths knew how much people loved this citrusy aperitif, an element of many Clockwise from left: Left to right; Spirit Guide Simonne Mitchelson, Spirited Manager Kayla Berthoud, and owners Amy and Fred Groth in the tasting room at Prohibition Spirits. – Photo by Stuart Lirette; Prohibition Spirits' collection of brandies. – Photo provided by Prohibition Spirits; An assortment of fine liquors on the bar at Prohibition Spirits. – Photo by Stuart Lirette ; Sonoma Vodka. – Photo provided by Prohibition Spirits; A collection of bottles of Jack's Ginn. – Photo by Stuart Lirette LET'S DO This! A

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