Meet Vickie Merrick

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vickie Merrick. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Vickie with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

Where My Work Ethic Comes From
As a little girl, I’d sit in the stands watching my mother race cars. For her, second place was never an option. There was something incredible about seeing her behind the wheel: so focused and fearless. What really stuck with me was how she brought that same energy to everything: transforming our home for Christmas, starting businesses from scratch, and instilling that competitive drive in her children.
My mother never just talked about giving your all, she showed us every single day. Through her, I learned that being passionate and determined wasn’t something you save for special occasions. It’s just how you approach life.
How I Developed Skill
When I got serious about being a gymnast, my mother made sure I had whatever I needed to succeed. I poured everything into the sport, spending countless hours perfecting routines and building strength. Eventually, all that dedication paid off as I competed at elite levels and earned recognition for my performances on beam and floor.
Throughout my gymnastics journey, my mother was my biggest supporter. She made it possible for me to pursue the sport at a high level and celebrated my accomplishments with me. What stuck with me most was seeing how much joy she found in the process, not just the outcomes. She taught me that hard work itself could be rewarding.
That rubbed off on me. I love setting a goal and figuring out how to get there, no matter what gets in the way. What some people see as boring practice or roadblocks, I started seeing as just part of the journey, sometimes even the fun part.
How I Overcame the Challenge
Every career I’ve chosen needs both mental and physical work: gymnast, RN, farmer, and now winery owner. None of these paths has been easy. I’ve dealt with injuries that threatened my athletic career, the emotional drain of nursing, and unpredictable seasons that challenged our winery business.
But I look at problems like Tetris. They’re just puzzles waiting to be solved. This way of thinking turns what could be super frustrating into something more like a game. When I hit a seemingly impossible situation at the winery, I don’t see a dead end, I see pieces I need to rotate and fit together until they click.
How I Foster the Quality or Habit
What keeps my work ethic strong is constantly seeking new challenges. Going from athlete to nurse to farmer to winery owner has forced me to adapt while hanging onto that core drive. The variety keeps work interesting and prevents me from getting stuck in a rut. Through all these different careers and challenges, I’ve realized a strong work ethic isn’t about working yourself to death. It’s about bringing that race car energy my mother had to everything you do, tackling each task, big or small, with focus and the expectation you’ll excel. Just like my mother, I’ve found real joy in putting my heart into my work and watching all the puzzle pieces finally click into place.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am the owner of Adobe Hill Winery in Fallbrook, one of the newer wineries in San Diego County. We focus on Italian varieties and are proud to craft wines that reflect the land and the care we put into every step of the process. It’s a true family business. My son is our winemaker, my husband is the General Manager, and my daughter-in-law is our Creative Director. Our tasting room and vineyard team have become like family too, all sharing a passion for creating something special in this beautiful corner of California.

We’re committed to sustainable farming because we believe wine should honor the land it comes from. We use sheep to manage vegetation between the vines, make our own compost on-site, and use an electric tractor to reduce our environmental impact. Watching our vineyard thrive with these practices has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. When we first purchased this property, it was a barren, abandoned avocado grove. Seeing it transform into a thriving vineyard has been something we are incredibly proud of, and the recognition our wines have received along the way has been an unexpected but meaningful reminder that we’re doing something right.

Adobe Hill has grown into something more than just a place that makes wine. It’s become a gathering space for the community, what some people call a “third space.” There’s something special about watching strangers connect over a glass of wine in the space we created. We’re trying to bring something fresh to Southern California wine country by making excellent wine approachable and creating a welcoming atmosphere where people can make memories that last long after the bottle is empty.

Our property offers what I think is the best view in Fallbrook. The tasting patio looks out over rolling hills and vineyards that change with the seasons, from the vibrant greens of spring to the warm golds of summer. We’re also right next to the Santa Margarita hiking trail, which adds to the natural beauty surrounding us.

Hosting celebrations like weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and milestones has been one of the most rewarding parts of building this winery. Seeing people choose our space for their big moments means everything. Whether it’s a quiet toast between two people or a full celebration with friends and family, we love being part of those experiences.

On weekends, we bring in local food vendors that complement our wines. From wood-fired pizza to custom charcuterie boards, the food adds another layer to the experience without overcomplicating it. Every few months, we also host markets and seasonal events that have become favorites among both locals and visitors.

We’re always looking to enhance the experience at Adobe Hill. We’re building a kids’ play area because we believe wine country should be accessible to families too. Beyond that, we’re developing space for equestrians to keep their horses so they can ride directly to the winery, something that fits Fallbrook’s rural character perfectly. I smile thinking about the day we’ll see horses tied up outside while their riders enjoy a glass of wine on our patio.

We’ve created a place where families and dogs are always welcome. There’s something great about seeing multiple generations enjoying our space—grandparents sharing stories, kids exploring, or a dog napping in the shade while their owner enjoys a flight of wine.

For those who really connect with our wines, our wine club offers special perks and member-only experiences. Many of our members have become good friends who return again and again, marking the seasons with us. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking for a beautiful place to spend an afternoon, we invite you to visit Adobe Hill and see what we’re all about. We’ve saved a glass for you.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities played a crucial role in shaping my journey: perseverance, ignoring limitations, and knowing when to ask for help. Perseverance was key—I refused to give up, even when things felt impossible. Challenges will always arise, but pushing through those moments, staying committed, and believing in the process made all the difference. Just as important was ignoring perceived limitations, whether they came from others or from my own doubts. The world often tries to put us in boxes, but success comes from breaking out of them and proving that we are capable of more than we think. Lastly, learning to ask for help was a game-changer. No one succeeds alone, and seeking guidance, mentorship, or even just a fresh perspective can be incredibly valuable. For those just starting out, my advice is to stay determined, push past the barriers that seem to hold you back, and never be afraid to reach out. Growth happens when we challenge ourselves, trust our potential, and lean on the right people when needed.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

My mother not just told me, but showed me what it took to make/take your place in this world

Contact Info:

• Website: https://adobehillwinery.com
• Instagram: adobehillwinery
• Facebook: Adobe Hill Winery
• Yelp: Adobe Hill Winery