Annie Lee

Salinas-born and West Point-educated, Annie Lee’s journey from the military to the vineyard is as dynamic as it gets. Annie’s academic foundation was laid at the US Military Academy at West Point, where she commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer. She reported to the 1st Cavalry Division and was among the first women to serve as a Fire Support Officer in Infantry and Armor units and deploying with the 1st Cavalry Division in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

After a decade of service, she traded her uniform for overalls, cultivating her passion for farming at Carnation Farm in Western Washington. This segued beautifully into her next chapter at Morgan Winery in Salinas, CA, where she delves into Vineyard Management and Business Administration. She channels her passion for service, discipline, and leadership into viticulture alongside her father, Dan Morgan Lee.

Balancing her demanding role at the vineyard and family office, Annie also embraces life as a mother to a daughter, Ada, and as the wife of US Navy Lieutenant Commander Alli Hamel. She continues to serve as a Major in the US Army Reserve. Annie Lee’s transition from a highly decorated officer to a pioneering force in viticulture embodies a journey of courage, dedication, and leadership, both on and off the fields.