About us
Meaning “for the love of the Earth,” Amaterra is a state-of-the-art winery and restaurant located in the slopes of Portland’s West Hills. Just minutes from downtown Portland, Amaterra serves as a destination for both residents and visitors alike and features a 12-acre vineyard, chef-driven restaurant, outdoor event lawn, and expansive valley views.
Meet the Founders
Werner Nistler, Jr., & Colleen Nistler
Founders
Husband and wife Werner Nistler, Jr. and Colleen Nistler are Co-founders of Amaterra. Their endeavor with Marcus Breuer and Matt Vuylsteke resulted in the creation of Swede Hill Vineyards in 2013, a Pinot Noir vineyard planted in Portland’s West Hills.
Werner is also the Founder and Chairman of Touchmark, which develops and operates full-service retirement communities throughout North America. Colleen serves as the Vice-Chairperson of the Touchmark Board of Directors, having held several roles including controller.
In their spare time, Werner and Colleen enjoy spending time with their six children and are active in their church community. Werner has also served on the Board of Trustees for Jesuit High School, Valley Catholic Capital Campaign, and the Catholic Charities Cabinet, organizations in which Colleen has also been involved and supported. They are also serving in support of the University of North Dakota, Werner’s alma mater. They are both avid cyclists and swimmers.
Marcus Breuer
Co-Founder and CEO
Marcus is a co-founder of Amaterra and also serves as CEO of the state-of-the-art winery set in the tree-filled slopes of Portland’s West Hills.
Outside of his time in Seattle earning his Bachelor’s of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Washington, Marcus has spent his whole life in the West Hills of Portland and calls the area his home today. Marcus worked in the banking industry for a number of years before spending time in supply chain and finance at Intel. While at Intel, Marcus received his finance MBA from Portland State University.
Building on his long-time relationship with Amaterra Founders Colleen and Werner Nistler while serving in many roles at Touchmark as well as his grade-school friendship with Amaterra Winemaker Matt Vuylsteke, Marcus helped connect all the parties and bring together the winery’s talented team of winemakers, hospitality and culinary leaders, and operations staff.
Outside of work, Marcus enjoys spending time with his wife (whom he’s known since childhood) and their four daughters skiing, golfing, and playing pickleball.
Meet the Executive Chef
Jami Flatt
Jami Flatt is the Executive Chef at Amaterra and brings with him over 20 years of professional industry experience. He earned his degree from Arizona’s Scottsdale Culinary Institute and has worked in prestigious establishments such as The Ritz-Carlton, Silver Queen Restaurant, The Nines Hotel, Urban Farmer, and Departure. Having held the roles of chef de cuisine, executive sous chef, and executive chef, he has built meaningful relationships with peers in Portland’s vast culinary scene. Jami’s menus exemplify his passion for using high-quality, seasonal, locally grown food and his profound respect for farmers and the bounty of the Pacific Northwest.
Meet the Team
Meet the Founders
Werner Nistler, Jr., & Colleen Nistler
Founders
Husband and wife Werner Nistler, Jr. and Colleen Nistler are Co-founders of Amaterra. Their endeavor with Marcus Breuer and Matt Vuylsteke resulted in the creation of Swede Hill Vineyards in 2013, a Pinot Noir vineyard planted in Portland’s West Hills.
Werner is also the Founder and Chairman of Touchmark, which develops and operates full-service retirement communities throughout North America. Colleen serves as the Vice-Chairperson of the Touchmark Board of Directors, having held several roles including controller.
In their spare time, Werner and Colleen enjoy spending time with their six children and are active in their church community. Werner has also served on the Board of Trustees for Jesuit High School, Valley Catholic Capital Campaign, and the Catholic Charities Cabinet, organizations in which Colleen has also been involved and supported. They are also serving in support of the University of North Dakota, Werner’s alma mater. They are both avid cyclists and swimmers.
Marcus Breuer
CEO
Marcus is a co-founder of Amaterra and also serves as CEO of the state-of-the-art winery set in the tree-filled slopes of Portland’s West Hills.
Outside of his time in Seattle earning his Bachelor’s of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Washington, Marcus has spent his whole life in the West Hills of Portland and calls the area his home today. Marcus worked in the banking industry for a number of years before spending time in supply chain and finance at Intel. While at Intel, Marcus received his finance MBA from Portland State University.
Building on his long-time relationship with Amaterra Founders Colleen and Werner Nistler while serving in many roles at Touchmark as well as his grade-school friendship with Amaterra Winemaker Matt Vuylsteke, Marcus helped connect all the parties and bring together the winery’s talented team of winemakers, hospitality and culinary leaders, and operations staff.
Outside of work, Marcus enjoys spending time with his wife (whom he’s known since childhood) and their four daughters skiing, golfing, and playing pickleball.
Meet the Executive Chef
Jami Flatt
Jami Flatt is the Executive Chef at Amaterra and brings with him over 20 years of professional industry experience. He earned his degree from Arizona’s Scottsdale Culinary Institute and has worked in prestigious establishments such as The Ritz-Carlton, Silver Queen Restaurant, The Nines Hotel, Urban Farmer, and Departure. Having held the roles of chef de cuisine, executive sous chef, and executive chef, he has built meaningful relationships with peers in Portland’s vast culinary scene. Jami’s menus exemplify his passion for using high-quality, seasonal, locally grown food and his profound respect for farmers and the bounty of the Pacific Northwest.
