Leland Fishman grew up in Sonoma County, and has lived here nearly all his life. He spent most of his career running the family business, Fishman Supply, which was a purveyor of janitorial and packaging supplies to local businesses, including wineries. He is married to Anne Mirante, and together they enjoy wine, especially from the Petaluma Gap. Leland joined our Board of Directors in 2025, as an At Large member, representing our consumer Friends of the Petaluma Gap. Here’s his story.
You’re a Sonoma County local and graduated from Rancho Cotati High School in Rohnert Park, where you were Student Body President. Tell us how you became the President and about what it was like growing up in the 70’s.
I grew up in Penngrove, and back then both Rohnert Park Jr High and Rancho Cotati High were part of the Petaluma School District, so we rode the bus there to school. My dad was on the Board of Education and my mother was very involved in non-profits, so it only seemed natural to run for a student office. I’d love to say I ran a hard campaign, but as I remember I ran unopposed.
What was your early childhood family life like? Did you have family gatherings and was wine a part of that experience? What is your first wine-related memory?
We had a big family, with four brothers, and tons of extended family partaking in family events. My earliest memory of wine was being a kid and going with my parents when they would take friends wine tasting at Italian Swiss Colony Winery in Asti. I can still remember the smell of fermenting wine and the old world feel of the tasting room. My first personal experience with wine was when I was in college, and I helped cater an event for the Board of Trustees at The University of San Francisco where I got my undergraduate degree. They were serving a 25 year old Beaulieu Cabernet Sauvignon, and after the event the we were allowed to try the leftover wine. I was sold on how smooth it went down. I’ve been a wine drinker ever since.
Have you always lived in California? Or have you ever resided elsewhere?
I grew up in Petaluma, and except for college in San Francisco and two years working in Southern California, I’ve called Petaluma home.
You spent the better part of your career as the owner of Fishman Supply, where you sold janitorial supplies to local businesses, including many wineries. How did you end up starting the business? What kind of supplies did you sell to your winery customers?
My parents started Fishman Supply in 1967 after leaving the poultry business. I joined in 1981 and began expanding. We provided wineries and other businesses with sanitary supplies, packaging products, safety and first aid supplies and office products. We helped develop a wine carrier for a local winery group that had a map of their AVA on one side of the box and the logos of all their wineries on the other. As they expanded their portfolio, we changed the map and the logos to go along with their growth. It was a fun project to work on.
You are married to Anne Mirante. Where and how did you meet? Do you both have a love of wine? What are your favorite varieties? xYour favorite meal with wine?
Anne and I were introduced by mutual friends who knew we were both in the business world, Anne was a Corporate Officer for Cost Plus World Market, and we both like to cycle. Our first three dates were bike rides. On the wine end of things, we’re fortunate to live in The Gap, because we love a good Chardonnay and a good Pinot. Add a nice rack of lamb or some Liberty Duck and we’re all set.
You enjoy traveling and have been to many distant countries. What is the most interesting country you’ve visited? Was wine served there? Where next?
We spent the month of January in New Zealand and tasted many of their wines. But we also enjoyed the Petaluma Gap Wine Cruise in France where we compared Gap wines to Old World Varietals. I think the GAP held up quite well. We’re excited to being joining the GAP again on the Portugal Cruise next year.
You are a talented photographer with an avid interest in birds. Tell us about how you got started photographing our local bird population.
I took up photography for our trip to New Zealand and got hooked. Shooting birds is a challenge, but with Petaluma’s Ellis Creek Wetland and Shollenberger Park I have plenty of subjects to hone my skill.
Do you have any children? Are they involved in the supply business or wine business?
I have two sons and Anne has two. Together we have three beautiful and talented daughter in-laws. My oldest son still works for the company that purchased Fishman Supply, my youngest is in the mortgage business, Anne’s oldest is a housing expert working for the Bay Area Council, and her youngest is a student at The Santa Rosa Junior College.
There are photos of airplanes on your social media pages. Are you a private pilot?
I am a private pilot, but I haven’t flown is a few years. I’ve owned two planes, a Piper Archer and a Cessna 205 Stationaire.
How did you get involved with PGWA?
My good friend Andy Eber encouraged me to join as a Friend of The Gap, and then to take his spot as an at large board member.
You’ve been a member of PGWA for many years. What is your favorite memory of an event or experience with the Gap?
Last year’s Wind to Wine Festival at Beaumont Farms was a great time. I’m really looking forward to our next event in October.