Welcome!
Whether you stumbled upon us, heard about us from a friend, or remember us from our Heffernan Wine days, we’re excited to have you here at Vannucci Vineyards.
While this is an introduction to Vannucci, it’s really a re-introduction of ourselves. What once began as a hobby and social activity known as Heffernan wines has evolved through the years, both in name and practice. Not to worry though, we’re still a father and son-owned, friends-and-family wine collaboration focused on producing good-time California wines.
How It All Started
Every summer growing up in Marin County, the Heffernan house became an epicenter for what began as a garage-grown wine practice. A truckload of grapes would roll in, drawing neighbors and their kids over to our annual grape stomp. Our garage transformed into a part-time stomping ground, part-time wine cellar, and full-time social hub. Over the years — and hundreds of bottles later — these bonds grew from friends to family. These childhood memories kept close the notion of wine and its ability to bring people together.
This idea is central to Vannucci. Shared meals, generous pours, and plenty of laughter set the stage for these friendships that we hold close to our heart. Wine was and is a centerpiece in these memories for its symbolism of coming together and its ability to keep conversations, game nights, dance parties, and the occasional conspiracy theory discussions flowing until (far too) long into the night. As the years have progressed, this makeshift operation grew beyond the confines of the garage, evolving into its present-day form. Today, we’re blessed to tend to a vineyard that occupies just shy of three acres nestled on the southern tip of the Alexander Valley in Healdsburg, California. This property, known as Villa Vannucci, is an extension of our wine — a property where friends and family (with future dreams of a public tasting room) can relax, be present, and once again stay up a bit too late into the night. Vannucci — a family name — is a property, a vineyard, and an idea that reminds us all to sit back, raise a glass, and savor in good company.
Vannucci, Moving Forward
With the onset of the Vannucci rebrand, the son, Mike, has taken on more of the daily operations and expanded the cast and crew while staying true to Vannucci’s tenets. From the artists to the winemaker, we’ve brought along friends we’ve made throughout the years who have progressed in their respective careers to help bring Vannucci Wine to life.
We’re small-batch, locally sourced, and terroir-driven. We’re seriously good wines with a playful demeanor. This is conversation wine. This is food wine. This is wine best enjoyed in the presence of others.
We look forward to sharing a glass with you.