Our Story
Early Days
Neighborhood Stomping Grounds
Growing up we had an energetic neighborhood. By happenstance, an eclectic group of young professionals and their rambunctious children created a special moment in space and time. Via their collective post-work reprieve, individuals who were once strangers, eventually became friends. And over years — and hundreds of bottles of wine on the curb — transcended into family.
Open-door policies, shared stories, and an annual block party full of makeshift attractions, deepened this sense of community. One neighbor, who at the time was a prominent up and coming vintner and wine-maker, sparked in us a curious fascination that turned into an intensive hobby. They shared their knowledge, network, and expertise to transform our home into a part-time grape stomping grounds, part-time wine cellar, and full-time social hub.
Our house became the homebase for a garage-grown wine practice. In the late summer a truckload of grapes would arrive and all the neighbors would show up with their kids for the annual grape stomp at the Heffernan’s. Wine would be barrelled and stored in the basement until ready for bottling. Father and son, with the help from the neighborhood, would hand-bottle and cork every. last. drop.
What began as a social side project has evolved through the years — both in name and in practice — from a Heffernan hobby to Vannucci Vineyards. Now, well beyond the confines of our garage, elements of the ‘neighborhood’ may have disbanded, but the culture remains.
