ABOUT Laely Heron

Heron’s philosophy and wines are direct reflections of Laely’s spirit – pioneering, adventurous, daring, smart, adaptable, thrill-seeking, irreverent, non-traditional, and international.

Point to any spot on the globe and odds are Laely Heron has been there. At last count, she has resided in or visited six of the seven continents (Antarctica will have to wait) and all 50 states. In addition to English, Laely speaks fluent French and Danish and can order dinner, drinks, and a cab in Swedish, Norwegian, Spanish and Italian.

By the age of 10, Laely had already lived in 12 states. Her father was a mining engineer and adventurer so when a business opportunity arose in Algeria, the family moved to Africa.

After a couple of years in North Africa, Laely's family hit the road, traveling first throughout southern Africa in a Volkswagen bus and later backpacking their way through Madagascar, Mauritius, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Eventually, the family returned to the States so Laely and her sister could attend high school.

After two years at the University of Colorado, wanderlust called Laely back to Europe to spend her junior year in France. Her passion for wine led to a pivotal event in her life: enrolling at the Institute of Enology in Bordeaux.

After university, Laely moved to San Francisco and became the first American
employee of the Australian giant Lindeman’s. Two years later, Laely moved back
to Europe – Denmark specifically – where she eventually started an import
company, opened a restaurant, taught wine classes, and began studies to become a Master of Wine.

Laely moved back to San Francisco and launched Heron Wines in 1995. At the time it was rare to see a woman owning a business in an industry traditionally populated by men. Her first release, a Merlot from St. Chinian in southern France, debuted in the U.S. that same year. Her portfolio soon expanded to include California Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah in addition to a six-varietal blend from the Terra Alta region of Spain. Over the next decade, Heron would become a “cult wine” among master sommeliers and chefs, a favorite “by the glass” pour in the nation’s top restaurants, and a consistent “Best Buy” in the wine press.

Today, Heron Wines makes California Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Raise a glass with us and toast 28 years of Heron Wines!

ABOUT THE HERON BRAND

Heron relentlessly focuses on the very best California appellations to create balanced, fresh classics that redefine approachability - embodying the determination of the iconic bird it represents and of Laely Heron, founder of one of the industry’s first female-owned and-produced brands.

These wines are never formulaic - each vintage of Heron reflects an exhausting search for the best grapes from the best appellations across California, to make the highest quality vintage expression that consistently showcases finesse, freshness, and balance. The brand has been a consistent “Best Buy” from Wine Enthusiast over the years because of its incredible quality, price, and as a formidable competitor to bigger brand wines.

Much like the Heron bird embodies strength, focus, and determination, we honor Laely’s near 30 years of inner wisdom and intuition to craft classic, varietally-based wines set with intention - representing a timeless, but modern take on California wines.