In 1988, Eric Hickey began his hands-on training at Laetitia in the cellar alongside his father, who was a Production Manager at the time. In his 20s, he traveled to France through a U.C. Davis extension program and immersed himself in the wines of Rhône, Burgundy, and Bordeaux. In 2000, Hickey was named Head Winemaker, earning a reputation for making elegant estate wines that showcase the character and diversity of the Arroyo Grande Valley AVA. He has since taken on the role of Senior Winemaker and General Manager.

Hickey oversees production, focusing on sparkling wine and Pinot Noir; his winemaking philosophy is simple, and his style is fundamentally about bringing balance, finesse, and showcasing the essence of the fruit. Expanding the long-standing sustainability program, Hickey helped Laetitia become one of the region’s first Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Certified vineyards in 2008. His commitment to resource stewardship and social responsibility are hallmarks of his desire to produce high quality wines in alignment with respect for the environment. In 2024, he became a partner in the business, ensuring the continued longevity of the Laetitia brand, one of the original and most storied sparkling producers on the central coast.

Eric is a panelist for Sparkling Wines and Champagnes: Classic, Sophisticated and Timeless seminar on Saturday, March 1 from 9:30am - 11:30am.