Raised in Nebraska with deep ties to family farming, Andrew Heilbrun developed his land stewardship ethos early—shaped by childhood visits to corn and cattle farms and a strong work ethic instilled by his father. After nearly a decade managing vineyards at J. Lohr and working alongside industry mentors like Steve Carter and Jeff Newton, Andrew began farming the Presqu’ile estate in 2018 through Coastal Vineyard Care. He officially joined the Presqu’ile team as Vineyard & Estate Manager in 2023, drawn to the estate’s diversity, long-term vision, and deeply rooted sense of place.
As Vineyard & Estate Manager, Andrew oversees all farming across the property—from the estate vines to the truffle orchard, culinary garden, grazing animals, and avocado groves. He views the entire estate as one living system, designing his approach around biodiversity, seasonal balance, and long-term sustainability. His philosophy blends organic, regenerative, and sustainable practices—prioritizing ecological harmony over strict labels. “Sustainability equals longevity,” he says. “We are part of the ecosystem too.”
Andrew works closely with the winemaking and culinary teams to create alignment across the vineyard, cellar, and kitchen, ensuring that the estate’s output reflects a shared commitment to place and purpose. His favorite season is harvest—“the most demanding, but also the most rewarding”—and he’s currently leading the planting of Presqu’ile’s new vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, a rare opportunity to shape a world-class site from the ground up.
With a deep respect for the precision of Pinot Noir and the expressive transparency of Syrah, Andrew brings both technical rigor and poetic sensibility to his role. When not farming, he can often be found camping, fishing, or sharing a good meal and bottle of wine with family and friends.