The Heringer Family
Cultivating joy from our family to yours.
Clarksburg, Ca has been the Heringer family home since 1868 when John Heringa immigrated from Holland to California. John came to the Sacramento River Delta with his family to farm and build his legacy. Through seven generations the family has farmed various row crops, such as alfalfa, corn, sugar beets, and tomatoes. In the 1970s the Heringer family planted their first vineyard. That first planting of wine grapes was the beginning of a changing agriculture market in California and the start of the Clarksburg Wine Country that we love today.
Today the family shows the same boot strapping determination and love for their land and community at Heringer Estates by producing over 30 certified sustainable wines, offering a customizable wine club, hosting private events and weddings, and opening up their home estate as a tasting room for daily wine tasting experiences.
Meet the Family
Winemaker Mike Heringer
For Mike Heringer being the Heringer Estates winemaker means more than producing wine. His wine making approach comes from a deep passion for his family, and for Clarksburg.
Mike graduated from California State University, Fresno and established Heringer Estates in 2003. With caring attention from grape to glass, Mike Heringer produces over 30 different wine varietals and blends with the purpose of showcasing the Clarksburg AVA and allowing the wine grapes to express their true character.
“I’ve kind of fallen in love with the whole process. From pruning to bud break, we start a new chapter–a new season–following the grapes to produce the best wine we can. And we get to do it again and again.”
Vineyard and General Manager Stephen F. Heringer IV
After 12 years in the military as a helicopter pilot and officer, Stephen is dedicated to the continuation of the Heringer farming legacy. Wearing many hats in the family business, he is responsible for the day-to-day operations in the vineyard and winery and understands that each part of the business is critical to creating a beautiful glass of wine.
“What we do in the vineyard establishes the foundation from which Mike is able to create such fantastic products in the winery.”
Wine Club Manager Stacy Heringer-McElfish
In 2003 Stacy started the Wine Club at Heringer Estates with a background in recreation and special events from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. With hard work, organization, and diligence, she has been able to build a multi tiered club offering benefits such as free shipping, exclusive events, and customization.
Stacy most enjoys the events at Heringer Estates, where she gets to greet her members with a smile.
“I really enjoy greeting people, having conversations, and being part of the family business.”
Mom and Papa Steve
The power couple behind Heringer Estates. “Papa” Steve and Donna Heringer are the parents of Mike, Stephen, and Stacy and could not be prouder of their children for carrying on the family’s agricultural legacy. Both Steve and Donna help with on and offsite events, are very involved in the Clarksburg community, and are over all a huge support for the family business.
The Foundation
Embracing the fullness of life in the Sacramento River Delta, Marjorie and Lester Heringer were dedicated to providing an agricultural heritage for their seven children. As the grandparents of Heringer Estates’ owners Michael, Stephen, and Stacy, the couple continued the farming legacy of Lester’s great grandparents farming crops in the rich soil and providing the opportunity for their children to do the same. Marjoire and Lester enjoyed attending winery events at the family home, visited with guests, and were proud of their grandchildren’s development of Heringer Estates.
The Heringer Family Toasts to You
It is only with the continued support and care from the community and wine lovers everywhere that Heringer Estates can continue to be a sustainable farm for future generations. The Heringer Family toasts to your celebrations, your small get-togethers, and even your quiet times.