Our Owners

Laetitia Vineyards & Winery is guided by the passion and experience of Eric Hickey, Ejnar Knudsen, and Jeff Nicholson. Eric has been part of Laetitia since 1988, working his way from the cellar to head winemaker, with a focus on crafting elegant estate wines and leading the winery’s sustainability efforts. Ejnar, a lifelong member of California’s agricultural community, fell in love with Laetitia as a Cal Poly student and brings deep ties to both farming and education through his family’s support of Cal Poly’s Wine and Viticulture Center. Jeff, an entrepreneur with decades of experience in food and agricultural distribution, contributes valuable operations and logistics expertise, as well as a strong connection to the Central Coast community.

Together, they are committed to supporting Laetitia’s employees, nurturing community partnerships, and ensuring that every guest—whether a longtime member or first-time visitor—feels at home on the estate.