Born in the Midwest Eddie Heintz set his sights on spending his career in the great outdoors as a forest ranger. By the time he had secured his bachelor’s degree in Biology, his path had transitioned from outdoor endeavors to indoor endeavors. After working as a bartender for a few semesters, he had found a new calling, Hospitality. His father would justify this change by stating that “Eddie is still very involved in the wild-life”.

Moving to San Francisco in 1985, he established himself in “The City’s” restaurants as a very capable fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants manager. His ‘we can figure this out’ attitude helped make him a valued manager and team member in the top restaurants in S.F. at the time including Bistro Roti, Wolfgang Puck’s  Postrio, Boulevard, The Starlight Room, and Florio.

In 1999 he was ready for a change. Eddie made the move to the Big Island to help open a second Kona Wine Market, became the GM at Kona Brewing Company and eventually had the pleasure of working as the Assistant F & B Manager at the Four Seasons Hualalai, where he was awakened to what hospitality truly meant.

Armed with the spirit of Aloha Eddie returned to the mainland and discovered he was no longer a city boy.  He made the move to Napa helping open and manage the Bounty Hunter in downtown Napa, and later became the Director of Hospitality at Francis Ford Coppola Presents. Having a yearning to pass on his knowledge he became an adjunct instructor at the Culinary Institute of America at Graystone. But he had not shed his yearnings to be back in the fray, so he helped his friend open La Taberna in downtown Napa. Eddie continues to reside in Napa, happily plying his trade as the Director of Hospitality at Caymus Vineyards in Rutherford, where he continues to apply innovative ideas.

Eddie lives, works and writes from Napa, California and is available for speaking engagements.

Contact Eddie for more info.