Greg & Mary Hedrick

Greg grew up on a small farm in rural North Carolina. The value of hard work and taking care of the land was instilled in him at an early age. “Organic Farming” was what his family practiced but no one knew to call it that during those years. Greg attended North Carolina State University and majored in Chemical Engineering. This allowed him to blend his love of the land with the chemistry and processes that an Engineering degree offered.

Greg and Mary met during college and married after graduating. Both have enjoyed traveling and finding new adventures. Mary brings design-focused acumen providing a detailed and personalized experience. Her keenness for hospitality has enabled the curation of an experience unlike any other.

By 1998, Greg was managing the Life Sciences business for the Chemical Company he had started with upon his graduation. This required him to travel to Europe on a frequent basis. In fact, this job allowed him to travel to Italy 40-50 times over a 20+ year span. Whenever possible, Mary would travel with him. They began to discover and experience the food and wine culture that is unique to the Old World. Mary and Greg especially enjoyed the food, wine, and family atmosphere that is so prevalent in Italy. Greg became intrigued by the linkage between agriculture and the chemistry and the art of winemaking. Mary fell in love with the Italian lifestyle and hospitable culture. It became normal for them to spend their free time while traveling with winemakers, many of whom they now call friends. Greg even convinced a winemaker in Montalcino to allow him to work the harvest in 2007. This experience fueled his curiosity and thirst for knowledge of winemaking. Beginning in 2008, Greg and Mary began taking some of their friends and family on leisure trips to Italy. The goal was then, as it is now, to show others the Italy that they had grown to love.

A serendipitous introduction in 2009 foreshadowed what would become Wines For Friends. Greg was in Italy on business and stopped by a local enoteca (wine bar) to taste some wines from the newest vintage of Brunello di Montalcino. One of the wines that he tasted was flawed. The owner of the enoteca asked if he would like to taste a new producer’s first Brunello instead. Not expecting much since this producer was so new, he agreed to taste the wine. He was mesmerized. Greg asked the enoteca owner where his winery was located and he gave him directions.

That evening, Greg drove to his house and knocked on his door. The producer answered and Greg explained that he had just tasted his wine and had to meet him in person and to let him know how much he enjoyed the wine. Like a true Italian, he invited Greg into his home and three hours later he left gaining a new friend. They kept in touch and Greg and Mary visited him and his wife several more times on subsequent trips to Italy. In 2012, he contacted Greg and said that he had decided to bottle a special wine that he was naming “For Friends” and had reserved a double magnum for him. As you can imagine Greg was touched. In 2019 when Mary and Greg decided to start their new business venture it was clear what the name should be…
Wines For Friends.