Where it all Began

Patricio and Angela Balducci moved here from Italy in 1906 to start a new life. Angela was from a beautiful little town called Loano, right on the northern Mediterranean Sea, and Patricio was from Gatiola in Tuscany. They gave America a taste of their Italian heritage throughout their lives, thriving in the wine and food industry. Their love for fine wine and good food has remained a strong family characteristic.

Their son, Louis P. Balducci, worked in the California vineyards as a young man, which ignited his passion for wine. After his return from World War II in 1946, he opened Balducci Wine Company. Word travels fast, and Louis quickly became a notable and respected wine specialist in the Midwest.

Rick & Carol Balducci

Rick and Carol Balducci both grew up in the St. Louis area. Rick, a former football athlete, attended CBC High School and Kansas State University on a scholarship, and later served as a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War. Carol began her career in the restaurant industry at the young age of 15.

In 1975, Rick opened up Balducci’s Restaurant in Maryland Heights, Missouri. Carol started working at the restaurant in 1979, and the two later married in 1985. The couple moved to Augusta, Missouri in 1987 where the dream for Balducci Vineyards began. Since then, the establishment has earned numerous awards, wonderful reviews, and has been a “Reader’s Choice” winner for 10 years.

Nic Balducci

Rick and Carol have three children—Natalie, Nic, and Nate. Nic is the next generation winemaker at Balducci Vineyards. He has a strong passion for winemaking, and is mostly self-taught. He has attended many training sessions and wine seminars, and studies day and night to improve his craft.

The Team

Balducci Vineyards takes great pride in their carefully selected staff members. General Manager Vickie Oxford [vickie@balduccismail.com] and Event Coordinator Anne Keller [anne@balduccismail.com] handle many day-to-day operations alongside Rick, Carol, Nic, and the many other team members to make the company run smoothly and successfully.