For Andrew and Erin Eckert, wine is more than just a drink; it’s a symbol of the artistry of human hands working with nature. Having grown up in Napa Valley, Andrew was familiar with the rhythms of the wine industry, working at Beringer Vineyards for his first job. His love for nature and wine, along with his passion for science, led him to pursue a doctorate in Botany, eventually finding his way to VCU in 2011. Andrew fondly remembers, “My first gift to Lisa (my mother-in-law), right after Erin and I met, was a case of wine shipped to her house. Luckily, she enjoyed it enough to allow me to marry her wonderful daughter. To this day, we always share a toast to commemorate the blending of our varied experiences.”

The couple decided on having one child together—Charlie, who was born in 2016. They felt complete with their family as it was, with Andrew‘s two children from a previous marriage and the addition of Charlie. Andrew shares, “Our blended family has had its ups and downs, including serious health scares, intricacies of navigating blended family dynamics, and balancing two demanding jobs serving our local community (professor and nurse).” Yet, despite the challenges, their commitment to creating a loving, resilient, and service-oriented home remains unwavering. Andrew’s hope for their children is clear: “We want our children to grow from their awesome experiences here in Salisbury to realize their full potential as loving, compassionate, and humble adults.”

Neither Andrew nor Erin grew up in Salisbury, but it became their home when they moved here in January 2018. While they didn’t have deep roots in the neighborhood, their connection to the area quickly grew strong. Andrew reflects, “The neighborhood, with its natural beauty and strong sense of community, became the perfect place for us to raise our kids.”

Family traditions are an integral part of this family’s identity, and many of them revolve around shared interests in nature, sports, and faith. The family has hiked through the backwoods of Shenandoah National Park and the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. Baseball is also a huge part of their family life, with Erin embracing her role as the ultimate “boy mom.” Charlie, who has been playing Little League for years, even helped his team win the Huguenot Little League machine-pitch championship last year. 

As a family, they continue to live a life rooted in love, shared traditions, and a sense of community. They are shaping a future that embraces both their diverse backgrounds and their commitment to creating a life filled with joy, adventure, and service.