Meet Doug Hackett, the winemaker extraordinaire and man behind the dynamic wines of Spicy Vines.

Doug has always been known for producing small lot artisan wines. He prides himself on shepherding his grapes though the winemaking process, never controlling them, yet always allowing them to develop into the best wines that they can be. His minimalist approach to winemaking continues to deliver pure and balanced wines that are honest expressions of their soil, climate and character.

If you have the opportunity to taste one of Doug’s beautiful wines, you will understand that he is a master at his craft, an artist, and perhaps he may even have a dusting of magic in there somewhere.

His passion for wine and life is infectious to all who cross his path and taste his wines. Fueled by an endless supply of creative energy, which, if you ask him, “flows from within.” Doug’s zest for life, fun attitude and extensive knowledge of the wine industry has made him the rockstar winemaker that he is.

With over 24 years of winemaking experience and more than 200 medals and 90+ point ratings in counting, it is clear that winemaking is as much of an art as it is a lifestyle for Doug.

Doug was born in Montreal, Canada and raised by his grandmother in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. Venturing west at age 18 for college, Doug originally went to school to be a foreign correspondent, later finding that his infectious personality led him into the world of TV broadcasting for a period of time. His journey took him all the way from New Mexico to Montana and eventually to California, which is where he finally discovered and pursued his talent for winemaking.

Doug attributes much of his winemaking knowledge to his friend and teacher, Fred Nickel aka “Master Fred”, former winemaker for Brutocao Cellars and Jackson Keys Winery. Doug has received his winemaking certificate at UC Davis and was the co-founder and winemaker of his own boutique brand, Dogwood Cellars for twelve years prior to coming aboard Spicy Vines.

For more information, read an Interview with the Winemaker.