Interview with the Winemaker: Doug Hackett

From hidden barrels to mountain vineyards, meet the mind behind Spicy Vines’ bold, award-winning wines.

At Spicy Vines, we believe that winemaking is part art, part science, and a whole lot of passion. And no one embodies that philosophy more than our winemaker, Doug Hackett—an industry veteran, creative force, and artisan behind many of the small-lot wines our members love.

Doug has an impressive history. Before joining Spicy Vines, he was the founder and winemaker for two boutique brands and has earned over 200 medals and 90+ point ratings throughout his career. But awards only tell part of the story. What really sets Doug apart is his spirit of experimentation and his dedication to the vineyards he works with.

“What I bring to the table is the ability to find eclectic, privately owned vineyards where the grapes are phenomenal at a great value,” Doug says. “That allows us to sell our wines at reasonable prices.”

A Winemaker Who Experiments

Doug is always tinkering in the cellar, often hiding special projects in barrels only he can find. Ask politely—and maybe say “please”—and you might get a taste of a secret batch. That creative energy is part of what makes Spicy Vines so unique.

Our wine club members are the lucky ones who get access to Doug’s one-off creations like:

Nouveau-style Pinot Noir
Counoise
Carignane
Petit Verdot
These are wines that may never see the tasting room floor—but they tell the story of a winemaker constantly pushing the envelope.

Core Lineup + Bordeaux Expansion

While Doug continues experimenting, he also leads our core portfolio, which includes:

Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
Old Vine Zinfandel
Field Blend
One or two Rosés annually

Lately, the winery has expanded its Bordeaux varietals, including:

Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Merlot
Petit Verdot
Sauvignon Blanc

All are sourced from Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak AVA, a lesser-known but incredibly high-elevation region with vineyards perched between 2,000 and 3,000 feet.

“You need three years to really understand a vineyard,” Doug shares. “You have to see the full cycle, learn its rhythms, and then the magic starts.”

Seeking Eclectic Vineyards

Doug doesn’t chase trendy regions. Instead, he seeks out under-the-radar AVAs where grapes are thriving but the price tags aren’t outrageous. The result? Wines with exceptional quality and value—a rare combo in today’s boutique wine scene.

Stop by and Say Hello

When he’s not out in the vineyards or blending in the cellar, Doug can often be found in the tasting room. Stop by for a pour, ask about what’s in barrel, and get to know the man who makes our wines so wonderfully Spicy.

From Doug Hackett

“I want people to taste what makes each vineyard unique. My job is to help those grapes tell their story—with a little creative twist along the way.”