We're a boutique winery with a spirit of fun making extraordinary wines.
Only eleven years old, Spicy Vines has made a name for itself in the competitive wine region of Northern California. With their charisma and panache, they are the epitome of hip, cool and far-out California wine culture.
Spicy Vines is a small independent family-owned winery located in Healdsburg, the heart of Sonoma County, California.
From humble roots, the winery was founded in 2011 by female entrepreneur, Crystalyn Hoffman with a vision to create a distinctively fresh winery with a spirit of fun. Three years into her journey, Crystalyn met Doug Hackett, now partner, husband and winemaker extraordinaire of Spicy Vines. A true artisan at his craft, Doug brings over 24 years of winemaking experience to the partnership, having worked with some of the most coveted vineyards across Sonoma and Mendocino counties.
The dynamic duo joined forces and have never looked back, as they continue to focus on making world class wines that exude purity, depth and balance and that are honest expressions of their soil, varietal, climate and character.
Why the name, "Spicy Vines", you ask? The name comes from the free spirited and unapologetically chill vibe of the winery. In addition to just being friendly humans, these two also make one very special wine that is actually spiced (like Christmas). A wine so unique, it has turned the industry on its head for being so blasphemous, yet so delicious! Try it for yourself, and you too will understand the obsession.
Spicy Vines has become a winery able to master quality and fun in all that it does. Whether you are drawn to its artisan wines, the down-to-earth vibe, craft wine cocktails or live music on Saturdays, this winery is sure to leave you impressed.
Every great wine starts with a great story.
Crystalyn Hoffman
Founder, Managing Director
Spicy Vines gets it sauciness from its "mistress of spice", the woman behind the vision. Without her spunk, creativity and drive, there would be no Spicy Vines.
Born in El Paso, Texas, Crystalyn grew up spending much of her early life on a horse. Unafraid to roll up her sleeves and dive right into something, Crystalyn accredits much of her work ethic and many of her life lessons to the time she spent working with horses. As an accomplished equestrian, Crystalyn trained predominantly in the disciplines of Dressage and Stadium Jumping. She is grateful to have had the opportunity to travel the world, train with and among Olympic athletes and compete and win in various FEI competitions.
In 2010, after spending a year of riding in Germany, Crystalyn returned to the wine country with an idea that would eventually lead to the creation of Spicy Vines and a whole new category of wine. Read more ->
Crystalyn’s days now spent as a young wine renaissance women, are far from boring. You may find her at the winery assisting Doug on production, in the tasting room warmly welcoming a new customer or keeping the engine at work for the winery. Indeed, she is a wearer of many hats and always looking for a new challenge to embark upon!
Doug Hackett
Partner, "Just the Winemaker"
We have a (sarcastic) joke around here that Doug is "Just the Winemaker". Obviously, being the winemaker is a pretty monumental task and important role in our winery. Doug brings more than just his incredible talent for making great wine. His fun attitude, charisma and knowledge are in essence, the " vibe" of Spicy Vines.
A true artisan winemaker and seasoned vintner, Doug is arguably one of the most talented winemakers in California that may not be on your radar. Having been awarded over 200 medals and 90+ point ratings throughout his winemaking career, Doug’s accolades speak for themselves.
Doug possesses a keen sense of harmoniously mingling with the wine and graciously interacting with the public. He is a wine ambassador with an innate ability to articulate to audiences ranging from wine virgin to aficionado. Read more ->
