Our Team

With a background in theatre and a flair for storytelling, Declan brings an entertaining and welcoming touch to our tasting room. Known for his kind spirit and quick wit, he combines a genuine passion for wine with an imaginative approach, making every visit memorable.

When Declan is not dazzling guests with his wildly creative descriptions of our wines, you might find him unwinding with his favorite video games, reading anime, or writing, directing and/ or acting in a local theatre play. Declan’s goal is simple: to ensure everyone leaves with a smile, a new favorite wine, and an experience they’ll remember fondly.

Keegan brings both heart and muscle to our tasting room, embodying the hardworking, fun-loving spirit of our boutique winery.

A Led Zeppelin enthusiast and fitness fan, he’s as passionate about helping others as he is about getting buff! Keegan is here to make sure every visit is relaxed, memorable, and filled with great vibes.

Armando and Mariano are the heart and hands behind the scenes of our winemaking journey. These brothers from Oaxaca work closely with Doug in the cellar, bringing dedication and care to every step of the winemaking process.

Their teamwork, passion, and expertise in both the winery and the vineyard make them an invaluable part of our family. Armando and Mariano infuse each vintage with their hard work, and a touch of the spirit that makes our boutique winery truly special.

Collin is our quiet yet mighty force who occasionally works behind the scenes to make sure everything flows smoothly. Splitting his time between the winery and the tasting room, he’s the thoughtful, dependable hand that keeps things running.

With a knack for getting things done and a calm presence, Collin is an essential part of our team, helping bring a touch of seamless care to every bottle and guest experience.

Around here, we jokingly refer to Doug as "Just the Winemaker," but his role at Spicy Vines is far more than just winemaking. Doug brings not only his exceptional talent for crafting outstanding wines but also his fun-loving attitude, charisma, and extensive knowledge that together shape the very vibe of Spicy Vines.

A true artisan winemaker and seasoned vintner, Doug is arguably one of California’s most talented winemakers you may not yet know. With over 200 medals and consistent 90+ point ratings, Doug’s accolades speak for themselves.

Doug’s journey began in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. From there, he moved to New Mexico to study Journalism, which led him to Montana, where he built a successful career in radio and TV broadcasting. Eventually, his path brought him to California, where he discovered his true passion for winemaking. His natural charisma now makes him a skillful wine ambassador with a knack for connecting with everyone from wine newcomers to seasoned aficionados.

Spicy Vines owes its spirited personality to its "mistress of spice," Crystalyn Hackett, the driving force behind our vision. With degrees in both Art and Business, she seamlessly blends her creative and analytical skills into the winery and is the wearer of many hats.

Crystalyn is passionately committed to creating exceptional experiences for our guests, expanding the winery's reach, and fostering growth in all aspects of the business.

As a split Texas and California native, Crystalyn spent much of her early life on horseback. She's an accomplished international dressage competitor who has trained alongside Olympic athletes, and credits much of her work ethic and resilience to the lessons she's learned working with horses. Outside of work, Crystalyn finds joy in being a mother, mentoring other female entrepreneurs and hiking.