Hector Wine Company
About Us
Hector Wine Company’s premium wines are handcrafted by a group of passionate friends
What we’re all about
01
Legacy
In 2010, Hector Wine Company was founded by 7th generation viticulturist, Jason Hazlitt, and veteran Finger Lakes winemaker, Justin Boyette. The idea was to allow for a more stable and focused vision for Sawmill Creek Vineyards, Jason’s family vineyard and to make wines that were representative of the south east side of Seneca Lake.
02
Passion
Justin and Jason continue to push the boundaries of winemaking and Hector hospitality. Basically, we are a group of friends who are passionate about making inspired wine, working hard, and finding beauty in every experience.
03
Craftsmanship
Together we make wines that represent the centuries old Sawmill Creek Vineyards, a legendary Finger Lakes farm that has seen generations of family make wine and farm alongside their loved ones.
Our Portfolio
Browse Our Wines
Our white portfolio allows us to create wines with brightness and balance. Aromatic, mainly dry with a few off dry offerings, the whites are teeming with energy.
Our red portfolio is a true reflection of the vineyard. By employing spontaneous fermentations and no fining or filtering, the reds are expressive and distinctive of each vintage.
how the magic happens
Meet Our Team
We are proud to have created a team of thoughtful, compassionate, creative folks who make Hector Wine Company not only a place you’ll feel right at home in but one that creates some pretty damn good wine, if we do say so! We can’t wait to welcome you in our Tasting Room.
The Timeline
In 1852, David Hazlitt purchased a 154-acre fruit farm in Hector, on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake. The farm’s primary crop at the time was peaches, and it is easy to imagine cherries and apples growing abundantly on the site, as well. David Hazlitt had farmed since 1823 in Mecklenburg, about 15 miles away from the farm he acquired in Hector. A little more than a decade after purchasing the farm, the grape-growing frenzy that occurred in the 1860s enveloped the Hazlitt farm as well.
Generations later, Jim Hazlitt’s son, Eric, comes back to help manage the vineyard after spending time as an auto-mechanic. Eric Hazlitt, the 6th generation grower on the farm, is the current owner and is our grower Jason’s father.
In 1982, sons Jim Hazlitt and Jerry Hazlitt decided to split the farm between themselves, with Jerry moving forward and establishing Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards winery, and Jim establishing Hazlitt Vineyards.
By 1995, Jim recognized the need to avoid confusion with Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, and changed the name to Sawmill Creek Vineyards, paying homage to the natural work of art that is the gully bordering the vineyard on the south end of the property. Sawmill Creek is indicated with a historical marker that recounts the significance of the site.
Hector Wine Company was built upon a shared vision for craft, community and collaboration. Sawmill’s 7th generation grower Jason Hazlitt partners with cutting-edge Finger Lakes winemaker Justin Boyette with the idea to make handcrafted wines that represent the farm, to push the envelope and to be a pillar in the community for events and the arts.
We are a group of friends who are passionate about making inspired wine, working hard, and finding beauty. Together we make wines that represent the centuries old farm at Sawmill Creek Vineyards and the soul of the Finger Lakes. We welcome visitors to the winery daily to enjoy our wines in an environment that is friendly, laid back and educational.
Find your perfect bottle
Discover Your Wine Type
Not sure what kind of wine is right for you or the person you’re gifting a bottle? No problem! We believe wine shouldn’t be intimidating but rather a fun exploration of the senses and where and how you’ll be drinking it. Take our quiz to see what wine pairs best with your lifestyle!
