Justin Boyette

Justin Boyette, partner and head of winemaking, has been rooted in the Finger Lakes wine industry for the last twenty years and has been a leading force in its evolution as a world renowned wine region. Justin worked his way up by being involved in all aspects of the industry. He worked tasting rooms, events, in cellars and vineyards at places such as Rasta Ranch Vineyards, Bagley’s Poplar Ridge Vineyards, Red Newt Cellars and Atwater Estate Vineyards before partnering up with Jason to open Hector Wine Company in 2009. Justin is the visionary behind the HWC wines that have pushed the boundaries in the Finger Lakes. Utilizing old world techniques, such as native yeast fermentations, unfined and unfiltered reds and being a minimal interventionist in the cellar, have put him on the cutting edge of winemaking in the region. Justin is also a partner at Forge Cellars, a world distributed producer of high end Riesling and Pinot Noir. Outside of the winery, he loves vintage sportscars, sailing, travelling with friends and working in his garden.