Hector Wine Company
When you step into Hector Wine Company, you’re likely to be greeted by a warm smile and a sense of community. Known not only for producing award-winning wines but also for their exceptional customer service and deep-rooted heritage in the South East Seneca wine scene, this winery has become a local gathering spot and a favorite for visitors to the area.
Hector Wine Company was born in 2009 when Justin Boyette and Jason Hazlitt teamed up to follow a dream that was only natural with their backgrounds in the wine industry. They met while working at Atwater Vineyards, under one of the best winemakers in the region, and current owner of Billsboro Winery Vinny Aliperti.
Justin, a Watkins Glen native, began honing his winemaking skills in 2000, with wine education through hands on experience at Rasta Ranch Vineyards, Bagley's Poplar Ridge, Red Newt Wine Cellars, and Atwater Vineyards. After a decade in the business, he had the chance to collaborate with one of the Finger Lakes’ premier grape-growing families.
Jason Hazlitt comes from a seven-generation family of grape growers, rooted in Hector since 1852. His family owns Sawmill Creek Vineyards, where his grandfather and father were pioneers in Finger Lakes viticulture. Over the years, they’ve taken bold steps to introduce unique varietals, contributing to the region’s wine diversity.
Hector Wine Company is dedicated to crafting high-quality, hand-crafted wines. Each cluster is hand-sorted, ensuring only the best quality fruit is used in their vintages. This time-consuming approach during harvest pays off in the final product. In 2022, the winery welcomed Rhett Seeley to the team, who brought with him a wealth of knowledge from his viticulture and enology studies at Cornell.
Noelle Johnson and John Moore bring their welcoming personalities and local expertise to the front of the house, creating the inviting atmosphere Hector Wine Company is known for. They help during harvest and are always eager to learn more about the winemaking process.
The wine club at Hector Wine Company offers one of the best experiences in the industry. Members enjoy wine education, vineyard tours, exclusive access to library wines, and a delicious spread during events. It’s a truly immersive experience for wine aficionados and welcoming to wine lovers who want to learn more. They continue their wine education through their winemaker dinner hosted in the slower months, where they pair up with local chefs for a unique experience with hand-picked wine pairings.
They bring the community together twice a year with their solstice and holiday parties. If you are ever in the area during one of these events, make sure to add it to your itinerary, as these events are full of great tunes, great wine, and good times.
Their Market is a unique addition, providing a grocery option to guests that is filled with locally focused products ranging from local cheese, meats, fresh bread, and pickled dilly beans. If you want to enjoy a spread at your table while you taste, you are welcome to, and if you want to just swing in and shop, that’s okay too!
Some of their best-selling wines are Sauvignon Blanc and Soul Red. Justin and Jason are big fans of their Gewurztraminer and Syrah, as they stated, "They like it spicy.
"This team brings the charisma and knowledge that make Hector Wine Company such a success. We are so excited to have them as members and hope that you stop by on your next trip to Seneca Lake. They are an embodiment of the local vibe, and we are thankful for their presence here in South East Seneca.
