An Inspirational Story in Honor of Women’s History Month

A story of “Yes She Can” by Crystalyn Hackett on how she pursued her dream of starting a winery, but not just any winery – Spicy Vines, a fun, approachable, and straight-up down to earth winery making some kick-ass wines right here in Healdsburg.

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Someone once asked me, “don’t you have to be old and rich to start a winery?” A very valid question, and one that in many circumstances is not far from the truth, just not my truth. As a mid-twenty-something year old who had just dived headfirst into the wine industry with a dream, a (sort-of) plan and a big ol’ Texas-sized gulp of ambition to start a winery, the only and honest words that flowed from my mouth in response to this question were, “perhaps, or you’ve just got to be young and tenacious”. Believe me, my own words shocked me just as much as they did validate my internal belief that, with the right mindset and dedication, you can accomplish anything that you set out to do.

It all Started When:

It was 2011, the year that Spicy Vines was born. I had just returned to California from living abroad in Europe. A newfound interest in wine was on my mind, and I found myself actively developing my palate, passion, and appreciation for it. I had discovered some great old-world wines throughout my travels in Germany, Spain, Italy, and France, all of which now, had given me a good baseline for my exploration of California wines.

The Journey that Awaits:

I initially found myself seeking out local wineries that I felt I could fully resonate with, meaning, ones that were putting equal importance into the quality of their wines as they were into the experiences around enjoying them. I was in search for a brand that was not afraid to be different, show its feathers or take you on a journey, unlike any other wine adventure you’d ever been on before. One that could scream, “try our wines, they’re freakin’ delicious!” as well as, “let’s have some fun, shall we?” I remember reminding my twenty-something-year-old self not to yawn if I had to step into one more stuffy tasting room, no matter how great the wines were, and this needed to change.

Forging a New Path Forward:

Did I ever find the perfect wine brand that I was looking for? Not exactly. So, I decided to create one myself. Not only that, I was also now determined to be the first person to bring a unique type of California spiced wine that I had enjoyed abroad to our domestic market. It was this odd obsession to find the perfect “wine vibe” as I called it, and bring something truly unique here, that led me to start and create the Spicy Vines that we have today.

Just Another Day at Spicy Vines:

If you enter our Healdsburg tasting room, you are usually greeted by a Hackett family member, as though you are stepping right into our own home. You immediately feel welcome and yet, you also get the sense that there is something special in store for you here, an element of surprise that immediately plants a seed of intrigue. You grab a couch, order a tasting and charcuterie board, and quickly make friends with the couple to your left lounging in an adjacent couch. While doing so, a gentleman walks across the room, pulls a guitar off the wall and proceeds to serenade the room with an outstanding rendition of Norwegian Wood by the Beetles – one of your all-time favorites. Each wine impresses you more and more and finally when asked, which is your favorite, you simply can’t choose one because you love them all, even the spicy wines. The vibe, the music, the conversation, the company – all is in perfect harmony, and in this moment, you are overcome with gratitude that you get to enjoy this experience with those around you. “It’s just another day at Spicy Vines”, as we like to call it. This is a place where magic happens.

All Are Welcome Here:

I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to curate such an inclusive, creative, and welcoming space as Spicy Vines. Our wines are awesome, thanks to my husband and winemaker, Doug, and our vibe is a pure and authentic representation of who we are and what we stand for – quality and creativity expressed through our wines, community, and experiences. I am reminded each time I walk into the wine tasting room in Healdsburg of why I was so hell-bent on following my passion into the wine industry in the first place. This place we call Spicy Vines would not be in existence today had I not grabbed onto my silly and rather ambitious dreams by the horns and ran with them.

Reflections That Shape the Future:

My journey to where I am today has been uniquely my own. It has been challenging, beautiful, insightful, and humbling. Navigating the challenges of starting a business as a young woman, particularly in a male dominated industry with professionals nearly twice my age, has been no easy feat. The wine and service industries can be challenging and require many hats, especially if you are small. You must learn to be nimble, adaptive and above all, know to put your customer first. I have learned to get up from my mistakes, take good advice when given, and most of all, and listen to my intuition – a secret weapon that I believe all women instinctually have, but often don’t use enough.

Advice to Other Women Entrepreneurs:

My advice for any women reading this, especially if you may be tinkering with the idea of starting a venture of your own; go for it. Your industry needs and deserves your special touch and positive change, the change that only you can make. No matter how silly the idea, how daunting the challenge, how old, young, or unequipped you may feel, or how competitive the landscape may be. If you have something to offer to others, it is your job to create it. I promise, when you step back and see the fruits of your work years from now, you will be rewarded beyond belief.