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History of Hallcrest Vineyards & The Organic Wine Works
John C. Schumacher has a long history of winemaking. His first attempt at producing wine came at age of 13 when his parents left for vacation and left some plums on the tree. Before his mother could return to can her plums, John piled a bunch in a vat and waited for the magic to happen. Already interested in science and biology, Schumacher had read that naturally occurring yeasts on fruit skins would ferment juice into wine. "It got pretty spoiled," he admits with an embarrassed grin. "But the next year we ended up with some good plum wine." By the end of high school, Schumacher already knew what vocation he would pursue and so he entered the U.C. Davis oenology program. John, his wife Lorraine and his sister Shirin purchased the old Felton Empire site in 1987 and became the most award-winning winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains in the first years of production. While the awards are largely a testament to John's winemaking proficiency, the success of the winery is a team effort. Lorraine handles all on-site marketing and public relations pertaining to the historic, chateau-style estate. Shirin is the office manager and assists with the out of state sales.
Hallcrest Vineyards produces just under 5,000 cases annually and each wine reveals its limited production on the label. John Schumacher produces a full line of wines including Chardonnay, White Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel. With the introduction of wines from organically grown grapes and establishing the first certified organic vineyard on the Central Coast, John has become a pioneer in the ecological movement. Now the introduction of "The Organic Wine Works" (OWW) has taken the country by storm. John was challenged by an industry that believed quality wines couldn't be produced without the use of sulfites or other additives. Not only has the Organic Wine Works become the nation's first certified organic wine without the use of sulfites but it has also gotten positive reviews by prominent wine writers. This has given John C. Schumacher the reputation of being a rebel winemaker in the industry. Located just a half mile from the small town of Felton, Hallcrest Vineyards is one of the most charming locations in the Santa Cruz mountains. The Schumachers invite you to enjoy the beautiful estate and visit the nostalgic tasting room which is open seven days a week.
Group Tours of the winery are available for your group. Hallcrest Vineyards produces wines under the following three labels:
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Hallcrest Vineyards was founded in 1941 by Chafee Hall. Widely recognized as one of the small winery pioneers in post-prohibition times, Hall produced only wines made from his estate planted White Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. In 1945 he constructed the buildings which are still used today. Though small in production, Hallcrest wines were served at such world renowned establishments as the Fairmont Hotel, Top of the Mark, and the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. The last vintage under the Hallcrest label was produced in 1964 when Hall retired due to a death in the family. In September of 1987, the Schumachers restored the site's original name. A family operation once again, Hallcrest Vineyards is dedicated to perpetuating the estate's history and reputation of great wines.
Hallcrest Vineyards is also proud to produce 