New York | Finger Lakes | Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Location

Wine Trail: Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Address: 5610 NY-414, Hector, NY 14841

Phone: (607) 387-1045

Website: hectorwinecompany.com

Reservations: Book a Tasting

State: New York Wineries

Wine Region: Finger Lakes Wineries

American Viticultural Area: Finger Lakes AVA, Seneca Lake AVA

Wine Trail: Cayuga Lake Wine Trail

About Hector Wine Company

Located on the southeastern side of Seneca Lake, Hector Wine Company has earned a loyal following for its bold, expressive wines—especially red wines like Syrah, which thrive in the region’s warmer microclimate. They also craft standout bottlings of Pinot Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc, two varieties that are less commonly grown in the Finger Lakes, making them a treat for those seeking something off the beaten path. Their Essence blend—a Bordeaux-style combination of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot—is another favorite we return to year after year. The tasting room is relaxed, making it a welcoming stop for both casual tasters and serious wine enthusiasts.

Founded in 2010 by Jason Hazlitt, a seventh-generation grower, and Justin Boyette, a veteran Finger Lakes winemaker, Hector Wine Company was created to produce wines that reflect the distinct terroir of southeast Seneca Lake. Central to this vision is Sawmill Creek Vineyards, Jason’s family vineyard, located in the famed “Banana Belt”—a warmer-than-average microclimate ideal for ripening grapes building complexity in the fruit.

The Hazlitt family’s connection to the land dates back to 1852, when David Hazlitt purchased a 154-acre fruit farm on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake. By the 1860s, grapevines had been planted. Today, Jason Hazlitt continues the legacy as vineyard manager and co-owner, overseeing Sawmill Creek and leading much of the brand and marketing work for Hector Wine Company.

Justin Boyette brings over two decades of experience and has worked at renowned Finger Lakes wineries like Red Newt Cellars and Atwater Estate Vineyards. His thoughtful approach to winemaking focuses on balance, structure, and expressing the character of each vintage. In addition to his work at Hector, Justin is a partner at Forge Cellars, continuing to shape the Finger Lakes wine scene.

Sawmill Creek Vineyards is considered one of the premier vineyard sites in the Finger Lakes. The vineyard supplies fruit to over two dozen top wineries, including Dr. Konstantin Frank, Red Newt, Damiani, Barnstormer, and Billsboro. It’s known for growing a wide array of high-quality grapes—from Cabernet Sauvignon, Lemberger, and Merlot to Riesling, Albarino, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Blanc. A notable highlight: Billsboro Winery’s 2013 Syrah, made with Sawmill Creek fruit, won the Governor’s Cup at the New York Wine Classic.

With its strong ties to one of the Finger Lakes’ best vineyard sites, a commitment to quality, and a blend of tradition and innovation, Hector Wine Company is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.