Off Felton Empire Road, behind some single-family homes, is the simple wooden “A-frame” building of this long-lived winery. Outside there are old tanks and wine equipment lying about, and an ancient wooden deck with tables and umbrellas looking out over their soon-to-be-planted organic vineyard. (The previous vineyard was wiped out by Pierce’s Disease in 2004.)

The emphasis at Hallcrest is on making small-lot wines from selected vineyards. They make wines that represent the Santa Cruz Mountain Appellation and, specifically, the vineyards from which they are sourcing. Their concentration is on Pinot Noir (there are currently nine Pinots on their list), but also have Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Bordeaux blends.

The Organic Wine Works is a second label that uses organic production methods to make wine sourced from organically grown grapes. The estate vineyard is in the process of becoming certified organic. The resulting wines will not be just “made with organic grapes,” but made using totally organic winemaking methods, thus making them 100% organic. Organic wines include Pinot Noir from Mendocino, Zinfandel from Lake County, Petite Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and specialty blends. Many of these wines are made unfiltered and unfined to retain their earthy complexity.

The rustic wood-sided tasting room has a wall of ribbons from a long history of wine competitions. Vinegars and olive oils, salsas, logo clothing and much more are for sale, as well as juices and water from an old converted cooler. The wine bar is a simple affair made from old barrels. An old wood-burning stove adds to the charming country atmosphere.