Description

Hazlitt Dark Cat

They started small, over 160 years ago, in 1852, David and Clarissa Hazlitt bought 153 acres in Hector, NY, full of fruit trees and vineyards. From day one, they shipped fruit (and later grapes) by wagon, boat, and rail to regional markets, seeding their future in winemaking.

Through the generations, the land passed to their children, and then grandchildren, all guardians of a family legacy built on grape growing. By the 1980s, the Hazlitts were still farming, but with crop prices tanking, a pivotal choice loomed: sell or pivot.

They pivoted. In 1985, Jerry Hazlitt and his wife Elaine launched Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, introducing Red Cat(alongside Pink Cat, White Stag, Riesling, Chardonnay, Baco Noir) as their flagship. Legend beholds that “Red Cat” was born from home winemaking, backyard parties, and a playful hot tub experiment and the nickname stuck.

By the late ’90s, the 6th generation, Doug and Leigh Hazlitt, began working full time. Expansion followed: in 2011, the family acquired Widmer Wine Cellars in Naples, NY, repurposing it as Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars, complete with production, warehousing, and a tasting room. Doug and Leigh now co-lead the family wine holdings.

They’ve also created “The Oasis,” a timber-frame outdoor pavilion at their Hector vineyard, designed as a gathering place, inspired partly by a simple need for better restrooms, but evolved into a hub for music, events, and escape.

Today, the 7th generation is stepping in, fueled by the same passion and grit. Hazlitt continues to toast new stories through family, friendship, and of course, wine famously led by the vibrant spirit and legend of Red Cat.

Hazlitt Dark Cat Notes To Your Senses:

• APPEARANCE: Deep intense purple
• AROMA: Bold Concord grape like purple candy
• TASTE: Sweet, juicy, and quite fruity
• FINISH: Lingering sweet grape
• ABV: 11%