Story

Our story begins more than 40 years ago in the hills of Monterey County, where the Hahn family founded Smith & Hook on a converted horse & cattle ranch, launching a decades-long exploration of Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon.

Legacy

As Monterey’s fledgling wine industry started to take shape, Smith & Hook began to explore new Cabernet Sauvignon—starting in neighboring Paso Robles—discovering along the way a team of strong, like-minded growers in the warmer pockets of California’s craggy coastline.

As the years passed, the Smith & Hook style emerged: robust, richly layered Cabernet-based reds. Today, Smith & Hook wines embrace the unfettered spirit of the Central Coast, layering together fruit from five distinct Central Coast appellations: Arroyo Seco, Paso Robles, San Antonio Valley, Hames Valley & San Benito County.

Distinctive red wines known for their signature bold, fruit-driven flavors and robust, well-integrated tannins.

The Hahn Family

The Hahn family has worked the vineyards of California’s prized Central Coast for more than 40 years, exploring the nuances of the regions’ widely varied appellations. Today, they are proud to work with a team of small family vineyard owners like themselves, who cultivate exceptional Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon for Smith & Hook wines.

Nicky Hahn

In 1980, Nick and Gaby Hahn purchased two vineyards in the highlands of Monterey County. Originally ranches named “Smith” and “Hook”, they’d been home to horses and grazing cattle for generations, before their transformation to premium vineyards.

The original vineyards today - Smith Vineyard (left) and Hook Vineyard (right)

Ultimately, the Smith & Hook vineyard sites were replanted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, while the “Smith & Hook” winemaking team branched out to warmer pockets of the Central Coast to craft our bold, vibrant Cabernet Sauvignons.

1985 Vintage

The vineyards produced some of the first estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon in Monterey County, and among the Hahn Family’s inaugural releases was a Cabernet produced from the two sites.

Tasting Room

Smith & Hook’s original tasting room has been a part of our roots since the beginning, 40 years ago.

Our Winemakers

Our signature style was established by Director of Winemaking Paul Clifton, who spent two decades exploring Central Coast Cabernet vineyards. Today, Winemaker Megan Conatser continues Paul’s work, pushing the envelope in the cellar and seeking innovative new ways to produce robust yet elegant Central Coast reds.

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