About Melissa Hackett
President and Winemaker

As the President and Winemaker at Wine Unfiltered, I bring over 14 years of dedicated expertise to the art of winemaking, coupled with a relentless pursuit of innovation across every aspect of the process. Whether optimizing harvest management, upgrading equipment, efficiently managing bulk wine logistics, or developing and implementing standard operating procedures, I offer a wealth of experience and insight to drive success. My extensive background encompasses the meticulous craftsmanship necessary to produce exceptional sparkling wines and premium wines, honed across diverse regions including the esteemed AVAs of Lake, Sonoma, Napa County, and Washington State.
Operating within facilities ranging from 50 to 3,500 tons and utilizing various winemaking equipment, I possess a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in crafting world-class wines. This dedication to excellence has consistently resulted in accolades, with our wines regularly earning 90+ scores from esteemed critics such as Robert Parker, Wine Enthusiast, and James Suckling.
Driven by a passion for excellence, I have spearheaded transformative initiatives, such as transitioning to Vintrace for workflow optimization and integrating advanced technologies like the Spica lab analyzer to uphold the highest standards of quality control.
Beyond the cellar, my leadership is marked by a steadfast commitment to mentorship and cultivating a culture of excellence within our team. From orchestrating cellar schedules to managing inventory and ensuring seamless communication with clientele, I empower team members to excel in their roles. My approach goes beyond mere consultation; I become an integral part of your team, providing strategic insights tailored to your specific needs and goals. With a discerning palate and refined tasting expertise, every decision is guided by a commitment to excellence and quality.
In overseeing wholesale, direct-to-consumer (DTC), and tasting room operations, I ensure strict adherence to compliance standards and meticulous preparation for market shipments. This includes managing wine clubs, executing targeted email campaigns via Mailchimp, and maintaining online platforms such as Wine Direct, WordPress, and Tock. Additionally, I oversee POS material updates, coordinated staff and distributor tastings, and manage event planning and execution.
Continuing my dedication to personal and professional growth, I am currently pursuing a Masters of Business Administration from Sonoma State University, refining my strategic vision and leadership acumen to ensure Wine Unfiltered maintains its position at the forefront of the industry.
Winemaking Philosophy
My winemaking philosophy is built on the fundamental principle of allowing the vineyard to speak through the wine, embracing and reflecting the distinctive character and terroir of each vineyard site. This approach underscores the utmost significance of nurturing the grapes from the vine to the bottle, with minimal intervention in the winemaking process. By adopting this philosophy, I aim to capture the pure essence of the land, climate, and soil in every glass, allowing the inherent qualities of the grapes to shine through.
Attention to detail is a cornerstone of this approach, particularly in the cultivation process. Embracing sustainable farming practices and employing selective harvesting techniques are central to ensuring that the grapes attain optimal ripeness and flavor development. This meticulous care and consideration throughout the cultivation phase are pivotal in setting the stage for the creation of exceptional wines that are a genuine reflection of their origin and the natural elements that have influenced their growth.
My commitment to meticulous fermentation and aging techniques tailored to preserve the unique qualities of each vineyard is integral to my winemaking philosophy. By respecting and highlighting the distinct attributes of each vineyard, I strive to craft wines that truly embody their sense of place and establish a profound connection to nature. This dedication to preserving the genuine character of the grapes culminates in wines that authentically convey the individuality and essence of the vineyards from which they originate.