Cyrus Hazzard became Executive Vice President of Crocker & Starr Winery in April 2021. Originally from the Bay Area, he grew up in Humboldt County and began his career at Safeway. His passion for wine developed while working as General Manager at Dean & Deluca in Napa Valley, where he tasted wines regularly. After moving to the DC area in 2006, he joined Total Wine & More and founded the Concierge Sales division. Despite his success there, he aspired to return to Napa. In 2025, Cyrus became Partner and President at Crocker & Starr, focusing on promoting the winery’s wines. He enjoys cooking and lives in Napa with his wife, Andrea.

About the winery:

The Crocker Estate, one of Napa Valley’s oldest continuously farmed lands, was established in the 1870s by the Dowdell family, who produced beer, wine, and brandy. Although their business ceased in 1920 due to Prohibition, grape cultivation continued. In 1971, Charlie Crocker bought the estate, expanding it over the years, and planted Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

In 1997, winemaker Pam Starr visited the estate, leading to a partnership with Crocker to create Crocker & Starr. Pam transitioned the vineyard to organic farming and planted Sauvignon Blanc. The first vintage, the 1997 Cabernet Franc, was released in 1999, revolutionizing California Cabernet Francs. The 1997 ‘Stone Place’ followed in 2000, and their Sauvignon Blanc gained international acclaim, being named the 12th best wine in the world by Wine Spectator in 2005.

Crocker & Starr opened a tasting room in 2009 and a private Vineyard Experience in 2010. In 2016, a new winemaking facility, mirroring the original Dowdell Winery, was completed, marking a significant milestone for the winery.