Hunnicutt Wine-Making the Cutt
Just as Justin traces his Irish roots from his father, so does he his love of wine. In 1996 his father and mother bought a piece of land up on Howell Mountain. They planted some cabernet and in 1999 released their first wine, DR Stephens Moose Valley Cabernet. Justin so loved the wine and wine business that in 2002 he launched his own label, Hunnicutt, his mother's maiden name. The Hunnicutt label features Zin and Cab. But it seems like every vintage some grower has some fantastic lot of grapes that they either can't sell or have too much of. They'll call Justin and make him an offer he can't refuse. For these special occasions, Justin created the Cutt label, which will always be changing but currently features at late harvest zinfandel and syrah. Hunnicutt is located in North St. Helena on Silverado Trail. They are in the process of building a fabulous tasting room complete with an outside seating area and tasting room. In the meantime you can contact Small Lots Big Wines for an opportunity to try their delicious Zins, Cabs, and Syrah. We paired Cutt Late Harvest Zin with some delicious Zins. Click here for more info. 
We start this journey in Napa with Hunnicutt Winery. Justin Hunnicut Stephens is a 2nd generation American on his dad's side. His grandmother, Katherine O'Leary, immigrated to the USA as child from a town just outside of Dublin. They first went to Ohio then ended up in Sacramento, which is the birthplace of his father, DR Stephens. But being the son of an Irishmen was not enough for Justin, he married Seana Kendrick whose family founded the Kendrick Pub in Ireland in the 1700's. (It is still open today!)