April 16, 2025 — Michelle Vautier, owner of CrossHatch Winery, has announced the acquisition of a 40-acre farm at 10443 Dover Canyon Road in Templeton. With a vision to honor and continue the land’s rich agricultural heritage, Vautier plans to plant estate vineyards, marking a significant milestone in CrossHatch Winery’s evolution and deepening its commitment to handcrafted, terroir-driven wines.
“This farm represents everything I believe in – connecting with the land, embracing creativity, and fostering a deeper understanding of winemaking,” says Vautier. “I never imagined I would buy a farm, but I am a person who likes to get their hands dirty, without gloves.”
CrossHatch Winery, founded on the principle of co-fermentation, is known for its small-batch, handcrafted blends that harmonize the unique characteristics of multiple varietals. Inspired by the artistic technique of cross-hatching, Vautier applies a similar layered approach, yielding wines that are complex, balanced, and expressive of the land where the fruit is grown.
Originally from Argentina, Vautier’s path to the wine industry was anything but conventional. After a successful career in financial technology, she transitioned to the wine industry in 2020, driven by a desire for a deeper connection to nature and a lasting legacy for her daughter. Her meticulous, hands-on approach and dedication to sustainability have been the foundation of CrossHatch Winery’s recent growth.
The newly acquired Paso Robles property marks an exciting new chapter. In addition to planting vineyards, Vautier envisions the farm as a gathering space for wine lovers and CrossHatch’s devoted wine club members. Future plans include winemaker dinners, educational events, and immersive tasting experiences.
“Wine brings people together – it’s meant to be shared, sparking conversations and creating lasting memories,” Vautier reflects. “We like to say that CrossHatch is where wine, stories, and cultures ferment together – one barrel at a time. This farm allows us to craft wines that connect people to each other and to the land, to tell new stories, and create even broader and richer experiences.”
As CrossHatch Winery ventures into Paso Robles, wine enthusiasts can continue to experience the brand’s distinctive co-fermented blends at its established tasting room in Santa Ynez. Nestled in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, the tasting room offers visitors a chance to explore the winery’s current releases and learn firsthand about Vautier’s innovative approach to winemaking. Guests are encouraged to stop by, taste the wines, and be part of CrossHatch’s journey as it enters this exciting new phase.
For more information about CrossHatch Winery, visiting the Santa Ynez tasting room, or staying updated on events, visit www.crosshatchwinery.com.
