MEET GRETCHEN

Hi, I'm Gretchen Voelcker, winemaker and creator of Luna Hart Wines.  My passion for wine began while living in Europe and visiting the many wonderful wine regions and vignobles in France.  This passion was fueled by my love of nature and all things outdoors bringing me to California where I've had the fortune of working with gifted winemakers, mentors and role-models. 

Originally from Coatesville, Pa in Chester County Pennsylvania, I grew up on my family's horse and lavender farm.  

After studying Business & French at Georgetown University and earning a degree in plant science from University of California, Santa Cruz, I moved to Santa Barbara County. I worked at Rideau Vineyard for six years, starting as an intern and eventually became the assistant winemaker.   Along the way, I worked with Ryan Roark as a vineyard and production assistant which was the catalyst to my beginnings as a small batch winemaker.

Now you can find me at Piazza Bella Vista in Ballard Canyon where I am the winemaker producing minimal interference wines from organically grown Estate grapes.

Our winery at the top of Ballard Canyon is truly magical - I love to “play here”: Hiking with my constant companion, Koru; Training Ebony my Friesian Filly; and honing my Mounted Archery skills with my Thoroughbred, Marco.