Portrait of Gray Hartley
i. Biography
The Path
Commercial fishing set the first discipline. Gray Hartley spent 28 years as a salmon fisherman, including time as captain of a commercial fishing boat in Alaska, before wine became central to the work. That shift shows up in the structure of the wines he makes at Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post Winery, where Pinot Noir has become a defining focus.
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The Work Today
At Hitching Post Wines in the Santa Ynez Valley, Gray Hartley works as winemaker and co-owner, building wines around flavor, handwork, and balance. The house aim is plainspoken: wines of character that stay poised and balanced.
Signature
Gray Hartley’s signature wines include Highliner, Hometown, Cork Dancer, Kick On, and Sanford & Benedict.
In Their Words “The idea of making wine began as a bit of a lark in 1979.”
Acclaim
Highliner is Hitching Post Wines’ flagship in Santa Barbara County, built as a thoughtful blend from the best Pinot lots each vintage.
FAQ
Asked of Gray
What is Gray Hartley's current role?
As of 2026, Gray Hartley is Winemaker and Co-owner.
Where did Gray Hartley work before?
Gray Hartley's earlier career included commercial fishing in Alaska.
What is Gray Hartley known for?
Pinot Noir.
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The Sunday email
Read about winemakers like Gray Hartley in the Sunday email.
Every Sunday we send a lead story and up to four more about the chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and hoteliers behind the restaurants, bars, wineries and hotels we cover.
Recent stories
Free. One email a week, and you can unsubscribe from any issue.