Alfred Hitchcock in the Vineyard

The Arts, the Foundation, and the Pinot Noir

Alfred Hitchcock's legacy prevails through the arts with films that have become classics, yet it also lives on through lesser-known genres of his creative life.

The USC School of Cinematic Arts

Since the early '60s the Alfred J. Hitchcock Foundation has supported the USC School of Drama where the film director lectured. Recently it contributed to its reopening as the USC School of Cinematic Arts, a state-of-the-art facility whose Dean, Dr. Elizabeth Daley, was this year's honoree at the Alfred Hitchcock Tribute Gala (see below).

Worth mentioning is the Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine and its 50th anniversary. Although not directly involved, Hitchcock endorsed the publication and appeared on the cover for 25 years.

After Hitchcock's death in 1980, fundraising events remained an ongoing mission of the Hitchcock Foundation, headed by Patricia Hitchcock O'Connell, his only daughter--and an actress in her father's films-- and her family.

Hitchcock Fundraising for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

The Inaugural Alfred Hitchcock Tribute Gala fundraiser, held by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Los Angeles Chapter, took place on November 7, 2009.

Hitchcock was committed to helping the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation find a cure. Recently, the Hitchcock family was recognized for its dedication. The theme of the fundraiser, A Culinary Event with California Wine Masters, would have pleased the life-loving man with the iconic silhouette.

The Alfred Hitchcock Memorial Golf Tournament is an annual fundraiser at Seascape golf course in Aptos near Santa Cruz where the suspense film The Birds was filmed.

Hitchcock at the Heart O' the Mountain Vineyard

Hitchcock's imprint is also on a vineyard called Heart O' The Mountain on what was once his beloved retreat at Scotts Valley in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

The connection is explained in the book Footsteps In The Fog, with foreword by Patricia Hitchcock O'Connell.

Her parents had emigrated from England to California in 1939 to direct the film Rebecca (Mrs. Alma Hitchcock assisted on all projects). They expressed to Joan Fontaine (who starred in the film with Laurence Olivier) their desire for a weekend retreat near San Francisco.

She guided them high above what is today the Silicon Valley where they found the historic property dating back to 1881. The area had produced internationally prized wines before collapsing under economic pressure. And so, Hitchcock planted a vineyard and sold his grapes.

There, the Hitchcocks regularly entertained many Hollywood celebrities. In fact, with his passion for and generosity with good vintages, the thrill-crafter took great pleasure in over-indulging his guests. Ultimately, after 34 years, Alfred and Alma Hitchcock sold their hideaway. And the vineyard went dormant.

A Pinot Noir with a Tinge of Hollywood Finish

Robert and Judy Brassfield, owners since 1978, learned that Hitchcock had a vineyard after finding old vines under the brush. Inspired, they revived it in 2000 and run a family operation handcrafting a limited production of Pinot Noir.

Among the 2007 release are their exclusive Estate Blends with a distinctiveness said to "bridge Old World fineness with New World sensibilities." As for the new star born last year, a (single) Pommard-clone Pinot Noir, it promises heavenly pleasure.

Experts know best: Matt Kramer praised the "absolute uniqueness" of the Santa Cruz Mountains wines, which received their official appellation in 1981.

With its tinge of Hollywood finish, the Heart O' The Mountain Pinot Noir is an unexpected tribute to the legacy of Alfred Hitchcock.