When you taste one of the incredible wines here, you can virtually feel the grand old vines joining in with you – they’re that close!
There are historical classic vineyards across California, but the Hayne Vineyard in the heart of Napa Valley is certainly at or near the top of the Zin Hall of Fame list. The century-old head-pruned vines are dry-farmed using sustainable practices. Tons of love, nurturing, and family pride per acre are required here to keep the tradition going strong. If a vine needs replacing, a cutting from a healthiest vine is used, thus preserving the vineyard’s special genetics. To a Zinfandel-lover this Zin preserve is hallowed ground.
Chase’s Proprietor, Katie Simpson, is a direct descendant of the Bourns, the Simpsons, and the Haynes whose history you can trace back to the 1870’s in St. Helena (pronounced Saint Hel-ee-na) and San Francisco. If she’s not out in the vineyard, it’s not unusual for Katie to be found around the tasting room, chatting with visitors and pouring tastes. Don’t hesitate to impose and get a couple of autographed bottles!
There intentionally is no Chase sign, but you’ll know when you’re there. Tasting in the tasting room or under the shady century- old olive trees beside the gnarled vines of Hayne Vineyard is a special experience. Let the kind and knowledgeable staff led by Alise Merritt and the affable young host Brian Liu regale you with colorful family stories of old gold mines and early-California glory. The wines are very small production and except for a few top restaurants are sold almost exclusively at the winery.
