The Historic Hayne Vineyard – California History, in St. Helena
--lunch for 6 under the arbor at the home of Christine and Alston "Otty" Hayne
--tour of the historic Hayne Vineyard and presentation from the Historic Vineyard Society

Leave your busy schedule and hectic life behind, and relax in the splendor of a bygone era and join Christine and Alston “Otty” Hayne at the picturesque and history-rich, Hayne Vineyard.

In the heart of Saint Helena, the property which is now the historic Hayne Vineyard was purchased in 1872 by Otty Hayne’s great grandfather, William Bourn. One of the most entrepreneurial and powerful San Francisco pioneers, Bourn and his wife Sarah would retreat to the peace of St. Helena to escape their bustling San Francisco business life.  

Today, the Hayne Vineyard is home to heritage Zinfandel vines which are over 100 years old, Petite Syrah vines dating back to 1950 (planted by Otty and his father) and Cabernet vines, the source of some of the most highly regarded wines in California. Some even say that this is the best grapegrowing soil in the state of California.

Like living works of art, each of these old vines is a unique spirit unto itself. Most of these vines are dry farmed, head-trained, hand-tended and managed sustainably with lots of love and no chemical intervention — the way it’s been done by the Bourn/Hayne family for five generations.

These old vines have incredible, almost mysterious qualities — and the exceptional grapes they produce go to winemakers like Turley, Corison, Nickel & Nickel, Chase Cellars and Ray Coursen. 

Six lucky guests will join vineyard owner Alston “Otty” Hayne and his wife Christine for lunch under the arbor at their home, steps from these fabled vineyards. During lunch, hear from legendary Turley winemaker Tegan Passalacqua, one of the founding members of the Historic Vineyard Society, whose mission is to protect these heritage vines. And of course, you’ll get to taste and take home some of these wonderful wines -- that for some -- represent the Holy Grail in California winemaking.

Be part of history, on this wonderful afternoon!

The Hayne Vineyard is registered with the Historic Vineyard Society. This non-profit is dedicated to the preservation of California’s historic vineyards and educating the wine-drinking public on the very special nature of this precious and depleting, national and global resource. Their goal is to keep these precious historic vines in the ground!