Our People

We’ve assembled what we think is a pretty amazing group of people. We work hard and play hard and, maybe best of all, we enjoy each other’s company. We’re a small, family-run business so everyone pitches in. We all host tastings from time to time and of course, it’s all hands on deck at harvest whether we’re hand-sorting or foot-treading grapes or throwing hoses around. It keeps things interesting and fun.

Katie Hayne Simpson

Proprietor

Know your roots because they sometimes define your future…

“It’s pretty amazing to think about being the fifth generation steward of this property. As the great- great granddaughter of William and Sarah Chase Bourn, the original owners of this land purchased in 1872, it’s quite an honor to call this special place home and to be able to carry on its important legacy. I love that we have a place that offers family and friends a place to find a little peace, joy, great wine and magic in our busy world. And the vines… they make my heart sing. Over 115 years old, they’re wise and storied — they are the heartbeat of Hayne Vineyard, and the soul of the wines we produce.”

Russell Bevan

Winemaker

Russell’s life long obsession with wine lead him to a formidable career – seeking out the most iconic vineyards in California. He’s assiduously creative and generally over the top when it comes to just about everything having to do with making great wine. In Russell’s words, he ‘begged’ Katie to work with our majestic old vines – we’ve been fortunate to have him as part of our team since 2014.

We’d be remiss to not mention the slew of 100-point wines he’s created, but hey – we don’t need scores to remind us how beautiful and balanced his wines are. You can taste the love and passion in everything wine creates!

Elise-Merritt-Marketing-Sales-Wine-Club-Director_New

Alise Merritt

Wine Club & Hospitality

Our Georgia peach… Alise came to us with years of experience in the world of fine wine, including time with Biale Winery (another well-respected Zin house here in Napa), alongside lots of distribution experience throughout the US and the southern states. She’s been with us since 2013, and as such, has her fingers in most of the day-to-day stuff we have going on around here, though her main area of focus is to ensure that our Allocation club members get the Hayne Vineyard love at every possible turn. In addition to being super passionate about our vines, and our wines, Alise has that sweet, Southern charm and a contagious smile that always makes you feel right at home.

Brian Liu

Marketing & Media

A California native, Brian spends his days in joyful pursuit of wine, food and the finer things in life. He’s been a chef in a nationally lauded restaurant, a photographer, artist, cellar rat and now, the smiling face of Chase Cellars. Whether he’s walking the vineyard, leading a varietal Zinfandel tasting, or geeking out on the finer points of wine production, Brian is the host with the most and ready to ensure your time with us is as comfortable and fun as it is informative and memorable. “Holding space for people to discover the beauty and magic of Hayne Vineyard, in their own way, is what I love most…”

Evan Liu

Hospitality Director

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Evan grew up in a family of wine lovers. After graduating with a degree in Hospitality from Arizona State University, he moved out to Napa Valley to pursue a career in the wine industry, and never looked back! He is ‘Mr. Hospitality’ and brings an infectious energy and passion wherever he goes…especially when it comes to wine. In his free time, Evan enjoys hiking with his wife Phoebe and dog Leona, playing music with his brother Brian (you know, our Brian…!) and rooting for all the Bay Area Sports teams.

Next time you visit the winery, make sure you meet the newest member of our Chase Family…you’re gonna love him!

Manuel Rios

Vineyard Manager

Manuel Rios grew up here in St. Helena and has been in the vineyards farming since he was 10 years old alongside some of the most renowned growers in the valley. Since 2020 the Rios Farming team has been responsible for reviving and revitalizing our vineyard. Great wine starts with healthy vines, so we thank Manuel and his team for their meticulous attention and look forward to many great vintages to come!