Lawrence Wine Estates Completes Restoration of Historic Haynes Vineyard
Carlton McCoy Jr., CEO of Lawrence Wine Estates, has finalized the restoration of the Haynes Vineyard in the Coombsville AVA. This project matters because it preserves some of Napa Valley's oldest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines. The development includes a new fermentation facility and a dedicated hospitality space for the estate. It represents a significant investment in the southern hills of the Napa Valley.
The Haynes Vineyard consists of 32 acres located in the southern reach of Napa Valley. Pat and Duncan Haynes first planted the property in 1966 with the guidance of Louis M. Martini. These original blocks of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are among the oldest in the region. Lawrence Wine Estates acquired the property from the Haynes family in 2020. WineBusiness reported that the transition included a commitment to preserving the heritage vines while upgrading the infrastructure [^1].
Nico Cueva leads the winemaking team at the estate. He focuses on site-specific expressions that reflect the volcanic soils of Coombsville. The new production facility allows for small-lot fermentations that were previously handled at other Lawrence properties. This change provides the winemaking team with greater control over the aging process and fruit handling. The Napa Valley Register noted that the property now features a refurbished 19th-century farmhouse for guest tastings [^2].
Locally, the investment reinforces the prestige of the Coombsville AVA. This region is known for a temperate climate influenced by the San Pablo Bay. Producers increasingly look to this area for balanced wines with higher acidity. The presence of Lawrence Wine Estates brings significant capital and marketing reach to the district. This development helps define Coombsville as a destination for luxury wine enthusiasts.
This project is part of a broader strategy by Lawrence Wine Estates to revitalize historic Napa properties. The company has recently completed similar renovations at Burgess Cellars and Stony Hill Vineyard. Wine Spectator indicated that these acquisitions target sites with unique geological profiles [^3]. The company aims to preserve the distinct identities of these estates rather than merging them into a single brand. This approach contrasts with the consolidation seen in other large wine conglomerates.
[^1]: WineBusiness - https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/235310 [^2]: Napa Valley Register - https://napavalleyregister.com/news/local/business/haynes-vineyard-lawrence-wine-estates-coombsville-napa-valley/article_89635e98-256f-11ee-8f6b-733470724982.html [^3]: Wine Spectator - https://www.winespectator.com/articles/lawrence-wine-estates-acquires-haynes-vineyard-in-napa