After extensive travels throughout Europe, Africa and beyond witnessing first hand the production of wine at all levels, owners Susan and Bill Hayes determined the best use of their unique hillside land would be the planting of a vineyard. Initially the idea was to produce wines to be shared with friends and family. After the first harvest, it became abundantly clear they had arrived at a perfect confluence of location and varietals as the wine far exceeded not only their quality hopes, but also their quantity expectations. With hundreds of cases of quality wine in production each year, they realized this is far more than a hobby. The vineyard and the wines had become a part of their lives which needed to be shared in a larger way.

The Hayes’ have assembled a team of experts to guide the vineyard and the grapes to their highest potential. Susan, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu and professional chef also holds a certificate as a Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers. She continues to advance her wine knowledge at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Greystone in Napa, California and furthermore individually studies with Master Sommeliers. Her understanding of the varietals specific to WiSH Vineyards is brought into full light with the knowledge of the entire spectrum of these varietals in the world of wine and wine production. As such, Susan engages fully with the winemaker and vineyard consultant as a constant, resonating voice in the realization of their wine vision.