The Underwood Family Launches Harper’s Rest in the Russian River Valley
The Underwood family of Young’s Holdings, one of the wine industry’s most enduring family legacies, has officially entered a new chapter with the launch of its first estate wine venture, Harper’s Rest, located in California’s renowned Russian River Valley. For more than a century, the family has played a significant role in shaping the American wine and spirits landscape. Now, with Harper’s Rest, fifth-generation family member Chris Underwood brings that deep-rooted expertise directly to vineyard ownership and estate winemaking for the first time.
Founded in 1888 as Young’s Market Company, the Underwood family business steadily evolved from a local operation into a major force in retail, importing, and distribution. Over generations, the company built a reputation for connecting premium producers with consumers across the United States. Through market expansion, strategic partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to quality, Young’s Holdings became synonymous with fine wine and spirits distribution. Harper’s Rest marks a pivotal shift in the family’s journey—moving from curating and distributing great wines to crafting them from the ground up.
“Our family has been deeply involved in fine wine for generations,” said Chris Underwood, CEO of Young’s Holdings. “Harper’s Rest is about applying that experience directly to the vineyard and cellar, to produce estate-grown wines of exceptional quality.” His vision represents both continuity and evolution: honoring more than 130 years of wine industry leadership while embracing the artistry and responsibility of estate production.
A Prime Estate on Westside Road in Healdsburg
Harper’s Rest is situated on a 36-acre estate along Westside Road in Healdsburg, within the prestigious Middle Reach neighborhood of the Russian River Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA). This region is celebrated for its cool-climate conditions, morning fog influence, and Goldridge soils—factors that contribute to the distinctive character of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown in the area.
The estate features vineyards planted primarily to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the two varietals that have become synonymous with the Russian River Valley. The property also includes a fully operational winery and an inviting tasting room surrounded by gardens and natural landscaping reflective of Sonoma County’s rural beauty. Visitors are welcomed into a setting that blends agricultural heritage with refined hospitality.
The winery’s name, Harper’s Rest, pays tribute to Reuben Harper, a hops farmer and early agricultural settler who cultivated the land in the 1850s. Harper is buried beneath a bay laurel tree that still stands on the estate, now encircled by flourishing vines. By honoring this history, the Underwood family connects its new venture to the agricultural roots that shaped the region long before modern winemaking defined it.
Expansion with Moon Dust Vineyard in Sebastopol Hills
In addition to the Westside Road estate, Harper’s Rest includes Moon Dust Vineyard, located in the Sebastopol Hills. This 18-acre vineyard, acquired by Underwood in 2021, is planted with mature vines rooted in Goldridge soils. Locally referred to as “Moon Dust,” these fine, sandy loam soils are prized for their drainage properties and ability to produce grapes with balanced acidity, structure, and expressive aromatics.
Moon Dust Vineyard forms a complementary component of Harper’s Rest’s terroir-driven portfolio. While the Westside Road estate benefits from its Middle Reach positioning, the Sebastopol Hills site introduces slightly cooler conditions and nuanced microclimates. Together, the two vineyards provide a dynamic range of fruit sources that support the winery’s focus on site-specific Russian River Valley Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
The integration of both estates allows Harper’s Rest to explore subtle variations in soil, climate, and elevation. This diversity underpins the winery’s commitment to crafting wines that reflect their origins rather than adhering to a uniform style.
Leadership in the Vineyard and Cellar
Winemaker and General Manager Vance Rose oversees both vineyard management and cellar operations. Under Rose’s guidance, Harper’s Rest follows regenerative organic farming principles across its estates. Moon Dust Vineyard has already achieved Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC) status, while the Westside Road estate is on track to receive the same certification.
Regenerative organic farming goes beyond traditional organic practices by emphasizing soil health, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and animal welfare. By prioritizing these principles, Harper’s Rest aims to sustain vineyard vitality while contributing positively to the surrounding ecosystem.
In the winery, Rose employs native fermentations and minimal-intervention techniques designed to preserve site expression. Native yeast fermentation allows the natural microbiology of each vineyard to influence flavor development, while restrained use of additives ensures that the wines reflect vintage and terroir authentically. The approach emphasizes balance, texture, and transparency rather than heavy-handed winemaking.
This philosophy aligns with the Underwood family’s broader commitment to quality and authenticity. Having spent decades evaluating and distributing fine wines from around the world, the family applies its accumulated knowledge to crafting wines that meet exacting standards while maintaining a sense of place.
Estate Hospitality and Visitor Experience
Harper’s Rest welcomes guests to its Westside Road tasting room, offering curated tasting experiences that highlight estate-grown Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Moon Dust Vineyard alongside other Russian River Valley releases. Tastings are available by appointment, though walk-ins are welcome at a fee of $30 per person.
The tasting environment blends refined elegance with the relaxed charm characteristic of Sonoma County. Surrounded by gardens and natural landscapes, visitors can experience the wines in a setting that reflects the agricultural heritage of the estate.
A notable distinction of Harper’s Rest is its full permitting for events—a rarity in Sonoma County. The estate offers four distinct venues capable of accommodating up to 200 guests, making it an attractive destination for private gatherings, corporate events, and celebrations. This flexibility enhances the winery’s appeal as both a hospitality destination and a community gathering space.
Direct-to-Consumer and Membership Opportunities
In addition to on-site experiences, Harper’s Rest wines are available through the winery’s online store and mailing list program. Members receive early access to limited releases, ensuring that small-production bottlings reach dedicated supporters before broader distribution.
The direct-to-consumer model allows Harper’s Rest to build meaningful relationships with customers while maintaining control over quality and allocation. By focusing on estate-grown wines and limited releases, the winery reinforces its commitment to craftsmanship and exclusivity.
With the launch of Harper’s Rest, the Underwood family transitions from a legacy of distribution leadership to hands-on estate winemaking. The venture reflects both historical continuity and forward-looking innovation, rooted in regenerative farming, terroir expression, and hospitality excellence. Through its Westside Road estate and Moon Dust Vineyard holdings, Harper’s Rest establishes a strong foundation for producing distinctive Russian River Valley Chardonnay and Pinot Noir while honoring the agricultural heritage that defines the region.
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