Winemaker Matt Courtney Joins Harper’s Rest Winery as Consulting Winemaker
Harper’s Rest, a newly established estate winery located along the renowned Westside Road in Healdsburg, has announced the appointment of Matt Courtney as its Consulting Winemaker, marking a significant step in the winery’s pursuit of excellence and long-term vision. With more than two decades of experience in the wine industry, Courtney brings a deep understanding of vineyard-driven winemaking, as well as a strong reputation for crafting exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from California’s celebrated Russian River Valley.
Courtney’s appointment is particularly meaningful given his long-standing connection to the very vineyards that now form the foundation of Harper’s Rest. Prior to joining this new venture, he served as winemaker at Arista Winery, where he spent 12 years working extensively with fruit sourced from the Westside Road estate that is now home to Harper’s Rest. This continuity provides a rare advantage, allowing the winery to build upon an established knowledge base of the land, its microclimates, and its unique terroir. His familiarity with the site ensures a seamless transition and reinforces Harper’s Rest’s commitment to producing wines that authentically express their origin.
Chris Underwood, CEO of Young’s Holdings and proprietor of Harper’s Rest, emphasized the importance of Courtney’s role in shaping the winery’s future. He noted that Courtney’s deep understanding of the vineyard and the broader Russian River Valley makes him an ideal partner as the winery continues to evolve. Underwood highlighted that this collaboration aligns perfectly with the winery’s philosophy of prioritizing quality and site expression above all else, ensuring that each bottle reflects the distinctive characteristics of its source.
In his new role, Courtney will work closely with Vance Rose, who serves as both Winemaker and General Manager of Harper’s Rest. Together, they will guide the winery’s production and farming practices, with a strong focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship. Harper’s Rest is committed to organic and regenerative farming methods across its estate vineyards, reflecting a growing movement within the wine industry to prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and long-term ecological balance.
The winery’s portfolio is rooted in two estate vineyards, each offering unique characteristics that contribute to the diversity and complexity of its wines. The Harper’s Rest estate vineyard, located on Westside Road within the Middle Reach of the Russian River Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA), serves as the centerpiece of the operation. This vineyard benefits from ideal growing conditions, including cooling fog, well-drained soils, and a temperate climate that is particularly well-suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
In addition to the Westside Road estate, Harper’s Rest also farms the Moon Dust Vineyard, located in the Sebastopol Hills. This site has already achieved Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC) status, reflecting its adherence to rigorous standards that go beyond traditional organic farming. The Harper’s Rest estate vineyard is currently on track to achieve the same certification, further underscoring the winery’s dedication to sustainable practices and responsible land management.
Courtney’s extensive background in winemaking includes formative experiences at some of California’s most respected wineries. Before his tenure at Arista, he spent eight years as assistant winemaker at Marcassin, working under the guidance of renowned vintners Helen Turley and John Wetlaufer. This period played a crucial role in shaping his winemaking philosophy, emphasizing meticulous vineyard management and a hands-off approach in the cellar to allow the fruit to shine.
In addition to his work with established wineries, Courtney is also the founder of Ferren Wines, his own label that has garnered critical acclaim for its focus on single-vineyard expressions and minimal-intervention winemaking. His academic background further complements his professional expertise; he holds a degree in philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley, and pursued studies in viticulture and enology at the University of California, Davis, one of the leading institutions in the field.
Looking ahead, Harper’s Rest is preparing to introduce its wines to a broader audience. Beginning April 1, 2026, the winery’s portfolio will be available in wholesale channels through Wilson Daniels, a prominent distributor known for representing premium wine brands. The initial rollout will include distribution across 25 states, significantly expanding the winery’s reach and visibility in the competitive wine market.
The debut offerings will feature the 2023 Harper’s Rest Russian River Valley Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, each priced at $50, as well as the 2023 Moon Dust Vineyard Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which will retail at $70. These wines are expected to showcase the distinct characteristics of their respective vineyard sites, highlighting the winery’s commitment to site-driven expressions and high-quality craftsmanship.
In addition to wholesale distribution, Harper’s Rest wines will be available directly to consumers through the winery’s online store. The winery also offers a mailing list program, providing members with early access to limited releases and exclusive allocations. This direct-to-consumer approach allows Harper’s Rest to build a closer relationship with its audience, offering a more personalized experience for wine enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Overall, the appointment of Matt Courtney as Consulting Winemaker represents a pivotal moment for Harper’s Rest as it establishes its identity within the Russian River Valley. By combining experienced leadership, a strong connection to its vineyards, and a commitment to sustainable practices, the winery is well-positioned to produce distinctive, world-class wines that reflect both place and purpose.
Source Link:https://www.businesswire.com/
