Harlan Estate

Compared to other Bordeaux or Burgundy wine estates, Harlan Estate could be seen as a newbie. Created in 1984 by H. William "Bill" Harlan III, the cofounder of the real estate company Pacific Union Co., this estate has nothing to be ashamed of when competing with some of the biggest names around. For Bill, it all started during a trip to Bordeaux with his good friend Robert Mondavi (a wine marketing genius). When he visited the local vineyards, he realized that some grapevines were planted hundreds of years ago… this was an epiphany for him. He knew that he had to leave something behind for future generations, that he should make his mark in the American wine world.

Back home, in California, Bill quickly got to work. He bought 100 hectares of land from the Stelling family in 1979, for $300,000. He then selected 16 hectares of hills to start his new vineyard, as he figured that slopes were an advantage for water drainage. From the beginning, he also knew he had to go organic or go home, with biodynamics as an end goal. Later on, he would buy more vineyards, such as the Merryvale Winery (in 1986), Bond Winery (in 1996), Napa Valley Reserve (in 2000), Promontory Winery (in 2008)... Despite a few setbacks at first, Harlan Estate became Bill's greatest pride.

The estate had its breakthrough in 1996, the year the 1990 cuvée was released to the public. The American winemaker finally got what he wanted: he made the first grand cru Cabernet in the United States. In 2021, his son Will took up the torch, with the help of the vintners Don Weaver and François Vignaud, as well as his sister Amanda (who's in charge of the communication of the estate). Today, the "Harlan Estate" brand includes the original estate, Bond and Promontory. Will is thus managing a wide array of wines, all known and loved by critics and consumers alike (Robert Parker gave them a 100/100). Harlan Estate's recent very positive results bode well for the future. Will even promised a "rebirth" of the brand in the upcoming years.

Browse our selection of Harlan Estate wines.