Story
We believe everybody should be able to enjoy well made, oaky Chardonnay. That’s why we make Harken without shortcuts; harkening back to the original barrel fermentation process.
Where’s all the good Chardonnay?
Where’s all the good Chardonnay?
Our founder, Jeff O’Neill had fond memories of the beautiful, barrel fermented Chardonnay’s from California’s hay day, but now he could only ever find those for above $30. Had this type of wine gotten too expensive to make?
On The Hills of Mendoza
On The Hills of Mendoza
6,000 miles away from home, Jeff was on a tour of Argentina when he and his friend sat down for a glass of wine. But not just any wine – an oaky, rich, smooth Chardonnay that transported him back to when California Chardonnay was king.
A New Take on Grape Sourcing
A New Take on Grape Sourcing
Jeff knew there were no shortcuts to getting the oaky flavor and buttery mouthfeel he was after. But if he did it by the book, the expenses would drive the price of the wine through the roof.
The world wasn’t missing another expensive chardonnay. It was missing a great chardonnay that didn’t require a fancy dinner to justify its expense. Jeff secured top-tier chardonnay grapes at a lower price by working with local growers in California wine country’s up-and-coming AVAs, Paso Robles, Monterey, and Clarksburg.
The fusion barrel is born
The fusion barrel is born
What if he could get both French and American Oak in one barrel and skip the blending process all together?
The Harken Fusion Barrel was born to answer that question. It’s made of 50% French and 50% American oak and imparts exactly the right flavors for a perfectly integrated wine.
The Winemaker
The Winemaker
Jeff needed a master craftsman who shared the passion and vision he had followed.
Enter Adam Popp. Adam doesn’t just love chardonnay – he lives it. He has spent years experimenting with the interactions with oak and chardonnay and, in the process, he’s become an expert in barrel fermentation and barrel aging.
Those who live an enriched life have a special ingredient. Something that sets them apart from the rest. A trait that puts them at the center of fulfilling experiences.
They remain true: No shape shifting or fad chasing to do it. They complement a moment: The life of the party one second. World’s greatest listener the next.
They’re people magnets and memory producers: adding texture when it’s dull. Flavor when it’s bland.
Good character on display—doing all it can to tease the most out of life.
Because good character knows the way.
Those who live an enriched life have a special ingredient. Something that sets them apart from the rest. A trait that puts them at the center of fulfilling experiences.
They remain true: No shape shifting or fad chasing to do it. They complement a moment: The life of the party one second. World’s greatest listener the next.
They’re people magnets and memory producers: adding texture when it’s dull. Flavor when it’s bland.
Good character on display—doing all it can to tease the most out of life.
