Harper’s Rest Winery Appoints Matt Courtney as Consulting Winemaker

New Russian River Valley winery brings on Matt Courtney to build on his extensive experience working with the estate vineyards.

HEALDSBURG, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Harper’s Rest, the newly opened estate winery on Westside Road in Healdsburg, announces the appointment of Matt Courtney as Consulting Winemaker. Courtney brings more than two decades of winemaking experience and is widely recognized for his vineyard-first approach and expertise in crafting Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Courtney previously served as Winemaker at Arista Winery, where he worked with fruit from the Westside Road estate now home to Harper’s Rest. His 12-year tenure and familiarity with the vineyard brings valuable continuity to the project, reinforcing the winery’s commitment to quality and producing site-driven, world-class wines.

“Matt knows this vineyard and region better than anyone,” says Chris Underwood, CEO of Young’s Holdings and Proprietor of Harper’s Rest. “His experience with this property and in the Russian River Valley makes him a natural fit as we continue to build Harper’s Rest with a focus on quality and site expression.”

Working alongside Vance Rose, Winemaker and General Manager, Courtney will support the winery’s commitment to organic and regenerative farming across its two estate vineyards: Harper’s Rest estate on Westside Road in the Middle Reach of the Russian River Valley AVA and Moon Dust Vineyard in the Sebastopol Hills. Moon Dust Vineyard is Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC) and Harper’s Rest Vineyard is on track for certification.

Prior to Arista, Courtney spent eight years as assistant winemaker at Marcassin under Helen Turley and John Wetlaufer before founding his own label, Ferren Wines. He holds a degree in philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley, and studied viticulture and enology at the University of California, Davis.

Harper’s Rest wines will be available for the first time in wholesale channels through Wilson Daniels beginning April 1, 2026, with distribution in 25 states. The 2023 Harper’s Rest Russian River Valley Chardonnay and Pinot Noir will retail for $50, while the 2023 Moon Dust Vineyard Chardonnay and Pinot Noir will retail for $70.

Wines are also available through the winery’s online store as well as the mailing list, offering members early access to limited releases.

For more information, visit harpersrest.com.

About Harper’s Rest

Harper’s Rest crafts site-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from their two estate vineyards in the Russian River Valley: Moon Dust Vineyard in the Sebastopol Hills and Harper’s Rest Vineyard in the Middle Reach. Farmed under regenerative organic principles, the winery embraces a vineyard-first approach with minimal intervention in the cellar. Harper’s Rest was founded by the Underwood family, whose wine legacy dates to 1888.