How Harbinator Started
It Began With A Bet Between Friends
In August of 2016, I was tasting wine at Kaela Winery with the owner Dave Butner. Dave made excellent wines, and I liked everything he produced. It was about two weeks before harvest started for red grapes. I asked Dave if he would teach me how to make wine. Dave agreed and stated that we would get grapes next year and all the equipment needed to make the wine. He asked what kind of wine I wanted to make. I told him I wanted to make a Cabernet Franc with grapes from Ciel du Cheval. Dave laughed and stated that I would not be able to get grapes from Ciel du Cheval, due to it being a highly sought-after vineyard with a multiple year wait list to get grapes. Dave and I debated for about 30 minutes, when I insisted, I wanted to make wine this year. I asked Dave how much he would charge me to teach me to make the wine. Dave never committed to an exact price because he was positive, I would not get the grapes for Ciel du Cheval this year, or even possibly next year. I bet Dave, if I could get the grapes this year, he would teach me how to make wine for free. If I had to wait until next year, I would pay him double his consulting fee. Dave agreed to the bet. The following day I called Dave and stated that I had my grapes secured for this year. He asked what grapes I was getting, and I told him Cabernet Franc. He then stated I did not get them from Ciel du Cheval, because he was on the list to get some and Mr. Holmes did not call him. Dave was informed that I called Richard (Holmes), and I was advised all his grapes were sold out. Richard then stated he would reduce his production slightly and would allow me to purchase a small amount. After advising Dave about getting the grapes from Ciel du Cheval, he remembered I had previously told him I helped plant some of the first grapes on Red Mountain for the Holmes and Williams family at Kiona and Ciel du Cheval as a young kid. Dave stated, I guess I am making wine for free this year. During the process of learning how to make the wine, Dave also named my wine “Cop Franc,” since I was a retired Cop. The name stuck, and currently all the Cabernet Franc’s I produce are called Cop Franc.
Thank you Dave and Richard for your help and wisdom.
Passion
Harbinator is a Washington-based winery dedicated to crafting distinctive wines exclusively from grapes grown on Red Mountain.
Harbinator offers a wine club with three tiered membership levels, providing members access to exclusive releases and special benefits.
Our current collection showcases an exquisite lineup of 2020 red wines, including Cop Franc (100% Cabernet Franc), Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo, and Merlot. We also offer two artful blends: Cabbiolo, a harmonious marriage of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Nebbiolo, and FrankenLot, an elegant fusion of 50% Cabernet Franc and 50% Merlot. Complementing the reds is our debut white Albariño — a crisp, expressive 100% Albariño.
Craftmanship
All our wines are produced and bottled onsite at our Washington facility, which also hosts our welcoming tasting room. Contact us for a tasting experience with the winemaker.
Steve Harbinson Quote