Meet Our Vintners: Harney Lane Vineyards

A Conversation with Owner Jorja Lerner

There's a particular kind of rootedness that comes from tending the same land for over 120 years. For the Mettler and Lerner families, Harney Lane isn't just a vineyard—it's a commitment spanning six generations. We sat down with Jorja Lerner, owner of Harney Lane Vineyards, to understand what drives a family to keep farming the same plot of earth, and how their philosophy of "grace and grit" shapes every decision they make.

Estate Wines Built on Generational Farming

At its core, Harney Lane's winemaking philosophy is rooted in one fundamental truth—they are farmers first, winemakers second. "We're really trying to lean into the character of the vineyard so that not a lot of changes have to be made in the winery," Jorja explains. "We let the vineyard shine."

This approach demands precision. Nearly 100% of Harney Lane's releases are single vineyard, single varietal—a choice that requires unwavering confidence in the fruit before fermentation even begins. "That's the heart of everything,” Jorja says.

The result is a portfolio that captures Lodi's true diversity—crisp whites, structured Zinfandels, balanced reds. Each bottle tells the story of a specific block of land, a specific vintage, and the hands that tended it throughout the growing season.

Sustainability as Stewardship

Harney Lane carries Lodi Rules certification, but for Jorja, the commitment to sustainable farming goes deeper than any label. Her family lives on the land they farm. Her children grew up in the vineyards.

"We're raising our families on this property," she explains simply. "So sustainability isn't just the right thing to do—it's personal."

Working alongside her husband Kyle, who manages all vineyard operations and winemaking, Jorja has learned that sometimes the best farming practice is restraint. "The less we intervene, the more we allow natural grasses, cover crops, and beneficial insects to do their work, the fewer inputs we need," she says. "Kyle always reminds me, ‘we think we can improve things, but nature already knows the best way.’"

This philosophy extends far beyond what happens in any given season. It's about leaving soil richer, ecosystems healthier, and opportunities open for whatever comes next.

What Makes Lodi Special

The Lodi appellation occupies a rare geographical position. Warm summer days meet cool Delta breezes from the San Francisco Bay, creating a temperature swing that mirrors Mediterranean wine regions. But Jorja believes the region's true distinction lies elsewhere.

"Beyond the climate and the soil, Lodi is defined by its farming community," she says. "There's a collaborative spirit here. The better we all do, the better everyone does. Farmers here have been trailblazers—they created the Lodi Rules program, they share best practices, they understand that a rising tide lifts all boats."

This sense of collective progress isn't accidental. It's woven into how the region operates, how neighbors support neighbors, and how authenticity remains central to the wine country experience.

The Grace and Grit Philosophy

Step onto the Harney Lane estate and you encounter an intentional balance—sophisticated yet welcoming, beautiful but never pretentious. This duality—what they call “grace and grit”—shows up everywhere.

"It's the marriage of wanting to deliver an exceptional experience while keeping things comfortable and approachable," Jorja reflects. "We invest in top-notch hospitality, stunning wines, and beautiful surroundings. But we also want guests to feel like they're visiting family, not walking into something intimidating."

The tasting room staff shares the detailed work behind the wine—the soil composition, the vineyard blocks, the decisions made at harvest. "Most people don't understand the labor involved in what they're tasting," Jorja says. "We believe that knowledge deepens appreciation. That's where the grit comes in—showing the work, the effort, the decisions. But we do it in a way that feels genuine, not like a lecture."

Meet Jorja: The Unexpected Path Home

Jorja's journey back to Harney Lane defies the typical family business narrative. Growing up watching her parents navigate farming's unpredictability—weather, market swings, forces beyond anyone's control—she deliberately chose a different path.

"I wanted a stable, predictable career," she recalls. "So I became a physical therapist and practiced for 15 years. I thought I was done with farming."

Then came her marriage to Kyle, her high school sweetheart, and a crisis that changed everything. When her father's health faltered in the mid-1990s, Kyle stepped in to help—and discovered he loved it. The business expanded. Jorja began handling bookkeeping and administrative work. Still, she resisted the pull of full commitment.

The shift happened gradually, through quiet conversations between Jorja and Kyle about legacy and viability. In 2006, they presented her parents with a winemaking plan. It was an act of deliberate choice, not family obligation.

"My role continues to evolve," she says. "I oversee our direct-to-consumer business, manage operations, handle payroll—all the pieces that keep things running. And yes, I still clean bathrooms when needed. That's the grace and grit of running a family business—you do whatever it takes."

The Person Behind the Wine

Ask Jorja about her favorite Harney Lane wine and she'll tell you about Lizzy James, the Old Vine Zinfandel named after her children. "The vineyard itself carries such meaning," she explains. "Those old vines represent generations of care."

But ask what she actually reaches for most evenings, and her answer is different. "The Henry Ranch Chardonnay," she laughs. "Kyle and I open it almost every night. It's approachable, smooth, like comfort food in a glass. It's how we decompress together."

Pressed on which is truly her favorite, Jorja becomes thoughtful. "They're all our kids. You can't rank them. One night you want the story and the gravitas. Another night you want something that lets you just breathe. It depends on the season, the food, who you're with."

Outside the winery, Jorja savors time with her now-adult children, who actually want to visit. She and Kyle recently took up golf—a hobby intentionally chosen because it demands complete focus, making work talk impossible.

Harney Lane and Appellation Lodi: A Natural Partnership

Some partnerships feel strategic. The one between Harney Lane and Appellation Lodi feels inevitable—rooted in shared values and years of genuine connection.

This year proved the strength of that relationship. When Kyle and Jorja hosted "Holiday Traditions with Harney Lane Vineyards" at Americana House's Vintner's Table, the five-course dinner sold out—twice. Guests weren't just tasting wine, they were hearing stories directly from the people who made it, learning about heritage and harvest from those who've lived it for six generations.

"We're grateful for what Appellation is building here," Jorja reflects. "They're honoring the foundation that existed while creating something new. We're looking forward to more exclusive tastings and experiences together—ways to deepen the connections between our guests and our land."

When you visit Appellation Lodi, a stop at Harney Lane becomes more than a typical winery visit. It's a direct conversation with six generations of stewardship, with a family committed to the philosophy that truly great wine requires both grace and grit.

*All images courtesy of Harney Lane Vineyards.