We kept the grape variety a secret for nearly twenty years so the beauty of the wine could simply speak for itself, free from industry preconceptions.”

— Jorja Lerner

LODI, CA, UNITED STATES, August 25, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — For almost two decades, Harney Lane Vineyards has kept a fiercely guarded secret in its cellar. Today, the 126-year-old family-owned Lodi estate officially announces that its coveted Patriarch’s Promise—a wine that has intrigued industry professionals and collectors since its 2012 debut—is a 100% single-vineyard Ruby Cabernet.

Once highly sought-after in the 1960s and 1970s, Ruby Cabernet was eventually abandoned by the premium wine industry. However, Harney Lane’s late patriarch and fourth-generation Lodi farmer, George Mettler, saw untapped potential in a three-acre block that others had given up on.

“My dad never walked away from a vineyard if he believed it still had a story left to tell,” says Fifth Generation Proprietor, Jorja Lerner. “When everyone else gave up on this varietal, he made a stubborn promise to see it through. We kept the grape variety a secret for nearly twenty years so the beauty of the wine could simply speak for itself, free from industry preconceptions.”

A Rare 100% Ruby Cabernet

What began as an aggressive, edgy young wine underwent an unhurried transformation in the cellar, spending nearly three years in the barrel. The resulting wine is beautifully elegant, structured, and luxurious. By letting the wine lead, Harney Lane is now believed to be the only California winery producing a premium, single-vineyard, single-varietal Ruby Cabernet, successfully restoring the former glory of a forgotten California grape.

Over $100,000 Raised for Cancer Charities

Beyond resurrecting this heritage varietal, Patriarch’s Promise serves a deeply personal mission. In honor of George Mettler, Harney Lane has donated a portion of the proceeds from every bottle sold to cancer-related charities. To date, this single-vineyard project has raised over $100,000, proving that Mettler’s vision continues to make a profound impact.

To watch the official reveal video featuring Proprietors Kyle and Jorja Lerner and to learn more about the legacy of Patriarch’s Promise, visit harneylane.com/patriarchs-promise.

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About Harney Lane Vineyards
Located in Lodi, California, Harney Lane Vineyards is a sixth-generation family estate dedicated to crafting exceptional, limited-production wines. Rooted in a philosophy of “Grace + Grit,” Proprietors Kyle and Jorja Lerner invite guests to step back from the rush and experience genuine hospitality, world-class wines, and the unhurried life. Learn more at harneylane.com.

Kelly Mantel
Harney Lane Vineyards
+1 209-365-1900
email us here

The 20-Year Secret Revealed: The Story Behind Patriarch’s Promise

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