Our People Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future

From Reuben Harper’s 19th-century farm to today’s regenerative estate vineyards, Harper’s Rest is built on generations of stewardship. Chris and Piper Underwood lead with vision and respect for the land, joined by winemaker Vance Rose and vineyard partner Matt Stornetta — each bringing decades of experience to a shared pursuit: wines that speak of place and purpose.

Proprietors, Chris and Piper Underwood at Harper's Rest

Chris and Piper Underwood Proprietors

With a legacy spanning more than 135 years, Young’s Holdings is one of America’s oldest continuously run family businesses. Chris Underwood, CEO of Young’s Holdings and fifth-generation family member, began his career in the Los Angeles warehouse in 1996 and rose to CEO in 2011. He guided Young’s Market Company through its joint venture with RNDC and its eventual sale in 2022. Today, Young’s Holdings continues to shape the industry through Wilson Daniels and Infinium Spirits.

Along the way, Chris developed a passion for wine, particularly in west Sonoma County. In 2021, he purchased the 15-acre Moon Dust Vineyard in the Sebastopol Hills, followed by the historic Harper’s Rest property on the famous Westside Road in the Russian River Valley in 2025.

At the heart of this new venture is Chris’s wife, Piper, whose creativity and vision are integral to reimagining Harper’s Rest. Together they are building a destination that honors the property’s historic elegance while welcoming guests with warmth and authenticity.

Vance Rose Winemaker/General Manager

Vance Rose is a wine industry veteran with over 40 years’ experience, encompassing winemaking in California, France, Spain and Australia, and brings with this a background in wine retail, wholesale, winery management, sales, and marketing.

Ever since having a great bottle of 1959 red Burgundy when he was 18, Vance has sought to find vineyards from which to make wine that could rival that seminal experience.  With the start of the purchase of Moon Dust Vineyard in 2021 and Harper’s Rest Vineyard in 2025, he is confident he is finally there. In addition to his work in vineyards, wineries, Vance is a highly regarded chef.