MEET OUR PEOPLE
Jorja Lerner
Harney Lane Winery / Owner
HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY BEEN FARMING WINEGRAPES?
Our family has been farming winegrapes on the Harney Lane ranch since 1907.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU’D LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT LODI?
Lodi is just getting started! I am so confident and proud of our growing history and our supportive community. I know we have only scratched the surface of what we can do.
WHAT IS YOUR FIRST MEMORY OF WINE AND HOW DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO GET IN TO THE INDUSTRY?
My first memory of wine is driving with my dad to deliver winegrapes to one of the local wineries. I’d often tag along, and I can still remember the sights and sounds of harvest from back then.
WHAT IS ONE ASPECT OF YOUR CAREER WHICH MIGHT SURPRISE PEOPLE?
I pursued a career in physical therapy, and I practiced for 15 years before returning to the family business to help start the winery. Growing up, I wasn’t interested in the farming life. I saw my family go through many ups and downs, financially, without much control. Farming is hard work without a guaranteed return.
WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT ASPECT OF YOUR JOB?
I tend toward familiar and expected but nothing about our business or journey has remained familiar or expected. We have experienced continuous growth which is a blessing for which I am grateful. But with continuous growth comes continuous change and I am constantly challenged to learn and do new things.
WHAT CHORE DO YOU ABSOLUTELY HATE DOING?
That depends on if we are talking about work chores or home chores. At work, the chore I dislike most is state compliance reporting; at home, it is grocery shopping.
CURRENTLY, WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO DRINK?
My go-to is our Chardonnay from our home estate. Having your own, fully stocked wine cellar is one of the best perks of owning a winery. When I am not drinking wine, I also love a great bourbon cocktail.
WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
The first date I went on with Kyle was to his high school senior prom!
