Argot Wines founder Justin Harmon did not grow up in the wine industry. He grew up in Chicago, where he experimented with making wine in his parents’ basement. Yet this chemical engineer-turned-self-taught winemaker has built one of California’s most distinctive micro-boutique labels, earning over 100 90+ ratings and accolades from influential critics and publications such as Wine Spectator and The Wine Advocate.
Justin’s unconventional journey started in 2005, when he was an uninspired chemical engineer. A harvest internship in Sonoma ignited an unexpected passion, providing the catalyst he needed to pursue a career change.
Ultimately drawing inspiration from legendary Burgundian winemaker Henri Jayer, a monumental figure in the world of boutique winegrowing, Justin developed an instinct-driven approach to winemaking. That philosophy defines his flagship Bastard Tongue Pinot Noir, which he blends with, as he says, “no rules.”
A True Partnership
Justin’s journey took another unexpected turn in 2011. He met Beth Thompson, a harvest intern from a small town in Texas. Their connection was immediate. They married in 2015, and as Beth’s career in wine sales and marketing grew, she became increasingly involved in Argot.
Today, they run the winery together as true partners, combining Justin’s winemaking instincts with Beth’s expertise in building the brand.
The name Argot reflects both philosophy and practice. An argot is “a language that develops from intimacy, like-mindedness, and mutual respect,” Beth explains. “The special bond and connection created by sharing a bottle of wine with others is what Argot Wines is all about.”
The First Vintage
The spirit of collaboration shaped their business from the start. In 2007, Justin worked the harvest at Vinify Wine Services, a custom crush cooperative that had just opened in Sonoma. Custom crush facilities provide winemaking services to wine brands, assisting with crushing, fermentation, aging, and bottling.
At the end of the season, he had the opportunity to purchase his first ton of grapes, a Syrah. When he approached Vinify’s owner about making wine in the facility, the response was simple. He needed to get a bonded federal winery number. Then he could produce his first vintage at no cost.
It was an incredible opportunity that launched Justin’s professional winemaking career. While traveling between Chicago and Sonoma to tend his barrels, the cooperative model proved ideal—a team to handle day-to-day tasks and collegial relationships with fellow winemakers.
The Micro-Boutique Experience
Nearly two decades later, that cooperative foundation remains essential to Argot’s success.
For micro-boutique producers in an increasingly competitive market, the custom crush model offers critical advantages: access to high-end equipment without the capital investment of building a winery, cost flexibility that allows them to scale production as needed, and sustainability through shared resources.
Perhaps most valuable is the community itself—winemakers sharing ideas, troubleshooting challenges, and pushing each other to improve.
For a small family-owned winery, that collaborative foundation remains at the heart of Argot today. Beth notes they are grateful for the ability to use shared space and equipment, and for the shared overhead costs.
“There is some real talent in that space,” she says. “It’s pretty special to be able to taste others’ wines, go through the harvest experience together, and then celebrate at the end.”
The Vineyard Partners
Argot maintains long-term lease contracts with growers in both Sonoma and Napa, giving them complete control over farming their blocks.
“As outsiders with no ties to vineyard land, it was all about building relationships with growers who were like-minded in terms of high-level quality over quantity,” Beth explains. “It is part of our unique business model. The estate vineyard model is highly prized, but for young wineries like ours, long-term leases allow us to diversify our portfolio and focus on the varieties and vineyards we really want to highlight.”
Most of their Sonoma fruit comes from Bennett Valley and Sonoma Mountain. “The extremely cool microclimate and volcanic soils create incredibly unique and expressive wines,” Beth notes.
The Challenge of Napa
In Napa, they work in three distinct AVAs—Oakville, St. Helena, and Napa Valley—each producing single-vineyard Cabernets of distinct character. “They are each so unique in terms of their soils and climates,” Beth says.
Breaking into Napa’s tight-knit community proved more challenging than Sonoma. Many families have owned their land for generations, making relationships hard to forge. That makes their partnership with the Meyer family, founders of Silver Oak Cellars, all the more significant.
Argot has a block in the historic Bonny’s Vineyard in Oakville, planted over 50 years ago. They are the only winery outside the Meyer family allowed to use Bonny’s name, which appears on their Bonny’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, a testament to the trust and relationships the Harmons have built. Photo ©Courtesy of the Meyer Family
Another notable partnership is at Simpatico Ranch, where they have Chardonnay vines. “These are 50-year-old, gnarled vines that have delved deep into the earth to extract the essence of the vineyard’s terroir,” Beth explains. “They are a great family, and we are the only winemaker in the vineyard working with these old vines.”
The Argot Wines
Argot’s portfolio spans five varietals—Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon—each produced in limited quantities with meticulous attention to detail.
“Our goal is always to make the best wine possible,” Beth says, “but that means staying true to who we are, not chasing trends.”
“We’re a micro boutique, producing around 3,000 cases annually,” Beth explains. At that scale, the Harmons have complete control over every aspect of winemaking. Their approach is firmly rooted in tradition—native fermentation, extended aging in French oak, minimal intervention—resulting in wines with rich fruit expression and structure.
Justin’s winemaking style focuses on achieving the greatest expression of each wine. “It begins with our vineyard choices and goes forward from there,” he says. “Blending, blending, blending. Working from the whole to put together the most beautiful tapestry each vintage gives us.”
At the Custom Crush
©Courtesy of Jim Arndt
When we arrived at Argot’s tasting room, I was surprised to find it tucked into a business park—a far cry from the grand estate wineries that dot Sonoma valley. Having never experienced a tasting at a custom crush facility, I was intrigued by what awaited inside. This became one of the most memorable tastings of our trip.
Beth greeted us warmly and began our experience with Argot’s Pixelated, a limited-edition Sparkling Rosé. The effervescent wine showed bright, refreshing, clean fruit.
It was the perfect companion as Beth led us through the winemaking facility, where we glimpsed the collaborative energy that defines the space. As we toured the facility, an array of gleaming steel equipment stood ready for the next harvest. In the impressive barrel room, Beth explained Argot’s approach to aging. They use French oak barrels that are only reused once, ensuring optimal oak influence.
Tasting Argot Wines
Returning to the modern, light-filled tasting room, we settled in for the main flight, accompanied by a thoughtfully curated charcuterie board. The 2021 Le Rayon Vert Chardonnay was smooth with bright citrus notes and impressive depth.
Then came the wine that Argot is best known for—the Bastard Tongue Pinot Noir. One sip revealed why this wine consistently earns 90+ scores. The wine was rich and complex, with berry and spice notes that added depth and body, culminating in a beautiful finish.
The 2021 Indigo Syrah won me over with its full-bodied character and intriguing hints of berry and coffee, changing my expectations of the varietal.
We concluded with the 2022 Bonny’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark berries, chocolate, and oak were evident in this rich, well-balanced wine that showcased the quality of the historic vineyard.
Every wine in our tasting earned a 90+ rating, which was well deserved. We enjoyed the wines so much, we purchased several bottles to have shipped home.
Here Comes Justin
Midway through the tasting, Justin arrived, and what had already been a special experience became truly memorable. Sharing wine with both partners, hearing the stories behind each vineyard relationship and winemaking decision, gave us a deeper appreciation for what we were tasting.
It’s the kind of intimate, personal experience that only a micro-boutique operation can offer—and exactly what the name Argot promises: connection built through shared wine.
“Our vision is to grow our direct following, not our production,” Beth explains. That philosophy guides their distribution approach. Argot wines are currently available in wine shops and restaurants across 13 states, with expansion plans underway. The winery also ships directly to all 50 states through its website and offers a wine club for access to its limited production releases at preferred pricing.
In a wine industry often defined by heritage and legacy, Argot Wines proves that passion, partnership, and a willingness to forge your own path can create something equally compelling–3,000 cases at a time.
If You Go
Napa and Sonoma are easily accessible from major Northern California cities.
From San Francisco: Approximately 50-60 miles north, depending upon your destination. Drive time is typically 1 to 1.5 hours via Highway 101 (Sonoma) or Highway 29 (Napa). Traffic can add time during peak weekend hours.
From Sacramento: Approximately 60-90 miles west, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours depending on whether you are heading to Napa or Sonoma.
By Air: San Francisco International (SFO), Oakland International (OAK), and Sacramento International (SMF) serve the region. We flew into Sacramento and found it much easier to navigate than San Francisco International.
Getting Around: A car is essential for exploring wine country, as wineries are spread throughout the valleys. Designated driver services, wine tour companies, and ride-sharing apps are widely available for those who want to taste without driving.
Argot Wines Tasting Room: Located in North Santa Rosa, private tastings can be scheduled via argotwines.com or by calling (707) 387-4082.
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