William "Bill" Harlan is the founder of the iconic Napa Valley wineries Harlan Estate, Bond, and Promontory. A UC Berkeley graduate, he first built a successful career in real estate, co-founding Pacific Union and developing the Meadowood resort, before dedicating himself to his vision of creating a Californian "First Growth" wine estate with a multi-generational legacy.
Outside of his devotion to winemaking, Harlan has a history as an adventurer. In his youth, he sailed around the world, raced motorcycles, and was a professional poker player. His deep appreciation for the great family-owned wine estates of Europe inspired the long-term, legacy-focused philosophy he applies to his own life and business.
Unique fact: Harlan operates his wineries on a "200-year plan" to ensure they endure and thrive for many generations, mirroring the historic estates of Europe.