About Us
In 1978, seeds began to sprout as two high school sweethearts (Ed & Monica Harbes) married young and decided to try their hand at life on the farm. Ed learned everything there was to know from his father who taught him the secrets of farming acquired over 13 generations out on the East End. Equipped with a new corn planter, a bag of special seeds and the support of his wife and children, the Harbes Family Farm Stand opened. Dad grew the corn and built the farm stand, Mom painted the sign, and even before it was dry their ten year old son Jason along with the family dog Queenie, was selling corn to neighbors. They were humble beginnings to be sure, but people were kind to them, liked what they had to offer and their business steadily grew.
In 2003, Bordeaux grape vines were planted on a stony south-facing hill (just where French grapes like it), producing the fine and subtle wines that the North Fork is famous for. The 100-year old Cherry barn at the Mattituck farm provides a simple, country retreat for wine tasting and relaxing amongst lush green fields, under clear blue skies. We welcome you to our farms, invite you to be our guests and take in all the beauty that surrounds you. From our family, to yours...
Our commitment to the land
The Harbes Family has been tilling the soil for 13 generations. We're committed to protecting agricultural land and preserving our family legacy and heritage as farmers.
Best Management Practices:
We work closely with Cornell University's integrated pest management system to grow fresh and healthy produce the natural way, with a minimum of other inputs.
Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing
As part of our commitment to sustainable production, Harbes is proud to be the founding member of the Long Island Sustainable Winegrowers Association. LISW believes that vineyards should work in harmony with our natural world leaving the land we steward in better condition than when we found it. We work to build a community between vineyards, workers and the land.
Conservation
We have committed over 100 acres of potential housing development into a preserved farmland program, which ensures its agricultural future.
Compost Program
We use locally sourced compost to enrich and protect the soil quality.
Crop Rotation
We practice crop rotation and cover cropping which is a method of replenishing the soils nutrients and preventing the erosion of topsoil.
Reduced Tillage
We utilize reduced tillage farming practices that preserves soil quality, reduces the need for crop inputs and conserves water.