About

Hendersons’ Harvest is a small family winery based in Oakland, California, founded out of a passion for handcrafted French-style wines, and based on the experiences I've had of French culture through my wife's family. The business has grown into professionally making wine from grapes sourced in Napa Valley.

My wine-making practice has evolved over the years into incorporating the styles of different French and American appellations I enjoy. I am particularly inspired by the characteristics of the Loire, Bordeaux, and Napa regions. 

Through my involvement in the industries of filmmaking and photography in the Bay Area over the past 30 years, I’ve observed how masters use creative practice to express their vision.

The creation of art takes many shapes. The final expression is the culmination of many events and influences. Some can be controlled, others, uncontrollable. Leading to a finished piece. 

Wine, like a film or a photograph, is a piece of art to be enjoyed. This one, you get to taste.

Khemia (Khem-ee-ah) is the root word for Alchemy. I am deeply inspired by this ancient Greek word. It's origin is in Egypt. Kemet, the name the people of Ancient Egypt called themselves became- "Khemia". When the Greeks came to the Nile River Basin they saw the bountiful black soil there was remarkable, and could grow anything. They called the area "Khemia" which became synonymous with the bountiful richness of the black soil of the region. Centuries later when the Moors advanced and took control of the area they added AL- to Khemia becoming "Al Khemia", "The Khemia"- The area of abundance caused by the rich bountiful black soil was later transliterated into "Alchemy"

winemaker

Don Henderson

Working as a technician in the industries of filmmaking and photography throughout the Bay Area over the past 30 years I’ve worked and collaborated with masters who use varied creative practices to express their vision.

Through my experiences, I’ve learned the creation of art leads an artist through many steps and phases. Starting from a vision- leading to a finished piece. On every project, the demand for expertise and precision these artists insist has led me to develop multiple skills to control our selected environment to be able to reach their desired vision. In every venture, the final expression is the culmination of many influences, events and decisions. Some controlled and sculpted, others, as uncontrollable as the weather. 

My wine, like a film or a photograph, is a piece of art to be enjoyed. This one, you can taste, as well as observe its beauty. From the creation of the wine itself- it’s color and flavor profile. To the creation of the brand- it’s label and values, Hendersons’ Harvest is my work of art.