La Clarine Farm
Somerset, California
Hank Beckmeyer and Caroline Hoel established La Clarine Farm with a shared passion for authentic, terroir-driven wines. Their philosophy revolves around minimal intervention, allowing the grapes and the land to express themselves fully.
The two met in the 80s while Hank was on a European tour with his band, Half Japanese. Hank left the band and stayed behind, living and traveling through Bandol and beyond with Caroline, building a life together.
In 2001, the couple settled in Somerset, California and began what they describe as a “natural farming journey” high in the Sierra Foothills—raising goats and vines along with chickens, bees, dogs, cats, and all manner of flora and fauna.
Hank believes in whole cluster, foot-stomping, native yeast, and no temperature control. He uses old oak puncheons and flex tanks for fermentation and ageing, and uses little to no added sulfur at bottling.
The reds are brambly, earthy and full of tart, dense fruit, vibrant and alive. And even better on the second day, and the third…
“It’s simply a beverage of pleasure. Wine is a social lubricant, and I’m only interested in wines made because someone felt absolutely compelled to make them, not because of money, but for deeper reasons.” ~ Hank B.
