Harbes family
Harbes family at work
Lisa Harbes helps check corn
The beginnings of our farmstand

our story

the harbes family story

In 1978, a fruitful journey began as two high school sweethearts (Ed & Monica Harbes) married young and started a new life on the family farm in Mattituck. Ed worked with his father, becoming the 12th generation of farmers as he strove to provide for his ever-growing family with the potato and cabbage farming business. Monica devoted her time to homemaking and motherhood, helping on the farm when time permitted (which wasn't too often since they have eight children).

The 1980's were a transitioning period for farming. An increasingly global economy made it difficult for smaller "Mom and Pop" type operations to thrive. After several disappointing years in the potato business and with no upturn in sight, we shifted focus to retail farming.

In 1989, Ed planted a new type of Super Sweet Corn, built a 14' by 14' gazebo and started retailing corn and tomatoes with the salesmanship of their ten-year-old son, Jason.

They were humble beginnings to be sure, but the public has been kind to them and over the years their business has grown.

In 2003, the finest French vinifera clones were planted on a stony south facing hill, providing an ideal setting for vines and among the most promising wines on the North Fork. The tasting barn located at the Mattituck farm now provides a location for guests to enjoy wine in a rural setting.

The expansion to three locations and a vineyard has kept all eight of the Harbes children busy with daily farm operations, from plowing, pruning, and harvesting the fields to producing quality wine and running the farm stands.

We welcome you to our farms and invite you to enjoy the country and make your own family memories!