About us – Wine Country Corner

Where Insider Knowledge Meets Modern Wine Country Living

Wine Country Corner isn’t just another wine country guide—it’s your personal connection to the authentic heart of California’s most celebrated wine regions. Founded by Napa Valley native Allison Harper and longtime wine industry expert Sean Patterson, we bridge generations of wine country heritage with contemporary expertise to create your perfect wine country experience.

Your California Wine Country Guide, image of red and white grapes bunches on the vine

Our Story

Born in her grandmother’s bustling Italian restaurant in Napa Valley, Allison grew up immersed in the rhythm of harvest seasons and the art of pairing fine wine with exceptional food. After a successful career in Silicon Valley’s tech industry, she returned to her roots, bringing a unique blend of traditional knowledge and modern innovation to Wine Country Corner.

What Sets Us Apart

While others might scratch the surface, we take you deeper into wine country’s soul. Our stories come from lived experience—from pre-dawn grape harvests to private tastings in historic wine caves, from family recipes passed down through generations to insider knowledge of up-and-coming winemakers.

Allison Harper smiling warmly at camera, wearing a dark khaki blouse, standing in front of a vintage barn at a wine country estate. Her brown-red hair catches the sunlight while a historic wooden structure creates an authentic vineyard backdrop.
When not working, you’ll find Allison on early morning hikes through the vineyards, teaching her children about harvest traditions, or hosting Sunday family dinners featuring her grandmother’s recipes paired with wines from small, family-owned vineyards.

A Napa Valley Native’s Journey

Born and raised in the heart of Napa Valley, Allison Harper’s story is deeply intertwined with the rich tapestry of California wine country. Her earliest memories were formed in her grandmother’s bustling Italian restaurant, where she learned that food, wine, and family are the threads that weave together the fabric of wine country life. As a child, weekends meant helping in the kitchen, learning traditional recipes, and absorbing her grandmother’s wisdom about the deep connection between good food and fine wine.
Growing up among the vineyards, Allison’s teenage years were shaped by unique experiences that few others can claim. From pre-dawn harvests with local wine-making families to exclusive tastings in historic cellars, she gained an insider’s perspective on wine country’s evolution from a close-knit agricultural community to a world-renowned wine destination.
After graduating from UCSB, where she managed a restaurant wine program while studying technology, Allison built a successful career in Silicon Valley’s tech industry. However, her heart remained in wine country, and she eventually returned to Novato with her husband and two children to be closer to her roots.
This unique combination of traditional wine country knowledge and modern tech expertise led to the creation of Wine Country Corner with her childhood friend Sean.
Today, Allison channels her multi-generational wine country experience into creating authentic, accessible experiences for visitors. From developing family-friendly vineyard programs to organizing luxury collector tastings, she brings both warmth and expertise to everything she does. Her popular “Heritage Table” cooking and wine pairing workshops carry forward her grandmother’s traditions, while her innovative digital wine education programs showcase her ability to bridge old and new.
A certified wine educator and professional photographer, Allison is particularly passionate about making wine country accessible to all. Whether she’s leading sunrise vineyard photography workshops, designing kid-friendly tasting room experiences, or helping couples plan their dream wine country weddings, she brings an insider’s knowledge with a welcoming spirit.

Bridging Wine Country Heritage with Digital Innovation

Sean Patterson’s story is deeply rooted in Sonoma Valley’s transformation from a quiet agricultural community to a world-class wine destination. As the son of boutique hotel owners in Glen Ellen, Sean’s earliest memories are of wine country hospitality—helping his parents welcome guests, listening to winemakers share stories in the hotel lobby, and learning the art of creating memorable experiences.
His journey in wine began at age sixteen, working weekend tours at Benziger Family Winery, where he developed a passion for biodynamic farming and sustainable wine practices. While pursuing his computer science degree at UC Berkeley, Sean maintained his connection to wine country, spending harvests in Russian River Valley cellars and developing an intimate understanding of both traditional winemaking and modern innovation.
After college, Sean’s tech career took him into San Francisco’s startup world, where he successfully developed wine club management software used by boutique wineries throughout Sonoma County.
This unique combination of wine industry knowledge and technical expertise led him to create one of the first virtual tasting programs for small-production wineries, helping them reach new audiences during challenging times.
Today, Sean calls the East Bay home, where he lives with his wife and two young sons, perfectly positioned between the tech world and wine country. When not helping small wineries navigate the digital age or exploring undiscovered Sonoma vintners, he’s teaching his boys about grape growing in their backyard garden or planning the next family vineyard adventure.
Sean blends his passion for wine country traditions with digital innovation to make the region accessible to all. Dedicated to supporting small, family-owned wineries and preserving its authentic charm, he shares stories and experiences that define its unique character. 
Wine Country Guide

Experience Wine Country Like a Local

Authentic Experiences

📸 Dawn photography sessions in mustard-bloomed vineyards
📸 Private blending sessions with renowned winemakers
📸 Family-friendly vineyard adventures
📸 Helicopter tours of mountain vineyards
📸 Exclusive harvest participation opportunities

Curated Accommodations

🏨 Historic bed & breakfasts tucked into vineyard estates
🏨 Luxury resorts with world-class spas
🏨 We personally vet every property we recommend
🏨 Our insider status means exclusive perks for our readers

Culinary Journeys

🍽️ Secret menu items at Michelin-starred restaurants
🍽️ Hidden gem cafés loved by local winemakers
🍽️ Traditional family recipes paired with perfect wines
🍽️ Private chef experiences in spectacular settings

Beyond the Tasting Room

🍷 Discover appointment-only wineries that rarely open their doors to the public
🍷Learn about limited-production wines
🍷Experience seasonal events that most visitors never hear about
🍷Access private barrel tastings

Celebrations & Events

🍾 From intimate weddings in private wine caves
🍾 Corporate events in historic barrel rooms,
🍾 We know the most spectacular venues and the region’s finest vendors.

Expert Trip Planning

Whether you’re planning:
🧳 A romantic weekend
🧳 A family vacation
🧳 A corporate retreat
🧳 Our tailored itineraries go beyond the obvious
🧳 Creating truly memorable experiences.

Colorful hot air balloons floating over Napa Valley vineyards at sunrise
Stay Connected with Wine Country

Beyond the Glass Blog

Our weekly blog brings wine country to life with:

  • Seasonal updates and harvest reports
  • Winemaker interviews and cellar secrets
  • Food and wine pairing wine country guide
  • Photography and travel tips
    Event calendars and festival coverage

Our Commitment

At Wine Country Corner, we’re more than just a wine country guide–we’re your connection to the authentic wine country experience. Every recommendation comes from personal experience, every story from real relationships, and every suggestion from our genuine love for this special place we call home.

Digital Resources

🍷 Interactive wine region maps
🍷 Seasonal planning guides
🍷 Virtual tasting experiences
🍷 Educational wine content
🍷 Mobile-friendly tasting routes
All designed to enrich your journey and deepen your connection to the world of wine, from wine to the glass.

Join Our Community

Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, insider tips, and special offers from our network of wine country partners. Follow us on social media for daily doses of wine country beauty and inspiration.

Let’s Connect

We love hearing from our readers! Share your wine country stories, ask questions, or reach out for personalized recommendations. Together, let’s explore the heart and soul of California wine country.

Beyond the Glass current posts: