Our Team

Idle Cellars

Making Wine Since 2006

Working together for 18 years now, Ben and Ari’s winemaking bond is stronger than ever, escalating the Idle movement one glass at a time.
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Ben Larks

Winegrower

Originally from Los Angeles, Ben is a teacher and explorer from a far off land. Ben's approach to winemaking emphasizes getting involved in the vineyard to ensure the best quality from vine to bottle. Beyond winemaking, Ben has a deep appreciation for music, which influences his creative process. He is actively involved in sharing his wines and stories with the community.

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Ari Heavner

Oenologist

Ari is an entrepreneur based in San Francisco, California. Ari had a taste for wine from an early age. Born across the street from his wine-making mentor and friend Robert Rex, in Berkeley, California, in 2005 he went to work Robert’s Apprentice at Deerfield Ranch winery where he met Ben. As they honed their craft under Robert’s tutelage, together, they made their first batch of Idle Cellars wine in 2006. Almost two decades later Ari continues to foster his deep passion for Idle Cellars wines, while working and traveling around the globe, continuing to share his craft with friends.