Sean Larkin, originally from Inverkeithing, Scotland, moved to New Jersey in 1979 and initially worked as a sheet metal worker. However, his passion for wine led him to become a sommelier. He later relocated to Napa Valley, where he worked for a wine brokerage house representing small, premium wineries and eventually started his own brokerage. In 1999, he launched Larkin Wines, with a focus on Cabernet Franc. After gaining public and press recognition, he expanded to include Cabernet Sauvignon. Sean eventually closed his brokerage to concentrate on Larkin Wines and introduced a new label, Jack Larkin, featuring Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay.