Winery Story

Formerly Pfendler Ranch, Copeland Creek’s vineyards are located on Sonoma Mountain in Petaluma, where the very different varietals thrive ... (more...)in distinctly different microclimates located on the same mountain. Winemaker Don Baumhefner worked to create the ideal terroir by matching grape varieties with specific microclimates and soil conditions: the sunny vineyard atop Sonoma Mountain is where Bordeaux varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot grow, and the delicate Pinot Noir grapes thrive beautifully in the morning mists of the lower slopes, while the Chardonnay grow on the south side of this vineyard. Copeland Creek is the thread that connects them all. Interestingly enough, 80% of the water that cools the Russian River Valley comes from Petaluma. Baumhefner made his first barrel of wine almost 30 years ago in the barn on his small family farm.