A special place

On a western slope of the Mayacamas range, which rises between the Sonoma and Napa Valleys, a stream flows each spring, its banks covered with the California poppy, our state flower. Amapola is Spanish for poppy. Amapola Creek runs through our land and lends its name to our winery. 

A lifelong quest

When Richard told me he wanted to start another winery, I was stunned. After four decades of winemaking – from pioneering vineyard designated Chardonnays at Chateau St. Jean to creating elegant, long-lived Cabernet Sauvignons at Arrowood – I thought my husband would retire.

Then he asked me, “Who would I be if I couldn’t make wine?”

Just like that, Amapola Creek began. It is, quite simply, his quest to make his best, ever. And the results are... simply stunning!

Our first release

In March 2008 we released our first vintage from Amapola Creek Winery – 400 cases of organically farmed estate grown 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon and 400 cases of 2005 Zinfandel, Viñas Antiguas from the century-plus-old vines of Monte Rosso Vineyard, our celebrated neighbor.