About Us

Foreword by Alis Arrowood

The Amapola Creek story began…

…in 2001 when Richard and I discovered a very special place on the western slope of the Mayacamas Mountains – those magnificent mountains which rise between and separate the Sonoma and Napa valleys.  From the first moment we set foot on the 120 acre ranch that we now call home, we both felt a sense of recognition. It was almost as if we had known and loved the place in another lifetime. There is in fact, a deep connection to the past here.  The orange volcanic soils reveal the mountain’s own fiery history and traces remain of the old stagecoach road which once ran through the property.  Stone walls still stand where Chinese immigrants built them over a century ago. 

At the time, we were completely smitten by the expansive and yet intimate beauty. Immediately in his mind’s eye, Richard saw the mountainside vineyards he would plant on the steep slopes and the new winery nestled amid a stand of ancient oak trees.  In my mind’s eye, I saw a beautiful place to retire.  I imagined our peaceful home on the crest of the ridge where we could relax at last and I envisioned our evenings enjoying the sunset views of the Sonoma valley with the mountains in the distance.….  Clearly, there was some disparity in our visions of the future. 

Yet the story has a happy ending: Richard has 16 acres of vineyards from which to craft the best wines of his career, and together, we share the peaceful home we built on the crest of the ridge - with its views of the sunset…and the winery!

With warmest regards,

Alis Arrowood