| Region of production: | Anderson Valley AVA, Sonoma Coast AVA |
| Winery Location: | Healdsburg |
| Year Established: | 1999 |
Vineyard Holdings
- Wendling Vineyard
- Monument Tree Vineyard
- Kiser Vineyard: Split into two blocks: en haut (or “upper,” at 800 feet elevation), which consists mainly of sandstone, and en bas (or “lower,” at 650 feet), with more clay and sandstone.
Top Wines Produced & Inaugural Vintages
- Wendling (Anderson Valley AVA): Inaugural vintage 2012.
- Monument Tree (Anderson Valley AVA)
- Kiser En Bas (Anderson Valley AVA)
- Kiser En Haut (Anderson Valley AVA)
- Les Voisins (Anderson Valley AVA): Blended from three nearby vineyards; the name means “the neighbors.”
- Tous Ensemble (Sonoma Coast AVA): Meaning “all together.” Entry level appellation blend from the Sonoma Coast.
Average Total Production
- 240,000 bottles
Summary
Founder and winemaker Wells Guthrie’s first work in the wine industry was as a tasting coordinator for Wine Spectator. He later moved to the Rhône Valley to work with Michel Chapoutier and also spent time with Jean Louis Chave while there. Stateside again, Wells had stints at Turley Wine Cellars and Martinelli Winery. In 1999, he established Copain. Its debut style was rich and powerful, but Wells eventually moved to a more restrained style, beginning with the 2006 vintage. Copain was sold to Jackson Family Wines in 2016, with Wells retaining his post as winemaker.
Style & Vinification Techniques
Guthrie’s style debuted as fruit forward and rich, reflecting his experience at Martinelli and Turley. Lower ripeness levels and elevated acidity became hallmarks beginning with the 2006 vintage.
Producer Website: Copain