Carole Coplan, Proprietor and Vigneron
As a corporate lawyer in San Francisco, Carole long dreamed of a life in wine country. Each time she started her laptop in her financial district office, she was greeted by Microsoft’s screensaver of rolling hills and a blue sky. Her dream of obtaining a slice of wine country came true in 2011 when she purchased the Coplan Vineyards property in Sonoma. She was awestruck to learn later that it has a view of the real-life “Bliss Hill” photographed for the iconic screensaver. Coplan Vineyards’ land has a rich agricultural history and still includes a block of Saint George rootstock Cabernet Sauvignon vines dating back to the 1940s—likely the oldest remaining in Sonoma Valley. She released her 2019 single vineyard estate “Bliss Hill” Cabernet Sauvignon as a tribute.
As a first-generation farmer, Carole brings fresh energy, a visionary approach, a healthy dose of idealism, and a deep commitment to organic practices. She began a years-long journey to transition the vineyard from conventional farming to regenerative vitality. She learned through hands-on trial and error, coursework at UC Davis, and collaboration with like-minded experts who shared her philosophy of regenerative, organic farming. She initially sold all the grapes to large producers under inherited contracts from her predecessors. Frustrated by their disappointment that she refused to use herbicides, she then pivoted her model to partnering with small natural wine makers who appreciated regenerative farming practices. Recognizing that these small producers were making exquisite wines and that they were secretive about protecting the source of their Carneros fruit, Carole then began making wine on her own – first in San Francisco with another local Sonoma winemaker, before moving the winemaking back to wine country.
Carole planted 1.5 acres of Chardonnay and .75 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the existing historic vines. The block where the Chardonnay vines were planted underwent a seven-year fallow process to regenerate the soil. Patience makes perfection. She used to joke that Chardonnay could be her middle name, and Coplan Vineyards is located in the heart of Chardonnay country. She carefully selected Dijon and Hyde-Wente clone vines to plant the vineyard. She believes that this area is also the ideal location for Bordeaux varietals as the years grow warmer, so she chose to plant more Cabernet Sauvignon vines after participating in a white paper study about the trend. During the initial design phase, Carole planted 50 olive trees to start her olive orchard, later adding another 50+ trees to create today’s mature olive orchard. Carole designed the modern farmhouse early in the Coplan Vineyards adventure, creating a space to fully enjoy the property’s stunning landscape and vineyard views. The property has been featured in Netflix’s Chef’s Table, CNN, and other prominent media outlets.
Our “Coplandia” moniker reflects the family name and a playful spirit, but our dedication to our craft is deeply serious. The journey and adventure continue!
Jacqueline Yoakum, Winemaker
Jacqueline holds a Master’s degree in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis. She began her winemaking journey at Stags Leap Cellars and has since crafted wines at Littorai, Nicholson Ranch, Keller Estate, and Italics before teaming with Coplan Vineyards.
Jacqueline works closely with Coplan Vineyards' vineyard management team to ensure the vines are nurtured throughout the growing season and the grapes are harvested at their peak. In addition to her winemaking expertise, Jacqueline brings a unique perspective rooted in wellness—she is also a certified nutritionist and holistic health practitioner, enriching her approach with a deep focus on vitality, balance, and care.
Jacqueline works closely with Coplan Vineyards' vineyard management team to ensure the vines are nurtured throughout the growing season and the grapes are harvested at their peak. In addition to her winemaking expertise, Jacqueline brings a unique perspective rooted in wellness—she is also a certified nutritionist and holistic health practitioner, enriching her approach with a deep focus on vitality, balance, and care.