The Lazy Creek Story

The Story of Lazy Creek Vineyards

When Don and Rhonda Carano discovered Lazy Creek Vineyards, their first thought was, "What a magical place!" The quiet simplicity and charm reminded them of when they first started in the wine business over 30 years ago as grape growers on a small ranch in Alexander Valley, and where they established Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery in Sonoma County a few years later.

Don and Rhonda purchased the 95-acre Lazy Creek ranch in 2008 from Josh and Mary Beth Chandler. Planted to roughly 40 acres of grapes including Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, and Chardonnay, it was love at first sight for Don and Rhonda. Their true passion and heart has always been, first and foremost, in land and all that it brings. Lazy Creek - the vineyards, the farm, the animals, the gardens, the special Heritage roses - truly represents a personal journey for them.

Prior to Josh and Mary Beth, Hans and Theresia Kobler operated Lazy Creek for 26 years, after purchased the property from the Pinoli family, the original founders of this ranch in the early 20^th century. Hans and Theresia began the arduous task of planting additional vineyards, including Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Hans established Lazy Creek as a producer of award-winning Alsatian-style Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir wines.

Don and Rhonda honor the philosophy and tradition of producing the Alsatian-European style of wines that Lazy Creek enthusiasts have come to enjoy. "We truly believe that great wines begin in the vineyards, and we feel honored to carry on the tradition of superbly-crafted, artisan wines established by those before us at Lazy Creek," says Don Carano. Also believing whole-heartedly in allowing the vineyards to express themselves is Lazy Creek Vineyards Winemaker Christy Griffith.

A true outdoors woman, Christy Griffith grows her own organic vegetables, loves animals, cooking and campfires, and she will tell you that winemaking is all about the senses. First attracted to the industry when she was an intern at Murphy-Goode Estate Winery, Christy became passionate about winemaking because it is art and chemistry combined, and is a very hands-on profession. After receiving her enology degree from California State University, Fresno, followed by a five-year tenure as assistant winemaker at Jordan Vineyards & Winery, Christy joined Ferrari-Carano as assistant winemaker focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. Now, as the winemaker for Lazy Creek Vineyards, it is Christy's goal to allow the land to express itself in the wines, with minimal intervention. Says Christy, "We have such a great diversity of clones and some very unique vineyard sites that allow for complex, concentrated, multidimensional wines - our Lazy Creek wines are true terroir-driven, and I plan to convey that by letting the land speak for itself in the finished bottle -- balanced, rich, delicious Lazy Creek wines."

If the gate is open, please stop in and raise a glass!