Bouchaine Vineyards
When it comes to making an outstanding fine wine, the terroir, of course, plays a major part, and so does the ability to capture the best the fruit has to offer. But the spirit of the vineyard’s owner is essential, too, as shown by the passion and sense of adventure of Tatiana Copeland, who, along with her husband Gerret, has planted Bouchaine Vineyards, the oldest continuously operating winery in Carneros, a bucolic region of Napa Valley closest to San Francisco and its East Bay.
Bouchaine Vineyards sits on gently rolling land in the south of Napa Valley, an area that attracts thousands of visitors every year who are drawn to its beauty. The clay loam soil offers ideal conditions in which to grow Burgundian grapes, while cool winds sweep over the hills in the afternoon and the evening fog rolls in from San Francisco Bay. This mild microclimate with its wide-ranging temperature fluctuations contributes to the bright acidity and structure of the wines, a factor that was not overlooked when Tatiana and Gerret were looking to purchase a vineyard. Tatiana met with André Tchelistcheff, an internationally renowned vintner who became a legendary figure in the California fine wine industry. She recalls gazing down on the land with André at a somewhat dilapidated area where Bouchaine Vineyards now stands – “I felt like I was standing on Mother Earth, and André looked at me and said, ‘Tatiana, you must buy this land. It is incredible. You will make wine with a great soul on this land.’”
Tatiana and Gerret bought the land and together founded Bouchaine Vineyards. The original 30 acres grew to 100, all of which was lovingly transformed as production expanded. The vineyard now produces around 15,000 cases annually, specialising in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Brut Rosé. Tatiana’s “favourite child”, as she calls it, is the Pinot Noir even though it is hard to make, from a winemaker’s perspective. “In my opinion, it’s probably easier to make a Cabernet than a Pinot Noir,” she says, “but we’re very pleased to be in a slightly more complicated world of wines. Mother Nature plays an enormous role – it has to be the right temperature, the right fog; but when you succeed, it’s particularly satisfying. You can’t just succeed with your talent.”
As private owners, the Copelands can experiment and act nimbly. “Our ownership structure keeps it fresh, keeps it innovative, and we don’t get mired in a corporate strategy,” says Tatiana. Not only that but, freed from the constraints of corporate ownership, they make their own decisions about their grapes. In many vineyards, if the owner wants to replant an acre, they will have to convince their fellow stakeholders about their ideas. “Here it doesn’t go to committee,” says Tatiana. “It goes to me, it goes to my husband and we talk about it.” This personal touch runs from the owners all the way down to the staff, who are open to sharing their own ideas, fostering the vineyard’s spirit of adventure.
The prioritisation of quality over quantity is critical to the Copelands’ wine-making approach, which includes taking measures to become sustainable wine producers. In 2021, Bouchaine Vineyards introduced new irrigation systems that use temperature, light and humidity sensors to reduce water consumption from 100 gallons a year to between six and seven gallons. Bouchaine was also one of the first wineries to participate in the Napa Green Certification programme, working towards the long-term preservation of Napa’s natural resources by improving soil health and conserving waterways. Through this focus on eco-friendly practices, Bouchaine Vineyards also became the first winery in Napa Valley to be Fish Friendly Farming Certified, a recognition of its positive impact on water quality, fish and wildlife habitat.
Tatiana and Gerret like to engage with the local community, too – not only sharing their passion for wine, but also their love of classical music. Tatiana’s musical roots run deep: she was Chair of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra and the legendary Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff was her mother’s uncle. The Copelands’ generous donation, for instance, enabled the Napa Valley Festival to bring over the Versailles Royal Opera Orchestra, hosting a performance not only at the 2025 Festival but also at their property, Olive Hill Estate. Indeed, Tatiana has been invited to Versailles and says she will be taking her wine with her.
“I love to bring music to the world of wine to make it more interesting for people,” says Tatiana. “I want to bring more to our visitors, to include all the senses. When people think of Bouchaine, I hope they will think not only of wine but the whole experience.”
The experience includes a visit to the winery, where the newly built tasting centre is shaped like a half moon to represent an embrace. Visitors can try a selection of estate grown wines while enjoying the charm of the property. They will not find wine tour buses arriving, as this old-style property – dating back to the 1880s – is off the beaten track. And the views are magnificent. “We face San Francisco, but there’s no building in sight except our winery, only unspoilt views of the landscape as far as the eye can see,” says Tatiana. “It’s not just about trying the wine, it’s about having an experience and creating memories.”
Bouchaine Vineyards is not the only place where a stunning view has captured the hearts of the Copelands. In the 1990s, they visited the island of Mustique on holiday in the Caribbean. On an exploratory tour, they came across the spot that would anchor them to the island forever. In an area where there was no road, they had to get on their hands and knees among brush to reach the top of the ridge. “I wasn’t even sure where I was, because it was pretty dense vegetation,” says Tatiana. “And then I stood up and I got goosebumps. I looked around and could see 360 degrees of ocean, clouds and water. It was breathtaking.” Tatiana, who was born in Germany of Russian descent and grew up in Argentina, has lived in different continents and travelled the world, picking up five languages along the way. But even for such a seasoned traveller, this was impressive. “I could see then that this was a place where one could take a rum drink and look at the most beautiful sunset and not be bothered by the outside world,” says Tatiana. “I saw this beautiful lot and the rest is history, as they say. Toucan Hill Villa was born.”
This extraordinary 10,000-square-foot property, which now takes pride of place on that spot where she first stood, took ten years to develop and is now a Moorish fantasy enjoyed by guests from all over the world. The design is inspired by One Thousand and One Nights, the famous collection of Middle Eastern folk tales from the Islamic Golden Age, with authentic furnishings, fixtures and textiles imported from Morocco, Syria and Tunisia. High above the island’s tropical greenery, guests can relax in front of the infinity pool, mesmerised by the views of the turquoise sea. And, with almost as many staff as guests, including a manager, a butler, a chef, a gardener and housekeepers, every need is catered to. Available for short- or long-term rental, the villa has four luxurious, air-conditioned king-sized suites – Sultan, Pasha, Toucan and Palm, which come with en-suite bathrooms and private terraces or balconies. The additional Master Pavilion Suite, surrounded by lush gardens, fountains and tiled courtyards, takes opulence to new heights with a grand gold-leafed bed. By day, sunshine floods its terraces and private infinity pool, whereas by night, the glow of lanterns and the scent of jasmine provide an enchanting atmosphere.
Mustique is perhaps best known for one of its most high-profile guests, Princess Margaret, who spent two months of every year on the island. She was drawn there for all the reasons that a visit to Toucan Hill is a must: it is a mecca for those who value privacy and want to get away from daily life for a while. “Princess Margaret lived a life of fantasy down here,” says Tatiana. “She always had fascinating house guests and costume parties. The island felt like a private club back then.”
As part of Princess Margaret’s wider social circle, Tatiana recalls magical memories of time spent on the island. Thanks to the passion and energy the Copelands have put into Toucan Hill, that magic is just as evident today. “I want visitors to Toucan Hill to enter a completely different world from the one they usually live in,” says Tatiana. “It is pure escapism.”