Gordenker

Russian River Valley

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Gordenker

Our Story

Peter Gordenker with his parents Olga and Vladimir, immigrated from Russia in the late 1800's to a small farm in Glen Ellen. Peter was a rascal and during prohibition made cherry brandy which he sold in San Francisco to officers stationed at the Presidio. He attended Berkley, but prior to graduating left for the Klondike in search of gold. He returned, settled down and married Josephine Harsh from Michigan and together they raised turkeys and farmed what is now our Nun's Canyon property. They had two sons Rodion and Allan Gordenker who farmed beside them. When WWII began Rodion joined the service but Allan was too young and stayed behind to help farm.