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Terra de Promissio

Rows of grapes growing in Terra de Promissio Vineyard
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Since its first planting in 2002, Terra de Promissio has received widespread acclaim as an ideal place to grow Pinot Noir grapes of exceptional quality. The perfect combination of southwest sun exposure, cooling wind, slight elevation, and fog that rolls in nightly from the Petaluma Gap allow the grapes to ripen slowly with extended hang time for optimum ripeness. This idyllic and sustainable land is home to some of the most highly-regarded Pinot Noir in Sonoma County and has become the most designated Pinot Noir vineyard in the region.

Diana and Charles Karren began their vineyard journey in the late 1990s, seeking out a location to pursue their dream of growing Sonoma’s best Pinot Noir. After visiting over 100 potential vineyard sites, the Karrens stepped out of their vehicle at what is now Terra de Promissio and sensed immediately that it was their “promised land.” Diana’s family helped plant the first vineyard block by hand, and they continue their meticulous management of the vineyard, even building their family home at the foot of the sloping hillside so they can watch over their vines day and night.

Image of grapes growing in rows around building in Terra de Promissio Vineyard
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Every row and block of the vineyard at Terra de Promissio is custom-farmed according to detailed instructions from partner winemakers. James MacPhail makes multiple visits to the vineyard each month to collaborate with the Karrens as they oversee pruning, training, mowing, fruit maintenance, and more, according to their exacting standards and MacPhail’s intended fruit characteristics. Diana and Charles lead their team (and their family) in nighttime harvests in the late summer to ensure the grapes are cold enough to limit changes in sugar content and each grape is exactly where the winemaker needs it to be. To this day, every single cluster of grapes from the 50-acre vineyard passes through a Karren family member’s hands. This unmatched attention to detail, conscientious vineyard management, and relentless pursuit of perfection makes Terra de Promissio stand out as one of the premiere vineyard partners in all of California.

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Image of grapes growing in rows around building in Terra de Promissio Vineyard