Terra de Promissio
Petaluma Gap AVA, about 4 miles east of downtown Petaluma
Pinot Noir
Producers: Williams Selyem, The Calling, Gary Farrell Winery, Castello di Amerosa, Domaine Della, Dutcher Crossing, Metzker, Waypoint and Land of Promise
Gently rolling hills overlook the Petaluma River, spanning 50 acres kissed by wind and fog flowing from the Sonoma Coast and San Pablo Bay. As the name says, this is "the land of promise." The first 32 acres were planted in 2002, with every row farmed as it is today, customized to each client winemaker's meticulous instructions. The property's Dijon clones produce smaller berries and clusters, but that's what makes the fruit so coveted for it's concentrated flavors and mischievous nature that ambition winemakers love to pamper. Terra De Promissio's own wines (Land of Promise) are so valued that they are allocated almost exclusively to all it's members.
"We get just 5 tons from 2 blocks from this gem of a property, but I love its ideal terrier for its balance of earth and fruit characteristics. The soil, sun exposure, hill elevation, vine density, and the wind and fog of the Petaluma Gap all contribute to the grapes developing a slow maturation and extended hang time. This results in intensely flavored grapes and a chemistry for age worthy wines." - James MacPhail, a winemaker, The Calling.
Three to try:
The Calling 2021 Terra de Promissio Pinot Noir $80
Gary Farrell 2019 Terra de Promissio Pinot Noir $90
Williams Selyem 2022 Terra de Promissio Pinot Noir, $78
Sonoma Magazine, August 25, 2024
Forbes: Dazzling Sonoma Wines From Gary Farrell
Garry Farrell Terra de Promissio
Garry Farrell Terra de Promissio Vineyard, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2019 (Petaluma Gap) - The name of this vineyard means “Land of Promise.” Winemaker Heredia describes the small Petaluma Gap AVA in this fashion; “The Petaluma Gap stands out as pretty unique when compared to other wine growing regions in the Sonoma Coast. The Petaluma Wind Gap is a cold, very windy growing region that creates wines with power, concentration, excellent acidity, and bold structure.” Specifically regarding the Terra de Promissio site, she remarks, “the wines are red fruit-driven and earthy, sometimes with hints of tobacco or leather, but always offers lots of citrus, dried herbs and floral notes. The tannin structure has a strong presence but acts as a subtle framework and is always nicely in balance with all other characteristics.”
I found the wine to be a remarkable Pinot Noir with tremendous complexity, offering a heightened sense of place. Bright, medium deep garnet; captivating aromas of Queen Anne Cherry, Damson plum, strawberry syrup and hints of clove and fennel. Medium-full with impressive concentration of very bright fruit, this has an elegant entry on the palate, the medium-full tannins are well-rounded and have a delicate feel; there is very good acidity, and the oak notes, which are present, do not overpower, but add an appealing sweetness to the sweetness to the wine, as do the exotic Asian spice notes and orange rind notes in the finish.
Offering exceptional harmony as well as beautiful varietal purity, this is a classy and charming Pinot Noir that is all about allure and charisma; if this were a movie star, you’d ask for an autograph. Enjoy tonight – it will be especially pleasing with duck breast with cherry sauce or pork roast with orange sauce – or try it 10-12 years down the road. Marvelous! (95, $75, and worth every penny!)
Tom Hyland, Contributor, Forbes
The Calling Wine Celabrates 10 Years at Terra de Promissio
James McPhail, Jim Nantz, Diana Karren and Peter Deutsch
Led by grape grower Diana Karren, Terra de Promissio was honored to host the 10-year Anniversary Lunch of The Calling Wines. The Calling makes outstanding wines, including The Calling Terra de Promissio Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and we were excited that the vineyard was chosen to celebrate this milestone with its founders Jim Nantz and Peter Deutsch, winemaker James McPhail and their friends. We toasted their achievements and to the next 10 years of making outstanding winemaking from Sonoma County.
Vadim Zarr (1947-2021), the American Immigrant Hero, who saved a Vineyard and his Family, has passed away after a long illness.
Anyone who has been to Terra de Promissio, knows the story. Charles & Diana Karren bought an old dairy ranch in 1999 outside of Petaluma. They got an Ag loan to plant a pinot noir vineyard. But because they had not budgeted for the new and very onerous Sonoma County compliance regulations, they ran out of money after the vineyard was planted.
Diana called her parents in Russia saying “my American dream is over, we have no more money and have to sell the vineyard for a loss.” Her Father—Vadim Zarr said:
“Stop crying, if I can drive a Soviet tank, I can drive an American tractor, I will come help.”
With the last $20,000 in loan money, the Karren’s bought a used RV trailer, made a down payment on a tractor and bought an American Flag. Vadim flew to the US and Charles brought him to the vineyard and said: “Welcome to America”
Vadim was very excited and started farming the first day. Using the tractor and his own ingenuity, he saved a vineyard from ruin. Make no mistake, farming is solving problems. And he had many to solve, building a 6,000 feet deer fence, mowing and disking 100 rows, irrigating the 6 blocks of 33,000 of newly planted vines, replacing the milk cartons with grow tubes then training and pruning, chasing away deer and rabbits and everything else a farmer does to keep his crops growing.
The problems were enormous and he went to work every day from sun up to sun down, 7 days a week and did it cheerfully with a smile and pride in his work. Vadim kept the vineyard alive for 3 years till the first harvest in 2005. He picked the grapes, drove the tractor and then took the pinot noir fruit to 3 different wineries. He would do that for the next 10 harvests and he was able to successfully taste the fruits of his labor as Terra de Promissio grapes became some of the most sought out grapes in Sonoma County.
Today, Terra de Promissio is the most designated Pinot Noir vineyard in the United States. Wineries such as Castello di Amerosa, Domaine Della, Dutcher Crossing, Gary Farrell, Land of Promise, Metzker, MacRostie, Senses, The Calling and Williams-Selyem have made wines with Terra de Promissio grapes and received numerous awards and accolades, including the Wine Spectator’s 2011 Wine of the Year - the 2009 Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. Vadim particularly loved “Vadim’s Watch” Pinot Noir made by the Kistler winemaker Jason Kesner for his own Kesner Wine in honor of Vadim “watching over Terra de Promissio”.
Vadim Zarr was born on June 19, 1947 in Minsk, USSR (Now Belorussia). His father was a decorated pilot in World War II who flew spy missions on the Russian front against the Nazis. As a boy, his family moved to the territory of Kazakhstan. He went to university, served in the Soviet Army, and took a job in a communist owned factory. Vadim married the love of his life, his sweetheart Sonya in November 1975. They were married for 45 years and together they had two daughters—Diana and Alina.
Vadim had two significant personal milestones in life of which he was very proud. After the fall of the Godless Soviet Union, Vadim became a Christian and was baptized in the summer of 1996. Jesus Christ was a big part of his life, he always celebrated Christmas and Easter in a big way, read the bible, and most importantly, he treated everyone with respect and kindness.
On January 5, 2011, Vadim became an American Citizen. After being a citizen of the Soviet Union, and then Kazakhstan, he said becoming an American was one of the happiest moments of his life. He said, “I never felt at home in the Soviet Union or Kazakhstan. But from the moment I came to America, I felt at home”. Every day on the vineyard, he proudly flew the American Flag. He loved this country, its patriotic traditions and its people.
After courageously battling dementia for 8 years, Vadim died peacefully in his sleep on May 30th. His family, his wife Sonya, his daughters Diana Karren, Alina Zarr, his son in law Charles Karren and his pride and joy, his grandchildren, Christian and Grace Karren are forever grateful to what he did for his family and for what he personally sacrificed. He will be greatly missed, by his family, his vineyard neighbors the Aggio family and especially by the many winemakers, fellow farmworkers and all the friends he made.
Vadim Zarr is a true hero who saved a vineyard, saved a small business, saved his family, and was living proof that through hard work, self-reliance, dedication, perseverance and Faith, the American Dream is still alive and well.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks the next time you open a bottle of your favorite Terra de Promissio vineyard designate or a Land of Promise wine, you give a toast to our father, grandfather and husband Vadim Zarr. The wine you will be drinking is his legacy and it would make him happy to know that you are happy drinking one of his great pinot noirs.
New Land of Promise Wines Released
I still remember my father’s tears of joy at his U.S. Citizenship Ceremony. Having witnessed political oppression, religious persecution, food shortages and other adversities of the Soviet Union, my father dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the principles on which our Nation stands. An American by choice, not birthright, he made a conscious decision to uproot himself and seek out the Land of unrivaled Freedom and Promise.
My father is my inspiration for the E PLURIBUS UNUM wine, an immigrant family’s tribute to the rich diversity of traditions and cultures from which America draws its strength and vitality. Another wine in current release, TERRA DE PROMISSIO, is our tribute to the American Dream, still alive and real today as it was almost 250 years ago.
Thank you for your continuing support of our family’s journey. If you are not a member, you can sign up on www.landofpromisewine.com.
Cheers,
Diana Karren
a new Sparkling Wine from Terra de Promissio
It is our pleasure to announce the Inaugural Offering of our sparkling wine Choix Royal. French for Royal Choice, it stands for something of exceptional quality and pure expression of origin. This Blanc de Noir was produced from Pinot Noir grapes hand-harvested from the same block that Kosta Browne picked (these vines produced the Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year in 2011).
Using the traditional French method, méthode Champenoise, the base wine was barrel-fermented, bottled and aged on its lees. It was gradually riddled and disgorged in July of 2018, with 2 years in the cellar before the release. This Blanc de Noir carries noble elegance of refined flavors, great richness of depth and sophisticated finish.
We offer the wine at $62 a bottle and a flat shipping fee of $20 on orders of 1 case and more. You can sign up here at our Land of Promise web site.
Cheers!
Diana Karren
Williams Selyem Terra de Promissio is #16 out of 100 for Top Wine of 2020!
We are very honored to be chosen as #16 out of 100 for the Top Wine of 2020 from the Wine Enthusiast. Thanks to the entire Williams Selyem team. It is an honor to work with such a great winery.
Williams Selyem 2018 Terra De Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
Gary Farrell Celbrates the release of Two Terra de Promissio Wines with a new video on Diana Karren
Gary Farrell just released a video to celebrate the release of not 1, but 2 Terra de Promissio wines they make. We drink them at home and they are outstanding. We want to thank a few people for making this: Bill Price, Nancy Bailey, Brian D. Shapiro for the great job in managing the winery and this project, Wildly Simple Productions for the film and winemaker Theresa Heredia for making such excellent wines from our grapes.
Land of Promise Named Hot Brand of 2019 by Wine Business Monthly
Charles and Diana Karren never set out to be in the wine business, per say. Their goal was to spend their days out in the vineyard, in the open air with acres of Pinot Noir surrounding them. Growers at heart, they simply wanted to enjoy the fruits of their labor—once someone else had turned it to wine. But when the wines made from their Pinot Noir started receiving high scores and selling out so fast the couple couldn’t buy a bottle, they thought it might be time to produce wines of their own.
Twenty years ago, the Karrens came to Petaluma and found an abandoned dairy farm for sale. That in itself isn’t unusual for the area—Petaluma has a long history in the dairy and ranching businesses—but grapegrowing in the region was, at the time, unproven. That fact didn’t hamper the two, who decided to plant Pinot Noir anyway. To help them in the farming endeavor, they brought in Diana Karren’s family from Russia, and, with the last $20,000 of their vineyard loan, purchased a used trailer for her parents to live in, made a down payment on a truck and staked an American flag on their new property—which has become a symbol for all the family has built. They named the vineyard Terra de Promissio, or Land of Promise, a nod to the pursuit of their American Dream and to the possibility each new vintage brings. Their first grape harvest was ready to sell in 2005; early buyers included Lynmar Estate, Kosta Browne Winery and Williams Selyem. Now, their Pinot Noir is vineyard designated on the labels of Dutcher Crossing Winery, Castello di Amoroso, MacRostie Winery and Gary Farrell Vineyards and Winery, among others. “We don’t nakedly market the Terra de Promissio name,” Charles Karren said. “In order for them to put our vineyard name on the bottle, we have to taste it and approve it. If we approve it, they have to pay us a dollar a year. Not a dollar per bottle, but they pay us a dollar a year in royalty for the right to put our name on that label.”
Over time, the Karrens were able to pick up on all the different ways in hich winemaking style played a role in developing wines from the same fruit. “Williams Selyem is more Burgundian, or lighter alcohol. Then Kosta Browne is more fruit forward and California style. People always asked us Which wine style do you like?’ I say, ‘Look, it’s like our children. Some are good in the morning; some are good in the evening. One likes history, one likes math.’ As long as they reflect the best of us, that’s fine in a lot of our wine.” When it became impossible for the couple to buy their own vineyard-designated wines, they decided to try winemaking on their own. In 2013, Diana Karren led the winemaking endeavor, producing just 100 cases, but in four different styles. The intention: to showcase the different areas of the vineyard as well as the different clones. The 2013 release included: Deo Favente, “With God’s Favor” and the “Grand Cru” of the vineyard, made entirely of clone 777; E Pluribus Unum (“Out of Many, One”), a blend from all five clones grown on the property; Terra de Promissio, a tribute to their land, using clones 115 and 777; and Patriae Fidelitas, (Loyalty to Country) an intense, bold wine to honor the bravery of the U.S. Armed Forces.
“By doing this, I’m showcasing what our vineyard is able to do, because when you think about it, it’s the palette of different colors. I can choose navy, or I can make it sky blue, or I can use super dark blood red, or I can make it orange,” Diana Karren said. “There are so many different areas of the vineyard, and I, driving it on my ATV and trapping gophers almost every morning, I know exactly how different areas ripen and the flavor profile of each block, and I have my favorites.” Now, there is a wait list for the Terra de Promissio fruit. While the Karrens plan to remain growers first, production of Land of Promise Wines doubled to 250 cases in 2014, grew to 350 cases in 2015 and today the winery produces 800 cases. The wines are sold in Texas, Louisiana, Massachusetts and Washington, D.C.
“I’m an immigrant to this country, and, for me, my vision is for it to be an all-American wine where people remember what America is all about,” Diana Karren said. “America is a country of immigrants that believed in God, and that America is more than just a country. It is an idea, and people; brave men and women fought for this idea. The idea [behind the wine] was to unite people, and kind of remind them, and bring them back to basics. It takes an immigrant to do that.”
2016 Land of Promise Wines Released!
Land of Promise is now offering four 2016 Land of Promise Wines: Deo Favente (“With God’s Favor”); E Pluribus Unum (Out of Many, One) Patriae Fidelitas (Loyalty to Country) and Terra de Promissio.
Production of Land of Promise Sonoma Coast Pinot Noirs are extremely limited. For information on obtaining these wine, please click the Join the Land of Promise List .
Williams Selyem Terra de Promissio Pinot Noir Receives a 98!
We are very honored to hear the news that the Williams Selyem Terra de Promissio Pinot Noir received a 98 from the Wine Enthusiast. Thanks to all the hard work of winemaker Jeff Mangahas and the entire Williams Selyem team.
The review:
Sultry Aromas of rose and lavender carry the nose of this earthy, coastal wine. Flavors of wild raspberry, strawberry, blood orange and rhubub weave around crisp. seamless acidity. Light in stle, it is complex and beautiful. –Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
Land of Promise Wins TexSom Gold & Judges Selection!
Results are in! We are happy to announce that the 2015 Land of Promise won Gold and the Judges Selection TexSom International Wine Awards! Congrats to our grape grower and Land of Promise winemaker Diana! Texas, here we come!
The Blessing of the Vineyard
We were honored today to host the Rt. Reverend William Miller of Christ Episcopal Church of Covington, Louisiana (outside of New Orleans). Father Bill as he is known, has been a long time friend of us and gave the most beautiful prayer below. We wanted to thank him for being in our lives and for Blessing Terra de Promissio.
Loving God, Creator of the Earth, Giver of every good gift:
We acknowledge that everything we are and everything we have belongs to you and is because of you - because of your love, your goodness, your kindness and your grace.
We thank you for this land, these vines, this soil, and the climate that allows growth. We thank you for those who plant, tend and harvest. We thank you for those who blend, age, and bottle. And we thank you for those who drink and share.
May we always be good stewards of all that you have entrusted to us - land and labor, ideas and dreams, plants and earth.
May this land be blessed with abundance, and may this abundance bless many others in many ways - reminding them of you and your goodness.
May the fruit of these vines gladden hearts and empower others to 'taste and see that God is good!'
Loving God, may your wisdom, vision, power and purpose be upon Charles, Diana, their parents, their children Christian and Grace, and upon all those who offer their gifts, labor, and tender care among these vines.
Bless these people. Bless this place. Through each bless this world you have so wondrously made.
In the name of the One who revealed himself to be your Son by turning water into wine at the wedding feast, the One who is the True Vine, and whose sacrificial love is celebrated in a common cup, Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
Congratulations to Senses, Williams Selyem and Domaine Della on their Parker Scores!
Terra de Promissio would like to congratulate Senses Wines, Williams Selyem and Domaine Della for their outstanding Robert Parker scores. Released this week, 5 Terra de Promissio wines scored 90+ or above: the '15 and '16 Senses TdPs both scored a 91; the Williams Seylem '15 & '16 TdPs--both scored a 92 and the '15 Domaine Della TdP a 94! Thank you to all the winemakers and wineries who help turn TdP grapes into magical wine. Charles & Diana Karren
2015 Land of Promise Terra de Promissio is Released!
We are now offering the 2015 Land of Promise. Production of Land of Promise Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is extremely limited. For information on obtaining this wine, please click the link here: Land of Promise Wine
Land of Promise Scores a 93 from Wine Spectator!
From the December 15, 2017 Wine Spectator: There’s an exciting tension among pure, rich, raspberry-laced fruit, touches of graphite and crushed rock, tar and anise flavors. Impressive for the vibrancy of the acidity and the structure provided by the tannins. Drink now through 2023.—James Laube
Terra de Promissio Featured by Food & Wine
Travel with Food & Wine Magazine's Executive Wine Editor Ray Isle as he visits Charles and Diana Karren of Terra de Promissio Vineyardlocated in the Sonoma Coast appellation. Hear the Karren's story of how they met and their incredible journey to find their "Land of Promise" and become grape growers in this illustrious winegrowing region.
Christian Karren, Sustiainbility Advocate to Sonoma County's Grade School Kids at the Annual Ags Days Fair
Happy Ag Days! In partnership with Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue the Sonoma County Winegrape Commision exhibited at Sonoma County Farm Bureau's Sonoma County Ag Days this week. Kids and classes from all over the county visited our booth the past two days to hear 13 year old Christian Karren discuss the importance of preserving our local wildlife such as Barn Owls. Christian has been leading his family’s owl preservation program on their vineyard. He is the perfect spokesman for kids to learn all about native Sonoma County wild predatory species such as the Grey Fox and Barn Owl and how they help with pest management on vineyards and farms. This is Sustainability at work! Thanks to all the children and teachers who stopped by to hear Christian’s story.
Williams Selyem Releases the 2014 Terra de Promissio
WINEMAKER COMMENTS:
Located in the southeast end of Petaluma, this 12-year-old
vineyard is hitting its stride and continues to please. Deep and
concentrated black cherry and cherry pit notes mix with blood
orange, vanilla, and allspice. Subtle notes of terra cotta and
sous bois, a French term meaning forest-floor or undergrowth,
add a wonderful elegance to the darker side of this wine.
Lively and refreshing on the palate, the cherry flavor profile
coalesces into an earthy finish, with an overlay of black
tea-like tannins. Superb texture and finely knit; this wine will
age extremely well.
THE VINEYARD
“The Land of Promise” is family owned and operated by
husband and wife team Charles and Diana Karren. The
Karren’s bought a 50 acre dairy ranch in 1999 and planted
over 33,000 Pinot Noir vines on 32 acres in 2002. Terra de
Promissio had its first harvest in 2005.
HARVEST 2014
After two stellar vintages, 2014 completes the trifecta of high
quality growing seasons where the wines exhibit purity of
place with generous fruit and elegant textures. The season
began as one of the driest winters on record with only 40% of
normal rainfall by mid-season. April rains replenished the
soil’s moisture profile to re-invigorate the plants, boost
growth, and help set a bountiful crop. The harvest season was
near perfect with warm temperatures allowing for a leisurely
picking schedule. 2014 is a superb vintage of compelling
nature and will develop well with long range cellaring.
TECHNICAL NOTES
Barrel Description: 68% new, 32% 1 yr.
Barrel Aged: 16 months
pH: 3.45
TA: 0.60g/100mL
Alc: 13.7%
Released Spring 2016
13 Year old Christian Karren on KSRO--Talking about Owl Conservation and Vineyard Sustainability
Sonoma County Winegrape Commission President Karissa Kruse and Christian Karren were on Sonoma County’s leading talk radio station KSRO with host Steve Jaxon talking about the vineyard sustainability. Christian recounted how he works on Owl Preservation at the vineyard. Realizing that more Owls is better for a healthy and sustainable ecosystem, he led the effort to partner Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue. Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue is an organization that takes in orphan owls and places them in owl boxes on vineyards. Christian, at 13 years of age, is now leading the efforts to place more owl boxes into vineyards and placing orphan owls into them. Thanks to Karissa and KSRO for highlighting Christian’s success. This is sustainability in action.
From Karissa Kruse's tweet tonight:
Thanks for a great show. Christian Karren is a great sustainability spokesperson! @SteveJaxonDrive @Sonomagrapes