Family
At Terra de Promissio, nestled amidst the rolling hills of Sonoma County's coveted Sonoma Coast, winemaking is more than a craft; it's a family passion. Charles and Diana Karren, the husband-and-wife team behind this exceptional vineyard and Land of Promise wines, have poured their hearts and souls into cultivating a legacy of quality and a deep respect for the land. Their journey began with a shared vision: to create world-class Pinot Noir that truly reflects the unique terroir of Terra de Promissio.
Terra de Promissio itself is more than just a vineyard; it's a testament to the Karrens' commitment to sustainable practices and meticulous attention to detail. From the careful selection of clones to their environmentally responsible farming techniques, every aspect of the vineyard's management is overseen with a dedication to preserving the land's natural balance for generations to come.
Diana's winemaking philosophy is one of minimal intervention, allowing the inherent qualities of the grapes to shine through in each bottle. She believes that the best wines are those that express their terroir, and her passion is to craft wines that are authentic reflections of Terra de Promissio's unique character.
The Karren family's dedication to excellence extends beyond their own label. They are proud to share the fruits of their labor with a select group of other wineries who recognize the exceptional quality of Terra de Promissio fruit. This collaborative spirit reflects their belief in fostering a community of winemakers dedicated to crafting the finest Pinot Noir. This commitment to terroir-driven winemaking has also led them to explore new frontiers.
In 2021, the Karrens expanded their vision, purchasing a vineyard in Texas. Diana, embracing this new challenge, is now crafting a Texas wine, bringing her expertise and passion to a different terroir and exploring the unique possibilities it offers. This exciting new venture reflects their adventurous spirit and their belief in the potential of diverse wine regions.
Land of Promise wines, both from Sonoma and Texas, are the culmination of the Karrens' vision, passion, and unwavering commitment to quality. Each bottle represents not just a wine, but a story – a story of family, land, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. It's a story they are honored to share with you.
Grace, Christian, Charles and Diana
CHARLES KARREN, American Farmer
Charles is a 8th generation Texan and grew up in Houston. He studied and graduated at the University of California, Berkeley.
In 1999, Charles proposed to Diana at the Temple of Bacchus, (God of Wine) in Lebanon. After they came back from Beirut, they found a ranch and plated grapes. That ranch would become Terra de Promissio and it is now one of the leading suppliers of pinot noir grapes to multiple premium wineries.
In 2021, Charles and Diana bought a Texas vineyard outside of Fredericksburg (near Austin) and they now make a Texas wine.
In addition to his roles at Terra de Promissio and Land of Promise, Charles sits on the Sonoma County Wine Grape Foundation. Additionally, he advises FIVS (International Federation of Wines and Spirits) a global policy organization based in Paris, France.
DIANA KARREN, American Winemaker
Diana was born in the Soviet Union. She was a Young Pioneer in the Communist System. But in the 1980s as the Soviet Union began to collapse, she put herself thru college and at the same time, worked for western companies that were investing in the now Former Soviet Union. Her hard work and great grades paid off and she was accepted to the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, where she graduated with a Masters of Business Administration in 2003.
During a two year period (2001-2003) Diana single-handily designed, gained government approvals and oversaw the planting of Terra de Promissio, while being pregnant and giving birth to her son Christian and doing it as a full time MBA Ivy-League student.
Terra de Promissio is now the most vineyard designated pinot noir in Sonoma County with over 10 wineries using the TdP name on their label. Beginning with the 2013 harvest, Diana began overseeing the winemaking process for Land of Promise. In 2020, Diana also made her first Texas wine: Lux Libertas.
