Terra de Promissio

For over 25 years , Terra de Promissio has consistently received very high accolades for its fruit.  Whether a winery is vineyard designating or blending our grapes into a Sonoma Coast wine, multiple critics from the leading wine publications agree that the wines that include Terra de Promissio grapes are some of the best in the world.  In 2011, Kosta Browne received the Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year for the 2009 Sonoma Coast, which was primarily using grapes from Terra de Promissio. In 2024, Terra de Promissio was one of only 20 vineyards named a Grand Cru of Sonoma, one of Sonoma County's most iconic vineyards.

Terra de Promissio, developed and managed by Charles and Diana Karren is now 50 acres of Pinot Noir vines.  The first 32 acres were planted in 2002 to Dijon Clones 115 and 777.  In 2012 and 2013, the remaining 18 acres were planted to Clones 943, 97 and Field Blend, which the winemakers call Calera.  The soil, southwest sun exposure, hill elevation, vine density, the Petaluma Gap’s fog and the wind from Pacific Ocean allow our grapes to have a slow maturation and extended hang time, which allows optimum ripeness.  These ideal conditions for the Pinot Noir grapes result in intense flavors that makes exceptional and age-worthy wines. More information on Terra de Promissio can be found here at terradepromissio.com

Custom Farming

Since day one, every row and block is custom farmed per each of the winemakers specific instructions.  Each winemaker makes multiple visits to the vineyard to their designated rows as we prune, sucker, train and manage the canopy, remove green fruit and finally harvest. We treat each vine individually ensuring that it has the ability to consistently produce fruit possessing a balance of sugars, acidity, and physiological ripeness. During the summer, to achieve the results that we and the winemakers desire, we also drop fruit. Even though the Dijon clones we grow produce smaller berries and clusters, we go thru the vineyard and cut green fruit to keep yields low to achieve fruit intensity. The results of a “lighten crop load” allows the vineyard to produce superior Pinot Noir. This collaborative effort ensures the best possible fruit for the wineries and the results speak for themselves. Most importantly, we have learned a lot from all of our winemakers and we have used this knowledge to help make our own Land of Promise wine.

Our Philosophy

"As a family run and operated vineyard, as well as our home, we are strong believers in being God’s stewards of this land and custodians of its future.  We employ hands-on sustainable farming practices that not only produce the finest Pinot Noir grapes, but also ensure the livelihood of the environment for us, our son and daughter, and the generations that will follow them.  Terra de Promissio does not belong to us, we belong to it…"

The Harvest

At Terra de Promissio, we always harvest at night. The picks usually begin at midnight and go all night to dawn.  For Land of Promise, we custom farm to our specifications. Every cluster for Land of Promise goes thru a family members hands.  Diana (pictured below), her sister Alina and Diana's Mom are all on the back of the tractors--on the bins--every night of the pick.  If a cluster does not meet our family's standards, it is removed immediately from the bins. Charles does the final check at the staging area helps load the grapes on the truck and takes them to the wineries. 

Sustainability

On January 14, 2014,  the Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW), announced that Sonoma County is committed to becoming the first 100% sustainable wine region in the world.  Sonoma County’s wine industry has long been at the forefront of creating and utilizing sustainable practices in the vineyard, in the winery and in running their businesses. This expertise has now evolved into Sonoma County winegrowers and winemakers partnering together to establish the nation’s first 100% sustainable county which will benefit the environment while meeting the needs of consumers as well as increasing efficiencies, eliminating waste and saving money.  Charles was part of the Sonoma County Winegrowers Board of Directors when this was initiative was created and unanimously voted on. 

"Since day one at Terra de Promissio, we have employed sustainable farming practices that consider the entire ecosystem-vines, insects, other plant species, soil life, soil type, and our surrounding ecosystems-in order to minimize pests and diseases and create a healthy symbiotic relationship between our vines and the land."

"At the vineyard, we have created a sustainable system by planting different plant species in the vineyard rows or cover cropping. In addition to providing habitat for beneficial insects, cover cropping also minimizes erosion by eliminating the need for cultivation and increases soil health as the crops' vegetal matter puts nutrients back into the soil."

"We at Terra de Promissio are proud to partner with the Sonoma County wine industry to become the world's first 100% sustainable wine region. In 2019, Sonoma County achieved that goal!"

Sustainability is complex, but the results are simple - the land stays preserved in agriculture, people are trained, safe and treated with respect and the business endures.

Protection of Wildlife

We at Terra de Promissio have partnered with Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue. Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.  Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue helps about 2,000 animals a year and it strives to give each animal the quality care it deserves. Sick, injured and orphaned wildlife receive medical care and a place to recover before being returned to their natural habitat.

Terra de Promissio has 10 owl boxes, all built by hand by Diana's father Vadim.  In the spring of 2015, Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue started placing orphaned barn owls in many of the boxes located around the vineyard.  Additionally,  every gopher caught in the vineyard is then preserved and then transported to the Wildlife Center to feed the orphaned wildlife there.  We are very proud to partner with such a wonderful organization and great group of people.

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

2022  Vintage

93 William Selyem Terra de Promissio A distinct, racy-edged version, with lively elements of savory, sage and sassafras running through a core of enticing raspberry and black cherry compote flavors, showing flint and sauvage notes through the finish. Best from 2025 through 2035. 525 cases made. —J.M., Wine Spectator

2021  Vintage

96 Waypoint Terra de Promissio Intricate savory aromas of bay leaf, spearmint and sour cherries lead to vibrant red cherries, cranberries and basil flavors in this complex and fascinating wine. Beautiful balance, textural tannins and a slight sense of restraint keep you coming back for more. Best from 2025–2032. –Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast

95 William Selyem Terra de Promissio This pulls you in with a beautiful array of mulberry, damson plum and black cherry notes, which have lushness combined with underlying tension. Shows ornate anise, rooibos tea and potpourri scrollwork along the edges, giving this superior range and detail. Very enticing now, but I want to see this age a bit. Best from 2024 through 2032. —J.M., Wine Spectator

94 The Calling Terra de Promissio This charming, elegant wine opens with fresh raspberries and red cherries in the nose before nervy sour cherries, balsam and redwood-duff nuances fill the palate. The wine has complexity, savoriness, and a tangy, appetizing balance that keeps one begging for more sips. –Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast

94 Domaine Della Terra de Promissio Seductive, rich fruit flavors are front and center in this pure-tasting, well-balanced wine as it delivers black and red cherries, a touch of sour cherries, tangerine and orange-pekoe tea. Excellent depth and a smooth, lightly tannic texture add to its tempting expression. –Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast

2020  Vintage

No vintage due to smoke taint from the 2020 Sonoma fires. There was no fire damage to the vineyard, but the two weeks of intense smoke contaminated the grapes and they were dropped and not harvested.

2019  Vintage

96 Senses Terra de Promissio Silky on the palate with a restrained, balanced sense of richness, this gorgeous wine shows lifted acidity and persistent freshness that highlights the cola cherry, dried herb and tree bark. With a nice expansive mouthfeel and moderate weight, it fills the palate with ease and elegance. –Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast

95 William Selyem Terra de Promissio Showing its coastal influences, this elegant wine offers black raspberry, plum and cola, with underlying freshness that persists on the lengthy palate. Rounded and showing a balanced richness, it impresses in its complexity and cohesion. –Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast

95 Domaine Della Terra de Promissio This is a stunning wine from the Petaluma coastal site, with a strong cherry flavor that blends with rose and cherry blossom accents. Strawberry fruit leather joins the offerings on the palate, accenting a seamless, creamy mouthfeel that lingers on the close alongside a baking spice note. –Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast

94 William Selyem Terra de Promissio The 2019 Pinot Noir Terra de Promissio Vineyard is broody on the nose with scents of graphite, woodsmoke, turned earth and licorice over a core of black berry fruit. The palate is soft, spicy, fresh and open with layered, spicy fruits and a long, earth-laced finish. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2018  Vintage

97 William Selyem Terra de Promissio "The Petaluma Gap site shows its innate earthiness in droves here, opening in rose petal aromas before evolving slowly to reveal dense, delicate layers of black tea, orange peel and allspice. The savory tones lead to a midpalate that bursts of rich berries, with soft, supple tannins framing it all." Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast

94 William Selyem Terra de Promissio "Refined and elegant, featuring crunchy acidity behind the lively, mineral-infused flavors of spice and crushed red fruit. Medium-grained tannins show on the finish, with hints of pepper and slate, and a dollop of citrusy intensity." Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator

95 Senses Terra de Promissio The 2018 Pinot Noir Terra De Promissio comes from a Sonoma Coast site and was all destemmed and aged 10 months in 25-40% new French oak. A Gevrey-like nose of mulled red and black plums, Asian spices, scorched earth, and earthy forest floor give way to a rich, medium to full-bodied Pinot Noir that has terrific balance, plenty of acidity and tannins, and a great finish. It has lots of upfront fruit yet has a firm underbelly and excellent structure. -Jeb Dunnuck

92   Gary Farrell Terra de Promissio Tangy in cool-climate acidity and crunchy pomegranate and citrus, this is an acid-driven and earthy wine, spicy in clove and cinnamon. With a lasting saltiness, it appeals in its complexity and silky texture. Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast

92   The Calling Terra de Promissio This wine has a spicy intensity of nutmeg, cardamom and cola, accents that soften and complicate the thick concentration of wild strawberry and blueberry jam. Medium bodied, it holds its weight and richness in check, making room for underlying acidity to freshen and lengthen the experience. Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast

2017  Vintage

98   Williams Selyem Terra de Promissio Pinot Noir
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

92   Land of Promise  Patriae Fidelitas  Rich Bing cherry meets black tea and clove in this tension-filled and energetic wine. The acidity is woven throughout a firm grip of tannin and oak, finishing with forest floor undertones. –Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast

93   Gary Farrell Terra de Promissio Juicy bolts of raspberry, strawberry, orange and cranberry give this vineyard-designate wine a tangy edge. From a cool-climate site, it offers plenty of structure and savory complements of stoney mineral, black tea and forest floor around a velvety texture. –Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast

2016  Vintage

94   Land of Promise  Terra de Promissio 
This is the personal project of vineyard owners Charles and Diana Karren, who farm Terra de Promissio, which is a highly sought after vineyard site. Dark cherry, pomegranate and dried herb meld with deft touches of earth in this lasting, elegant wine.  –Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast

93   Land of Promise  Patraie Fidelitas
Earthy and lightly textured, this wine shows remarkable power and concentration within a balanced frame of structure and complexity. Measured acidity boosts its weighty palate of baking spice and rich rhubarb compote, which expands on the lengthy finish. –Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast

93   Land of Promise  Deo Favente 
From the producer's own Terra de Promissio vineyard, this is a light, elegant wine of refinement and subtlety, crisp in crunchy red fruit and a tenacious bite of acidity. Fresh and nuanced, it holds its tannins close to the chest, allowing plenty of room for earthy spice and forest to emerge. –Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast

93   Land of Promise  E Pluribus Unum
Light, high-toned and persistently fresh, this is an exotic red wine from Terra de Promissio, shiny and bright in rhubarb, wild strawberry and orange peel. Balanced and well integrated, it brims in Asian spice and herb de Provence. –Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast

92   Williams Selyem Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir
Pale to medium ruby-purple, the 2016 Pinot Noir Terra De Promissio Vineyard opens with very alluring notes of red roses, cinnamon, fragrent earth and dried leaves with a core of raspberry coulis, kirsch and lavender.  The palate is light to medium bodied, very fine, delicate and provavtive, with silken tannis and seemless freshnmess, finishing long and fragrant.  523 cases produced.  –Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker Wine Advocate

91   Senses Wines Pinot Noir Terra de Promissio
Pale ruby-purple colored, the 2016 Pinot Noir Terra de Promissio Vineyard opens with fragrant earth and dried herbs notions over a core of red cherries, pomegranate, rhubarb and underbrush plus a waft of mossy bark. Light to medium-bodied with great freshness and understated, earthy favors, it has a fine-grained frame and mineral-laced finish. 300 cases produced.–Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker Wine Advocate

2015 Vintage

93   Domaine Della  Terra de Promissio  Pinot Noir
Plump and juicy, combining richness with delicacy, well centered on supple, effusive, plum, blackberry and wild berry fruit that gushes with flavors and glides along the palate, showing just the right touch of tannins and spice. Drink now through 2023.–James Laube, Wine Spectator

92   Williams Selyem Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir
Sweet dark cherry, tobacco, earthiness, new leather and licorice are some of the notes that give the 2015 Pinot Noir Terra De Promissio Vineyard its distinctly savory personality. The interplay of ripe 2015 fruit and some of the more floral/earthy nuances that develop in the glass make for a highly appealing Pinot.  — Antonio Galloni,  Vinous

91   Land of Promise  Terra de Promissio  Pinot Noir
Supple and graceful, with an alluring mix of savory black cherry, anise and red and black licorice notes. The finish weaves the flavores together for a layered after-taste. Drink now through 2027. 350 cases made. –James Laube, Wine Spectator

91   Senses Wines Terra de Promissio Pinot Noir
The 2015 Pinot Noir Terra de Promissio Vineyard is pale to medium ruby purple in color and flaunts plenty of floral notes of violets, lavender and potpourri over a core of strawberry preserves, kirsch and underbrush. The palate is medium-bodied, fine, refreshing and elegantly styled with an herbal lift on the fnish. 355 cases produced.–Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker Wine Advocate

2014 VINTAGE

93   Land of Promise  Terra de Promissio  Pinot Noir
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, Wine Spectator

98   Williams Selyem Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir
This majestic new 2014 Williams-Selyem already delivers full-throttle thrills now and promises years of grandeur ahead. Opulent red fruit, dazzling complexity, deftly balanced structure, and tremendous length and an exotic “X factor” that will have you begging for another glass! Alluring floral notes, sweet blueberries and Provençal herbs soar from the glass. Stunning ripeness of red fruit (primarily cherries, pomegranate, and raspberries), baking spices, and terrific delineation are guaranteed to impress with hints of an enticing savory sweetness on the lengthy finish. The exquisite balance and provocative finish bode well for enjoyment 2016 – 2024. BRAVO!” – California Wine Advisors

94   Spell Estate Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir
Our favorite Sonoma-based bottling is the Terra de Promissio Vineyard from the Sonoma Coast. The wine’s mouthfeel is fulsome and velvety, coating the mid-palate with flavor and juiciness. That flavor is ripe strawberry, black raspberry and clove, with a touch of tobacco on the lengthy finish of succulent dark berries. This is a big but balanced Pinot of supreme purity, expressiveness, wholeness and wholesomeness. A real beauty with stately presence. The joy of not knowing is experiencing the thrill of realizing how little you know. In the Terra de Promissio, Spell brings about new knowledge of just how much there is to discover in the beautiful regions of Sonoma. –J.M. - The Corkscrewer Report

2013 Vintage

95   Williams Selyem Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir
The winery's third vintage from this cooler-climate vineyard offers a mix of bright red cheery, wild, dried herb, rose and anise aromas rising to the fore. Lingering acidity keeps the firm tannins at bay--the two opposites finding a peaceful balance, allowing a freshness of citrus to succulently creep in on the finish.  Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast

92   Spell Estate Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 100 cases, $58. Vineyard is planted to clones 115 and 777 and is located in the Petaluma Gap region of the Sonoma Coast AVA. Primarily 115 with a tiny amount of 777. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, 50% new, 25% once-used and 25% older. Medium reddish purple hue in the glass. Fresh aromas of earthy black fruits. Aggressive attack of dark red and black stone and berry fruits accented with a hint of white pepper and spice. Very suave and definitely earthy, with a pleasing blackberry-infused finish which leaves a hint of heat in its wake. Prince of Pinot

93   Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Delivers a pure, focused core of wild berry, raspberry, gravel, anise, dried herb and savory notes that are pleasantly tannic. The fruit pushes through in the end, finishing in a juicy mouthwatering manner. Drink through 2022. 6,581 cases made.  –James Laube, Wine Spectator

2012 Vintage

92   Williams Selyem Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir
Pure, fresh and rich, with vivid raspberry, wild berry, boysenberry and floral notes imparting a good mix of flavor and structure. Ends with a dash of black licorice, gaining on the finish. Drink now through 2022. 406 cases made. –James Laube, Wine Spectator

95   Spell Estate Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir
Seriously Smitten – The fruit for this tiny-production Pinot is grown east of Petaluma on a rolling hill in the Petaluma Gap, buffeted by cold maritime winds.  The elegant red is savory-spicy with aromas of green brush, but softened on the palate with cherry wood.  In fact, the wine’s perfume can cast a spell and cause you to believe you are lost in the woods.  Nudged by cocoa powder, nutmeg and rose petals bitters on the finish, you awake from the reverie and continue to sip. Tasting Panel Magazine

94   Lynmar Terra de Promissio Pinot Noir
From the windy howls of what’s known locally as the Petaluma Gap, this Pinot reflects its surroundings, subtle in aromas of rose petal and buoyant in wild strawberry, black tea and coastal-kissed acidity. Enjoy from 2017–2021.  — Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast

2011 Vintage

96   Williams Selyem Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir
A new bottling from the winery. The vineyard is in the Petaluma Gap, a cool area south of the Russian River Valley, toward San Francisco. The vintage was cool, too, so the wine is brisk in acidity and low in alcohol, but it still tastes amazingly ripe and complex. The wine dazzles with waves of black raspberry jam, sweet olive tapenade, sautéed brown mushroom, root beer, moo-shu plum sauce and mocha. If those flavors sound like they don’t go together, just try the wine. It’s seamless and compelling. Drink now–2020. --Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast
 

2010 Vintage

92   Lynmar Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir
Pure and elegant, with a supple, rich mix of raspberry and wild berry with subtle spice shadings and fine-grained tannins. The finish sails on. Drink now through 2023. 414 cases made. –James Laube, Wine Spectator

2009 Vintage

In 2011, the Wine Spectator named the 2009 Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir as its Wine of the Year. The wine comprises fruit from three vineyards including Terra de Promissio. It is the first Sonoma County wine to win the award since 1999 and the first ever Pinot Noir wine to win. Wine Spectator editors tasted and reviewed over 16,000 new releases from 12 countries and they noted the Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast bottling showcases Michael Browne’s meticulous winemaking and the quality of their grape sources.

95   Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
2011 Wine Spectator Top 100: Rank: 1 "Wine of the Year"
Ripe and deeply flavored, concentrated and well-structured, this full-bodied red offers a complex mix of black cherry, wild berry and raspberry fruit that's pure and persistent, ending with a pebbly note and firm tannins. Drink now through 2018. 5,818 cases made.
–James Laube, Wine Spectator

94   Lynmar Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir
Supple and graceful, with a rich, elegant mix of plum, black cherry, raspberry and wild berry flavors. Medium- to full-bodied and very well-proportioned, maintaining its rich core of dark fruits and adding spice and mineral notes. Ends with an elegant lift. Drink now through 2018. 398 cases made. –James Laube, Wine Spectator

93   Kesner Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir (Terra de Promissio)
The 2009 Pinot Noir is a beautiful, elegant wine bursting with dark cherries, sweet flowers, licorice and spices, all in a plump, racy style that is highly appealing. The 2009 boasts gorgeous mid-palate pliancy and depth, not to mention fabulous overall balance. Kesner sources his fruit from the Petaluma Gap. The Pinot Noir is made with native yeasts and spends 16 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. -Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate

2008 Vintage

90   Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Shows a smoky, baconlike charry richness, with loamy earth and dried berry.—Kosta Browne non-blind vertical (March 2011). Drink now through 2018. 3,554 cases made. –James Laube, Wine Spectator

93   Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Pure, rich and focused, with firm, ripe, vivid plum, black cherry and raspberry fruit that's full-bodied, intense, complex and concentrated, gaining momentum and ending with a long, full, persistent finish. Drink now through 2016. 3,103 cases made. –James Laube, Wine Spectator

2007 Vintage

95   Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
2009 Wine Spectator Top 100: Rank: 4
Very complex, intense and spicy, delivering intense, persistent and rich dried berry flavors.—Kosta Browne non-blind vertical (March 2011). Drink now through 2017. 3,069 cases made. –James Laube, Wine Spectator

2006 Vintage

92   Siduri Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir
A gorgeous Pinot Noir that combines cool, classic Sonoma Coast with the Siduri style of lush fruit. This wine is not a blockbuster, but is extraordinarily good now, with grilled blackberry, cherry, cola, cinnamon, clove and anise flavors. Does the magical trick of balancing power and delicacy. Now through 2010. - Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast

91    Lynmar Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir
Deep, saturated red. Highly aromatic bouquet of wild strawberry, raspberry and smoky minerals. Juicy, sharply focused red fruit flavors offer very good energy but no undue weight. The long, spicy finish reveals no obvious tannins. A very pretty wine, with excellent clarity and persistent finishing minerality.    -Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar

2005 Vintage

90   Siduri Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir
The medium ruby-colored, spicy 2005 Pinot Noir Terra de Promissio Vineyard possesses red currant and sweet cherry characteristics along with a kirsch-like component. With soft tannin and decent acidity, it can be drunk now and over the next 3 to 4 years. -Robert Parker, Wine Advocate