Sovereign Estate Vineyard: A Faith-Driven Winemaking Journey

In the Gospel of John, particularly chapter 15, Jesus shares insights about relationships and self-understanding. He states, “I am the vine, and you are its branches. If you abide in me, and I in you, you will bear fruit abundantly. Apart from me you can do nothing.” This teaching carries a special resonance, especially for those who manage a vineyard and witness the growth and nurturing of grapevines.

Take the Savarin family from Waconia, Minnesota, for example. They live out this scripture daily at their Sovereign Estate vineyard.

Navy Veteran Turns Winemaker

Co-owner Terry Savarin offered a unique perspective on vines. “Many envision vines as slender, gently growing plants. But, actually, they’re quite the opposite. The vine is this tough, woody, deeply rooted entity—very resilient. So, when Christ describes himself as the vine, he’s highlighting the core of everything,” he shared.

Set along Lake Waconia, the 30-acre vineyard embodies the family’s values of faith, family, beauty, and excellence.

Faith and Winemaking

“Once we embraced the idea that we were undertaking God’s work with our wines, it transformed our whole approach to business,” Savarin commented.

Interestingly, for those who see wine as negative, it might be surprising that a Christian would declare it good. Yet, throughout the Bible, wine and vineyards are frequently mentioned.

In Deuteronomy, for instance, God refers to wine as “the blood of the vine,” a phrase that gains additional significance in the New Testament when Jesus shares wine at the Last Supper, indicating, “This is my blood, poured out for you.”

The Bible never condemns wine.

A Subtle Blend of Faith and Business

Visiting Sovereign Estate reveals that the religious aspects of their winemaking are rather understated. Rustic chandeliers crafted from vines give a nod to Christ’s crucifixion. Additionally, each wine label features a short scripture.

With a beautiful setting that includes private cabanas, a tasting room, and a small concert area, the vineyard also features a serene garden dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

In a competitive $325 billion U.S. wine industry, some of Sovereign’s wines have garnered international accolades.

Sharing Their Story

In an upcoming episode of the “Lighthouse Faith” podcast, Terry and his wife Paul will delve into the faith that underpins their vineyard. They will discuss Paul’s father, a Ukrainian immigrant and physician, who founded a hospital and acquired the property by one of Minnesota’s many lakes. Interestingly, the land’s elevation proved ideal for grape growing, especially with the University of Minnesota’s advancements in cool-season grape varieties.

They will highlight their sons Isaac and Ben, both crucial to the vineyard’s operation. Isaac, who studied viticulture and enology, manages grape cultivation, while Ben, an intuitive winemaker, describes the process as almost magical, observing how grapes naturally transform into wine.

The word “Sovereign” represents more than just their vineyard’s name; it symbolizes the presence of God in their lives.

Terry reflected, “Whenever I raise a glass of wine, I express gratitude to God for the wonders he has created. I cherish the joy and comfort we’ve received, even in his absence.” He added, “I eagerly await the day in heaven, enjoying the bounties of the vine.”