Consciously crafted for the curious mind

Sunrise

Who we are

We believe in the collective wisdom of winemakers, scientists, and creatives who hold that exceptional wine is born from both curiosity and tradition. Guided by a passion for exploration, we push the boundaries of what wine can be, merging art and science in every bottle. With deep roots in sustainable practices, we are committed to crafting wine that not only tastes extraordinary but also honors the land and the people behind it.

How we act

We act with intentionality and transparency. We embrace experimentation, constantly learning and refining our process to bring you wine that surprises and delights. At our core, we foster a culture of collaboration, always seeking to connect with others in ways that spark creativity, humility and lead to deeper understanding.

What we stand for

We stand for fostering meaningful connections and embracing lifelong evolution and growth. Our wines are crafted with the intention of creating shared moments that deepen bonds. We are committed to continuous learning and innovation, allowing our curiosity to fuel our growth in every stage of winemaking. Through every bottle, we hope to inspire a journey of discovery and meaningful connection.

Winemaking

Grapes

At Terragena we aim high: to build a better world with the coolest wine. Through a blend of art and science, we produce high-quality wine ethically, honestly, and sustainably. Grapes are sourced from select vineyards so that our finished products honor the land and its bounty while supporting our ongoing commitment to working with growers who share our core value of stewardship. This source diversity enables the production of a portfolio of wines, often single vineyard varietals, at a range of price points and flavor profiles that we think are pretty cool.

Meet the Winemaker

Chris Buchanan studied Mathematical Economics at Tulane University in New Orleans, LA and completed his degree with a fascination for the economic concept of “utility.”

In 2008, Chris began the early stages of creating his own wine brand that would become the Terragena of today. During this time, he expanded upon basic construction and agricultural skills which had been a hobby in college, and developed a raw property into a functional off-grid oasis and small vineyard in Humboldt County, CA. Chris and Terragena left the property in 2021 for new opportunities.

In 2011, he completed 180 credit hours plus additional coursework in viticulture and enology from UC Davis to earn his Winemaker Certificate and in 2013, began working with Bravium winery no located in Philo, CA.

Today, Chris strives to maximize his utility at every opportunity. Self-described as a scientist by nature, Chris feels winemaking is more akin to alchemy than laboratory science and that, when compared with Europe and the Old World, we have well over 1000 years of research and ancestral knowledge to catch up on. Research and comparison is always ongoing at Terragena with a constant drive to create the best possible wine, or - in other words - to maximize the utility of the grape.

Featured Products

Terragena Carneros Pinot Noir

Our winemakers crafted the 2021 Sonoma Carneros Pinot Noir with the same attention to natural grape characteristics as our single vineyard wines. The wineries of Los Carneros enjoy marine fog and breezes from both the neighboring bay and the ocean. Spanning parts of Napa and Sonoma counties, this wine region is unique in that it is defined by its characteristic weather patterns. This Pinot Noir balances notes of rose petal, cherry, herbs de provence and blueberry with a cinnamon and vanilla finish.

Tasting Notes

Light-bodied and refreshing, this Pinot Noir features soft red berry fruit, violets, and a hint of menthol with well-integrated tannins and a clean, smooth finish, complemented by a striking label.

Terragena Wiley Pinot Noir

2018 Pinot Noir from the famed Wiley Vineyard in the Deep End of Anderson Valley, California. Floral characters and aromas of dark fruit, combine with hints of sage, pennyroyal, and cinnamon. Warm pre-harvest period yielded a more robust yet still delicate wine with ever evolving aromatics. Begin drinking this wine in 2016 or cellar for 5+ years. Small hand-made production with 600 bottles produced.

Tasting Notes

Zesty acidity and crunchy red berries with light cherry cola flavors create a well-balanced and attractive light Pinot Noir with an elegant finish and classic label design.

Terragena Seppa Vineyard Pinot Noir

The Seppa vineyard in Sonoma County is sustainably managed with a focus on regenerative agriculture. Husband Don and wife Gina own and operate the vineyard that surrounds their home. They use limited sprays and are pioneers in implementing biological solutions. Biological additives to the soil and sprays help protect the grapes from mildew and enhance the overall microbiome of the vineyard reducing chemical inputs.

Tasting Notes

Aromas of rose petals and juicy red fruits like cherry and cranberry with vibrant cherry cola and subtle oak notes, finishing with ripe red fruits, herbs, and cinnamon.

Videos

Susan R Lin MW on Terragena Carneros Pinot Noir at the USA Wine Ratings

Chris Buchanan on Terragena Carneros Pinot Noir