At Sovereign Estate, a faith-based winery in Minnesota, the Savaryn family blends Christian values with the art of viticulture, crafting award-winning wines that reflect their spiritual beliefs. The vineyard, situated on the shores of Lake Waconia, is deeply influenced by biblical references to grapes and wine, particularly the metaphor from the Gospel of John where Jesus describes himself as the vine and his followers as the branches. This metaphor guides the family’s approach to winemaking, emphasizing faith, family, beauty, and excellence.
Terri Savaryn, co-owner of the vineyard, explains that the vine represents strength and grounding, while the branches symbolize the connection to Christ. The family’s commitment to their faith is evident in subtle details, such as the rustic chandelier in their retail store, crafted from vines, and the Crown of Thorns design, which evokes the crucifixion of Jesus. Every wine label also features a brief Scripture, underscoring the spiritual foundation of their business.
Despite its spiritual roots, Sovereign Estate operates within a competitive $325 billion U.S. wine industry, where its wines have earned international recognition. The vineyard’s success is also attributed to its strategic location and the development of cold-climate grapes from the University of Minnesota. The family’s legacy includes a deep connection to the land, with Isaac, their son, tending to the vines and Ben, the winemaker, embracing a more intuitive and mystical approach to the craft.
The vineyard’s integration of faith into business is not without its challenges. While many people of faith view wine as a symbol of sin, the Savaryn family sees it as a means of celebrating God’s creation. They are not alone in this perspective, as the Bible references wine and vines in nearly every book, often in a positive light. For example, Deuteronomy describes wine as the