ABOUT US
FARMER
& WINE PRODUCER
We believe that legendary wine begins in the soil that nurtures the vineyard.
Bud Lawson, owner of Red Lava Vineyards and producer of Red Lava Syrah,
knows soil. From many generations of farmers, he began his informal training
as a child through observation and involvement with his family. Through
his career as a land surveyor and work with construction companies he increased
his knowledge, and now concentrates his efforts on learning the unique characteristics
of the soil in his vineyard.
LEGENDS
TEARS OF THE MOON
According to a Pomo Indian legend from the Mt. Konocti area, the moon fell
in love with a powerful Chieftain. She could not marry and stay with him because
she was needed by the People to light the night sky and mark the seasons.
She was so sad to leave her lover that she wept “Moon Tears” that
are now known as Konocti Diamonds.
DIVINING
FOR WATER
In order for a vineyard to thrive in the hot summers it must have water and
with no streams or natural springs on the property a well needed to be dug.
After a well-digging crew tried and failed to locate water, Bud used the ancient
method called divining, passed down through generations in his family, to
find the perfect location to drill. He walked the property with a Y-shaped
branch until the tip of the branch pulled down strongly, pointing to the exact
spot that would become a high volume well.
Our wine & website are for use by consumers of legal drinking age. Copyright
2006 Red Lava Vineyards
OUR LABEL
Our label captures the qualities and characteristics of three elements in our vineyard and the bold presence of Mt. Konocti. Our vineyard is named as tribute to the brilliant red lava flows of the now dormant Mt. Konocti volcano. These lava flows cooled for thousands of years to create our red soil, depicted on our logo. The shiny black background depicts the glasslike black obsidian stones, formed when certain types of lava cooled, and mixed in our soil. Finally, the white accent on our label signifies the presence of rare gems that sparkle on our slopes known as Konocti Diamonds, products of Mt. Konocti’s volcanic eruptions and found no where else in the world.
