Two very close friends with a common dream of producing a fine wine founded Karl Lawrence Cellars in 1991. The name "Karl Lawrence" comes from combining the middle names of the two founding partners: Michael Karl Trujillo and Bryan Lawrence Henry. Our venture together will have the common goal of producing a unique and outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon wine from the wonderful Napa Valley.
Michael's background in the wine industry goes back to 1982. While involved in his college studies in Colorado, a spring break from school had him traveling to Napa Valley to visit his friend, Jim Allen. Jim and his Brother Steve were busy replanting vineyards and constructing their winery, Sequoia grove Winery. With Michael's farming and ranching background, working in the vineyards and in the construction of Jim's winery fit right in. A short visit soon turned into a few weeks, and a few weeks turned into months and before long Michael ventured into his new career of winemaking. Along with the academic studies from the University of Davis and Napa Valley college, Michael had the great opportunity to work closely with many great winemakers such as Andre Tchelistcheff. Today, Michael is the Winemaker for Karl Lawrence Cellars as well as the Winemaker for Sequoia Grove Winery.
Bryan was born in Napa and raised in Santa Rosa, which is just over the Mayacamus mountain range from Napa. At times he worked in the vineyards while majoring in biology at Napa's own Pacific Union College, where he graduated in 1973. He went on to study medicine and specialized in obstetrics and gynecology, joining partners in Glendale, where he had completed his residency training. Bryan returned to the Napa Valley, in 1986, to open his own practice in St. Helena. Being back home and having a successful practice soon had Bryan planting his own vineyards and talking of producing great wine.
