Farming for the Future
 
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Farming for the Future

Chad and Lauren Rava

Chad and Lauren Rava

Rava Wines - Owners

Chad Rava is a third-generation farmer whose family immigrated from Italy to Monterey County where they farmed cattle, vegetables, and carved out a bucolic life for themselves. Chad grew up working the land, riding horses, and eventually was a calf roper on the professional rodeo circuit. Still continuing to farm vegetables and cattle, Chad and his wife Lauren opened Rava Wines in 2017 and farm over twelve-hundred acres of grapes in Monterey County and on the estate in the El Pomar AVA in Paso Robles. Farming is a way of life for the family and incorporating it into their children's day to day is important for continuing the family farming tradition. 

“Horses are a huge part of our lifestyle and are integrated into daily life. It helps teach our children good work ethic, responsibility, and is a great outlet for any craziness going on in the world. We ride around the vineyard daily, check on cattle, and it allows us to enjoy time as a family,” Lauren mentions as she talks about how farming practices are passed down from generation to generation. From how to raise cattle to farming grapes, Lauren adds, “Our kids come to work with us and they enjoy helping out and learning the family business.” 

A survivor of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Chad Rava and his wife made a conscious choice to farm sustainably. Part of the Rava family’s commitment to preserving their land for future generations was joining SIP Certified.

“For Rava, becoming SIP Certified and getting that officially on paper was a decision for the health of our family, neighbors, and community. We wanted to ensure that our family could farm and live off the land for generations to come.”