Lodi Wine Country
Lodi Wine & Visitor Center
2545 West Turner Road Lodi, CA 95242
Phone: (209) 367-4727
Email: lwwc@lodiwine.com
Hours:
Tasting Room Open Daily: 10:00AM – 5:00PM
A hour or more east of San Francisco and a short half-hour drive south of Sacramento lies the sun kissed vineyards of Lodi. Early settlers must have been thirsty for wine at the site of all the river vines freely growing; the first vineyards were planted in the 1850's and this began the birth of Lodi Zin and the more famously known, Old Vine Zinfandel.
"The Lodi Appellation has a classic Mediterranean climate featuring warm days and cool evenings. Situated 100 miles directly east of the San Francisco Bay at the edge of the San Joaquin/Sacramento River Delta, cool “delta breezes” provide the region with a reliable, natural air conditioning throughout the growing season. This perfect climate allows Lodi winegrowers to consistently craft a diverse set of delicious full-flavored varietal wines that display a refreshing natural acidity.
Lodi’s diverse soils were formed thousands of years ago through geological events and alluvial waters. Two major rivers originating in the Sierra Nevada mountain range feed the Lodi appellation – the Mokelumne and Cosumnes. These rivers have brought soils rich in granitic-based minerals that lend complex flavors to the wines of Lodi.
Historically, Lodi vineyards were developed in the fine sandy soils surrounding the community of Lodi. It’s here along the banks of the Mokelumne River where the majority of Lodi’s century-old own-rooted Zinfandel vineyards lie. This area is noted for producing uniform and balanced vineyards that deliver fruit-driven wines with a rich silky texture." ~LoCA
Popular Grape Varieties:
Zinfandel, & Old Vine Zinfandel put Lodi wine country on the map.
Top plantings: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, & Pinot Grigio.
Alternative Varieties: Spanish and Portuguese varietal wines such as Tempranillo, Albarino, Verdelho, & Touriga Nacional. You will also see Southern Rhone varietal wines like Viognier, Syrah, & Tannat.
Tips For Wine Touring:
Toasted Toad Cellars
www.toastedtoadcellars.com
FB
21 E Elm Street Lodi, California 95240
Phone: (209) 400-4040
Hours:
Friday-Monday 11AM-6PM, Tuesday 1PM-6PM
Service: The server was knowledgeable about the Lodi AVA and the different styles other wineries are known for. The server also took the time to give me great recommendations as to where the best bold reds and Zinfandel is located.
Tasting Tools: Good engraved glasses. Spit buckets handy. Water nearby. No crackers. Great natural lighting.
Wine Availability: Sold at the tasting room.
Cost: $5 for a flight-waived with bottle purchase
Picnic Prospects: No picnic area but you are welcome to sip wine on their patio.
Lodi Vintners
www.lodivintners.com
FB
3750 E Woodbridge Road Acampo, California
Phone: (209) 368-2019
Hours:
Monday-Sunday 10AM-5PM
Service: The server was delightful and knowledgeable about the wines being tasted.
Tasting Tools: Good glasses. Spit buckets handy. Water nearby. Crackers. Good lighting.
Wine Availability: Sold only at the tasting room.
Cost: $5 for a flight-waived with bottle purchase
Picnic Prospects: Expansive shaded picnic area, modern Bocce courts and an outdoor kitchen.
Flash-Détente Process
"We use a method called Flash-Détente Process. We use this in combination of ways. Flash skins are fermented in concrete tanks that have been in production for over 75 years and Flash juice fermented in Oak Barrels. Flash-Détenteis a process involves a combination of heating the grapes to about 180ºF and then sending them into a huge vacuum chamber, where they are cooled. The cells of the grape skins are burst from the inside—the audible pop, pop, pop—allowing for better extraction of anthocyanins and skin tannins. Because this takes place before any alcoholic fermentation, the more bitter tannins, particularly seed tannins, aren’t extracted. (Because the seeds don’t contain water, they don’t explode.)
Flash Détente, which translates roughly as “instant relaxation,” also creates steam that goes into a condenser, and the condensate is loaded with pyrazines and other aromatic compounds. Because vapor has been removed, the sugar level is increased in the remaining must. The winemaker can work with the higher Brix level, add back the condensate, discard the condensate and add water or a combination." ~Lodi Vintners
Jessie's Grove Winery
www.jessiesgrovewinery.com
FB
1973 West Turner Road Lodi, California 95242
Phone: (209) 368-0880
Hours:
Monday-Sunday 12PM-5PM
Service: The service here was impeccable! I was the last customer of the day and inquired about the possibility of booking a winery/wine making tour, the tasting room manager Steve Thomas, then introduced me to the assistant winemaker and I was shown the grounds and taught a little about wine making. It was truly an unforgettable experience.
Tasting Tools: Good glasses. Spit buckets handy. Water nearby. No crackers. Good lighting.
Wine Availability: Sold at the tasting room.
Cost: $5 for a flight-waived with bottle purchase
Picnic Prospects: Large picnic area located on a grassy oak grove, patio tables and chairs also available.
Michael David Winery
www.michaeldavidwinery.com
FB
4580 West Highway 12 Lodi, California 95242
Phone: (209) 368-7384
Hours:
Monday-Sunday 10AM-5PM, last tasting at 4:30PM
Tasting Tools: Good engraved glasses. Spit buckets handy, but if it's busy you'll have to reach for it. Water nearby. No crackers. Good lighting.
Wine Availability: Sold at the tasting room, their website and many stores and wine shops in America.
Cost: $5 for a flight-waived with bottle purchase
$10 tasting fee for limited production & reserve wines (Available Friday-Sunday)
Picnic Prospects: Grassy picnic area graced with beautiful walkways and gardens.
The deeply colored, high tannin (Inkblot Tannat) was my favorite of the tasting.
"The Lodi Appellation has a classic Mediterranean climate featuring warm days and cool evenings. Situated 100 miles directly east of the San Francisco Bay at the edge of the San Joaquin/Sacramento River Delta, cool “delta breezes” provide the region with a reliable, natural air conditioning throughout the growing season. This perfect climate allows Lodi winegrowers to consistently craft a diverse set of delicious full-flavored varietal wines that display a refreshing natural acidity.
Lodi’s diverse soils were formed thousands of years ago through geological events and alluvial waters. Two major rivers originating in the Sierra Nevada mountain range feed the Lodi appellation – the Mokelumne and Cosumnes. These rivers have brought soils rich in granitic-based minerals that lend complex flavors to the wines of Lodi.
Historically, Lodi vineyards were developed in the fine sandy soils surrounding the community of Lodi. It’s here along the banks of the Mokelumne River where the majority of Lodi’s century-old own-rooted Zinfandel vineyards lie. This area is noted for producing uniform and balanced vineyards that deliver fruit-driven wines with a rich silky texture." ~LoCA
Popular Grape Varieties:
Zinfandel, & Old Vine Zinfandel put Lodi wine country on the map.
Top plantings: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, & Pinot Grigio.
Alternative Varieties: Spanish and Portuguese varietal wines such as Tempranillo, Albarino, Verdelho, & Touriga Nacional. You will also see Southern Rhone varietal wines like Viognier, Syrah, & Tannat.
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| Full Map & Winery List |
Tips For Wine Touring:
Where To Go: Visit the Lodi Wines & Visitor Center and pick up free winery maps, or visit one of the many tasting rooms in downtown Lodi, ask for recommendations and start from there.
Follow The Variety: A good way to see how varieties differ from place to place is to try and taste the variety where it is most terrior expressive. Seeing Zinfandel pop up in the wine market in Taiwan provoked me to want to taste more and make my way to one of the AVAs known for Zinfandel.
Old Vine Zinfandel? Some of the Zin vines in Lodi are over 120 years old! The older the vines the lower the yields, the lower the yields the darker, richer, and complex the wine can potentially be. The idea is that less is more; fewer grapes=the grapevine will concentrate its energy into the few grapes that are left, leaving us with a more concentrated flavorful wine.
www.toastedtoadcellars.com
FB
21 E Elm Street Lodi, California 95240
Phone: (209) 400-4040
Hours:
Friday-Monday 11AM-6PM, Tuesday 1PM-6PM
From wine lover, to home
winemaker, to inspiring his children to become wine and beer artistans; owner
Jeff Werter’s Toasted Toad Cellar features Portuguese varietal wines sourced
from Lodi, aromatic whites, a line of Zinfandel and Syrah rosés,
and a variety of luscious dessert wines.
Atmosphere: A large clean warehouse like feel; the tasting room features a tasting bar and wine barrel tables.Service: The server was knowledgeable about the Lodi AVA and the different styles other wineries are known for. The server also took the time to give me great recommendations as to where the best bold reds and Zinfandel is located.
Tasting Tools: Good engraved glasses. Spit buckets handy. Water nearby. No crackers. Great natural lighting.
Wine Availability: Sold at the tasting room.
Cost: $5 for a flight-waived with bottle purchase
Picnic Prospects: No picnic area but you are welcome to sip wine on their patio.
Lodi Vintners
www.lodivintners.com
FB
3750 E Woodbridge Road Acampo, California
Phone: (209) 368-2019
Hours:
Monday-Sunday 10AM-5PM
A stone cottage featuring powerful and juicy boutique Lodi wines. Quite a few wineries recommend I try this place out! The Chenin Blanc's nose was hypnotic and terroir expressive of the location, and the 2013 Syrah was divine! On the nose I got macerated blackberries, violets and earth, and was left in awe by the powerful palate.
Atmosphere: The room's atmosphere is warmed up by the wood ceiling, oak storage barrels grace the room. The tasting room is equipped with a large tasting bar.Service: The server was delightful and knowledgeable about the wines being tasted.
Tasting Tools: Good glasses. Spit buckets handy. Water nearby. Crackers. Good lighting.
Wine Availability: Sold only at the tasting room.
Cost: $5 for a flight-waived with bottle purchase
Picnic Prospects: Expansive shaded picnic area, modern Bocce courts and an outdoor kitchen.
Flash-Détente Process
"We use a method called Flash-Détente Process. We use this in combination of ways. Flash skins are fermented in concrete tanks that have been in production for over 75 years and Flash juice fermented in Oak Barrels. Flash-Détenteis a process involves a combination of heating the grapes to about 180ºF and then sending them into a huge vacuum chamber, where they are cooled. The cells of the grape skins are burst from the inside—the audible pop, pop, pop—allowing for better extraction of anthocyanins and skin tannins. Because this takes place before any alcoholic fermentation, the more bitter tannins, particularly seed tannins, aren’t extracted. (Because the seeds don’t contain water, they don’t explode.)
Flash Détente, which translates roughly as “instant relaxation,” also creates steam that goes into a condenser, and the condensate is loaded with pyrazines and other aromatic compounds. Because vapor has been removed, the sugar level is increased in the remaining must. The winemaker can work with the higher Brix level, add back the condensate, discard the condensate and add water or a combination." ~Lodi Vintners
Jessie's Grove Winery
www.jessiesgrovewinery.com
FB
1973 West Turner Road Lodi, California 95242
Phone: (209) 368-0880
Hours:
Monday-Sunday 12PM-5PM
If old vine Zinfandel is what you are looking for, then this is a must visit winery! Some of the Zin vines here are over 120 years old, still producing wine, and are said to have survived the "depression, prohibition, droughts, disease and more." ~Jessie's Grove
"Enjoy a history lesson on the back patio where you can often find Jessie's Great Granddaughter, Wanda, bringing the family history to life. Surrounded by our vineyards, tanks, and farm animals, you will definitely feel worlds away as you enjoy our one-of-a-kind wines." ~JG
Atmosphere: Located on a beautiful ranch; the snug wooden tasting room contributes to the rustic feel of the property. If you are lucky you may even spot some horses. Service: The service here was impeccable! I was the last customer of the day and inquired about the possibility of booking a winery/wine making tour, the tasting room manager Steve Thomas, then introduced me to the assistant winemaker and I was shown the grounds and taught a little about wine making. It was truly an unforgettable experience.
Tasting Tools: Good glasses. Spit buckets handy. Water nearby. No crackers. Good lighting.
Wine Availability: Sold at the tasting room.
Cost: $5 for a flight-waived with bottle purchase
Picnic Prospects: Large picnic area located on a grassy oak grove, patio tables and chairs also available.
Michael David Winery
www.michaeldavidwinery.com
FB
4580 West Highway 12 Lodi, California 95242
Phone: (209) 368-7384
Hours:
Monday-Sunday 10AM-5PM, last tasting at 4:30PM
Eye catching labels, teeth staining reds, and pride in sustainable farming, this is what Michael David wines are made of.
When Michael David's 7 Deadly Zins first graced the floors of Costco in Taiwan it was a hot topic among wine lovers. I was also fortunate when a few friends visiting Taiwan brought along with them a bottle of Petite Petit and Earthquake Zinfandel; a few sips later and I was hooked!
Atmosphere: Eatery, deli, gift shop, and tasting room combined into one. The tasting room is lively indeed! I usually go tasting alone, which can be quite boring if I am unable to talk to the staff about the wines, but I ended up chatting, tasting, and sharing my thoughts with other tasters which made for a delightful afternoon.
Tasting Tools: Good engraved glasses. Spit buckets handy, but if it's busy you'll have to reach for it. Water nearby. No crackers. Good lighting.
Wine Availability: Sold at the tasting room, their website and many stores and wine shops in America.
Cost: $5 for a flight-waived with bottle purchase
$10 tasting fee for limited production & reserve wines (Available Friday-Sunday)
Picnic Prospects: Grassy picnic area graced with beautiful walkways and gardens.
The deeply colored, high tannin (Inkblot Tannat) was my favorite of the tasting.
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