History on the Vine.



Click to enlarge wine map.

And then there’s the wine.
Ahh yes, the wine… Grapes have pretty much been at the heart of Lodi’s history. The distinctive soil and cool delta breezes transform the grapes’ ability to grow in plump abundance.
     In fact, the climate and soil are so just-right that the Lodi Appellation was conferred upon the region in 1986. The designation is a purple badge of honor that’s increasingly winning over wine fans who are discovering the special bottles on store shelves around the country.
     Today, over 100,000 acres of zin, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, viognier, syrah, merlot and cabernet sauvignon are harvested, and over 80 wineries, comprising 450 labels, are bottled here, and over 750 growers lovingly nurture the vines and call Lodi home. It’s a way of life that’s been central to Lodi for almost 140 years. But what’s so apparent is that success hasn’t gone to our heads. One varietal that has given the region the most notoriety is and has been the foundation of Lodi’s award-winning reputation as a fine wine region, is Zinfandel.
     This particular grape does well with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures, so it thrives during Lodi’s summers. Many of Lodi’s wineries feature “Old Vine” Zinfandels, which are usually given that distinction when vines are older than 30 years. Many Lodi wineries have vines far older, some dating back to the 1800s.
     A visit to Lodi offers not only a taste of fine wine, but also a chance to meet some of the industry’s most interesting personalities and to enjoy the unbridled hospitality of real winemakers sharing the fruits of their love and labors.
     The winemakers—often 3rd or 4th generation grape growers—still talk wine with their guests. Pop open a bottle in one of the 49 tasting rooms, pour it into a glass, sip, chat, repeat. It’s amazing how well you get to know a wine when you can converse with the person who created it.