Bokisch family’s strong (and delicious!) Thanksgiving traditions

Markus and Liz Bokisch

Since establishing their first vineyards in Lodi in the early nineties, Markus and Liz Bokisch have laid down roots in Northern San Joaquin Valley that have become as deep as anyone's. They now own, co-own or manage over 2,200 acres of wine grapes, with another 900 acres in development.

Nov 25, 2013 at 1:14 PM Permalink

Mexican-American Lodi Thanksgiving with Vinedos Aurora’s Anaya family

The Anaya family: Gerardo, Don Victor (grandfather), Armando, Leticia, Ramon and Victor Jr.

Thanksgiving is a special day for the Anaya family, who own and farm 90 acres of top quality wine grapes in Lodi's Clements Hills AVA. They also own Viñedos Aurora – a winery that has become one of Lodi's brightest new stars since the release of their first vintage (2009s), a little less than three years ago.

Nov 21, 2013 at 12:07 PM Permalink

Liquid sweets to top a perfect Thanksgiving

The perfect Thanksgiving finish: d’Art Port

The holidays are the one time of year when it's "okay" to cut loose with all your favorite dishes; complimented, of course, by terrific wine…

Including great sweet wines to enjoy with desserts – who doesn't love that? Your Aunt Gladys and Uncle Boyd, your brother the wine geek, your sister the foodie, mom who loves everything and dad who always proclaims "I know what I like" but still can't remember what he had last week – they all love the smaller sized bottlings winemakers probably work the hardest to craft: sweet dessert wines.

Nov 19, 2013 at 12:13 PM Permalink

For Lodi’s newest winemaker, a bouquet of floral grapes and possibilities

Elyse Egan Perry in Bokisch’s Liberty Oaks Vineyards

One of Lodi's newest winemakers – so new, she doesn't officially start working for Bokisch Vineyards until this coming December 2 – is already showing a magic touch with Lodi grown grapes. A touch that grew out of a long and steady pursuit of her passion – first for unusually aromatic wines, and then for turning aromatic grapes into her own unusual wines.

Nov 13, 2013 at 12:38 PM Permalink

Lodi positioned to ride the growing passion for Petite Sirah

Phillips Farms Petite Sirah (grown for Michael David Winery)

While American wine lovers are familiar with Syrah – often sold as Shiraz on Australian labels – the popularity of this grape as a varietal red wine has been on a notable wane in recent years.

Petite Sirah, on the other hand, has become more popular than ever. It is not the same grape as Syrah: it is a crossing of two grapes, Syrah and Peloursin, originally developed in Southern France in the 1880s, and introduced to California shortly thereafter (about 1884). Although wine connoisseurs have always considered Syrah to be the far greater of the two grapes, many American consumers now prefer Petite Sirah over Syrah.

Nov 12, 2013 at 12:45 PM Permalink Comments (1)

In praise of untannic reds (especially for Julia Child’s French burgers!)

2013 Zinfandel harvest at Jessie’s Grove Winery

In a recent article appearing in Decanter – a U.K. based publication that bills itself as the "world's best wine magazine" (and perhaps it is) – a critic named Andrew Jefford related a recent experience comparing two red wines made from the same grape (Tannat), one from Lodi and one from South-West France:

Nov 6, 2013 at 2:08 PM Permalink