The expansion and controversial division of the Lodi Viticultural Area

Trellised vines along Lodi's Mokelumne River

Continuation of a Part 1: The origins of the Lodi Viticultural Area

In 1991, some 600 Lodi AVA growers came together to form the self-mandated Lodi-Woodbridge Wine Commission (now called the Lodi Winegrape Commission) for the purpose of regional promotion, education and viticultural research. This would be a momentous development, playing a crucial role in Lodi’s current status as a winegrowing region of note.

Mar 11, 2015 at 8:00 AM Permalink

The origins of the Lodi Viticultural Area

Lodi American Viticulture Areas

The ATF received a petition for a Lodi AVA from a group called the Lodi District Vintners Association in August 1982, which went through an approval process lasting nearly four years before finally being granted in February 1986.

What is an American Viticultural Area – commonly abbreviated as AVA – and why should you care?

There are many types of wines grown and produced around the world. The vast majority of commercial wines are, in fact, made by brands or producers endeavoring to put out products that are of a consistent quality and affordably priced.

Mar 4, 2015 at 8:00 AM Permalink

Borra is releasing an intriguing Lodi Vermentino

Borra Vineyards winemaker Markus Niggli in Gill Creek Ranch Vermentino planting

Among the many alternative white wine grapes cultivated in Lodi in recent years, Vermentino might hold the most intriguing promise.

Feb 26, 2015 at 8:00 AM Permalink

Celebrated winemaker David Ramey releases his first Lodi grown Kerner

Celebrated winemaker David Ramey; with daughter Claire Ramey, who assists in winery

David Ramey, owner of the acclaimed, Sonoma-based David Ramey Wine Cellars – known for peerless Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons – has been one of America's most respected winemakers since the 1980s and '90s, when he did groundbreaking work at wineries like Matanzas Creek Winery, Chalk Hill Estate, and “super” Napa Valley wineries like Dominus Estate and Rudd Oakville Estate.

Feb 23, 2015 at 8:00 AM Permalink

Mikami proves that world class Zinfandel can come off young trellised vines

Mike Manna, Jason Mikami and Kian Tavakoli with split-canopy, close-spaced trellised Mikami Vineyards Zinfandel

Everybody knows that the best Zinfandels come from ancient, gnarly, head trained vines. Not.

Try telling that to Jason Mikami, the owner/grower of Lodi's Mikami Vineyards. Or to Mr. Mikami's Vineyard Manager, Mike Manna – President/CEO of Manna Ranch Inc., one of Lodi's most important vineyard management companies (cultivating over 2,600 acres) – or Kian Tavakoli, Mikami's talented winemaker, who is based in Napa Valley.

Feb 18, 2015 at 8:00 AM Permalink

The fruits of Borra’s Manuel Maldonado’s labors

Borra Vineyard Manager Manuel Maldonado doing 2015 pruning (photo courtesy of Borra Vineyards)

Wine, it is often said, is made in the vineyard. Which sometimes brings up the jocular comment: then why the heck do we need wineries?

Well, good wine does come out of wineries. But it also needs hands – lots and lots of hands of men and women with the work ethic, talent and creative juices to turn grapes into something magical in the glass.

Feb 17, 2015 at 8:00 AM Permalink

Lodi’s wet, wild, wonderful 2015 Wine & Chocolate Weekend

Zinfandel and kisses in the rain at Lodi’s m2 winery…

Thousands of wine lovers can’t be wrong! It was a wet, wet pre-Valentine’s weekend, to be sure, which did nothing to dampen the hearts and spirits of wine and chocolate lovers pouring in from all over for Lodi wine country’s annual rites of February pleasure.

Feb 8, 2015 at 8:00 AM Permalink

Tizona by Bokisch’s Zinfandel is a new Lodi classic

Markus Bokisch and his winemaker Elyse Egan Perry in Lodi’s Kirschenmann Vineyard

The more consumers and wine critics have come to appreciate kinder, gentler, more feminine styles of California Zinfandel, the more they are appreciating Zinfandels grown in Lodi.

Feb 4, 2015 at 8:00 AM Permalink

Wines, chocolates, chili: matches made in heaven (and for Wine & Chocolate Weekend!)

Chocolate in the raw: one of the world’s most natural, sensuous wine matches!

Feb 2, 2015 at 8:00 AM Permalink

Lodi wines, grapes, and ZAP feelin’ the love

Lodi wine country during the foggy days of January

This week Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (a.k.a. ZAP) hosts its twenty-fourth annual “Experience” in San Francisco (on January 28), attended by thousands of avowed Zinfandel enthusiastss. 2015′s chosen theme: “Zinfandel is a rising star – reach out and grab it.”

Jan 27, 2015 at 8:00 AM Permalink