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

Lodi wines shine where they should at 2015 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

The Michael David winemaking crew — Adam Mettler, Derek Devries, Barry Gnekow and Kevin Phillips — behind a phenomenal performance at the 2015 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

Wine judgings don't get much bigger or more prestigious than the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Last week's event – completed January 13, 2015 – was no different: a total of 6,417 wines entered from more than 28 states. There were Gold Medal winners from California, Oregon and Washington, as well as Texas, Ohio, New York, and of course, Lodi.

Jan 18, 2015 at 8:00 AM Permalink

The lowdown on what’s happening during Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend!

Lodi wine and chocolate lovers at Macchia winery

Don't look now, but Lodi's Wine & Chocolate Weekend is just around the corner: coming up February 7 & 8, 2015 (Saturday/Sunday). Time's a'wastin', if you're still just thinking about it!

This will be the 18th annual celebration of Lodi's eminently approachable, luscious, juicy style of wines, showcased with a proliferation of complimentary chocolates, savory treats, and fountains of love, love, love. It has become the most popular weekend wine event in Lodi wine country, and for good reason: what better way to seal one's love and devotion to significant others, or whole groups of friends and family?

Jan 15, 2015 at 8:00 AM Permalink