Wine Along The 101
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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • The Dynamic Lavico Etna Wines of Duca di Salaparuta
    • The Sangiovese Stars of San Felice Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
  • Who We Are
    • About Patricia Decker
    • About Fabian Rodriguez
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Good wines are coming out of California’s Central Valley, and Lodi is the epicenter for an explosion of distinctive, affordable wines.  With over 100 varietals grown, from Albariño to Zinfandel, Lodi offers something for everyone, from crisp citrusy whites to full spicy reds.  There’s also an added bonus, they’re easy on the wallet, with many selling for under $25.  Thrilling and fascinating, Lodi wines reflect Mother Nature’s bounty, the region’s history, innovative winegrowers, and creative winemakers.
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Harney Lane Albarino
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Courtesy Randy Caparoso
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Grenache grapes, Acquiesce Vineyards, Courtesy Randy Caparoso
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Kerner grapes, Mokelumne Glen Vineyards, Courtesy Randy Caparoso
Named by Wine Enthusiast as the 2015 Wine Region of the Year, Lodi is exciting with all it has to offer for a wine enthusiast.  It encompasses an incredible world of wine, where Italian, German, Portuguese, French, and Spanish varietals thrive, such as Touriga Nacional, Bacchus, Teroldego, Picpoul Blanc and Graciano, to name just a few.  In fact, Lodi leads the state with its diversity, racking up the highest number of distinct wine grape plantings, and is probably the most experimental winegrowing region in the United States.  Although two-thirds of its production is red wine, the future lies in their white wines, as more winegrowers realize the potential of the soils and climate.
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Courtesy Goff Photography
Lodi, located between San Francisco Bay and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, reaps the benefits of geology and geography.  Wine grapes bask in a cradle of ancient sandy loam and granitic soils, river delta breezes, and a Mediterranean climate of warm days and cool nights.  These 40-45 degree temperature swings during the growing season develop rich fruit flavors, acidity and phenolics, while the cool Pacific breezes that sweep across the Sacramento River Delta moderate the afternoon heat, allowing the sun to work its magic through slow and even ripening.
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Courtesy Goff Photography
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Old Vine Carignane, Rauser Vineyard
The western side of the appellation, sandy loam flatlands that wind around the Mokelumne River, produces rich and silky wines, floral with an intense fruit character balanced with good acidity.  Here is where you find the Old Vine vineyards of Zinfandel, Carignane, and Cinsault.  The appellation’s eastern edge runs up into the hills, where stony and clay soils yield structured wines, rich reds and vibrant whites, such as Verdelho and Tempranillo.
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Over thirty years ago, Lodi was recognized as an American Viticultural Area (AVA), and seven sub AVAs were further defined more than a decade ago, adding to the complexity and promise of the region.  Today, it has grown to almost 110,000 acres of vineyards, many sustainable and certified green, and cultivated by a community of almost 800 growers.  
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Courtesy Goff Photography
Over the past two decades, 8 wineries have swelled to more than 85, including big producers with deep pockets and small family-owned boutique cellars.  Together, they grow 24% of California’s wine grapes, of which two-thirds are red varietals.  Realizing that Lodi fruit makes very good wine, producers are owning it,  focused on getting out the message, “you’ve been drinking Lodi wines for a long time, but didn’t know it”.  LoCA, a catchy name uniting Lodi and California, makes an apt logo for the region.  Business is booming, and it’s a giant laboratory where winemakers are free to experiment and tinker with what works and what sells.
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Courtesy Lodi Historical Society
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Courtesy Lodi Historical Society
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Lodi's wine business was initially built on Tokay table grapes
History has set the stage for today’s wine expansion.  For over 150 years, wine has been woven into the fabric of what Lodi does.  Waves of European immigrants initially farmed produce, like wheat and watermelons, but eventually settled on Flame Tokay and Zinfandel table grapes in the late 1880’s, inspired by the wild vines that climbed the trees along creeks and rivers.  The turn of the century brought an evolution of wine grapes and production, but when Prohibition was enacted in 1919, the industry shifted gears from producing wine to shipping grapes.  Prohibition was good for Lodi, with millions of home winemakers clamoring for their share of fruit to distill their own vino, winegrowers planted more vineyards to meet the demand.  After repeal, thriving vineyards cemented the region’s reputation as a winegrape grower, and Lodi busily shipped fruit to producers in other regions, to be bottled as their own.  The White Zinfandel craze made many Lodi winegrowers profitable in the 1980s and ‘90s, but as tastes changed and wine grape prices faded, growers slowly became winemakers.  Small family businesses, passed from generation to generation, sold grapes and made wine under the radar for years, until the past decade, when a serious push to distinguish Lodi wine turned the spotlight on the region.
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Third Generation winegrower Leonard Manassero harvesting Ancient Vine Grenache, Courtesy Randy Caparoso
What distinguishes Lodi from other wine regions is this sense of history, and that many winegrowing families actually live here, and have a connection to the land going back four or five generations.  Making decisions for future generations, these winegrowers look ahead to the next century, perhaps inspiration from the many old vine vineyards in Lodi that have weathered so much, and still produce fabulous wine today.
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Lizzy James Old Vine Zinfandel Vineyard, planted 1904
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Marian's Old Vine Zinfandel Vineyard, planted 1901
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Wegat Old Vine Zinfandel Vineyard, Courtesy Randy Caparoso
Lodi is known as the unofficial “Zinfandel Capital of the World”, and rightly so, as it produces over 40% of California’s premium Zinfandel, many from vines that are over 100 years old.  These old soldier vines, with their gnarled and thickened trunks, were originally planted in the late 1880’s.  Cultivated in another time, standing tall on their own roots, not grafted, with no trellis support, they produce low yields of high quality fruit.
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Bechthold Cinsault Vineyard, planted in 1886
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Michael Phillips produces Michael David Ancient Vine Cinsault from these clusters
Yet, old vines are not exclusive to Zinfandel in Lodi.  In fact, the Bechthold Vineyard, planted to Cinsault, has been farmed since 1886, making it the oldest Cinsault vineyard in the world.  Named California's "Vineyard of the Year" in 2014, it still produces world class fruit that winemakers compete for!
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Lot 13 Old Vine Zinfandel Vineyard, planted 1915
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Bishofberger Carignane Vineyard, planted 1936
But old vines are not the story of Lodi wine that is being written today.  Economics have forced many winegrowers to pull out these vineyards to plant the more popular varietals trending right now, Petite Sirah, Teroldego, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.  These treasured vineyard icons that have survived over a century are at the center of a debate among winegrowers and winemakers.  Deeply rooted in the fabric of Lodi's history and culture, current business trends and labor issues have forced growers to rip these vines out.  As consumers, we can support these old vine vineyards by purchasing the wines that are made from their incredible fruit. 
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Bokisch Graciano in Las Cerezas Vineyard
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Winegrower Bruce Fry and winemaker Stuart Spencer work together in Marian's Old Vine Zinfandel Vineyard
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Solar panels in Lodi Vineyard, Courtesy Goff Photography
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m2 Tannat with Certified Green on the label
Lodi’s future is on focused plantings, and a commitment to sustainable farming in their Lodi Rules program.  Since 2005, 25% of producers employ practices such as biodiversity and soil health, which is overseen by a third party, a first in the state.  Once verified, a Certified Green label is affixed to the wines, a guarantee that 85% of the fruit met the standards.  This proud badge of honor celebrates the winery’s view to the future, improving vineyard health and preserving the environment for generations to come
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Another novel approach to winemaking in the area is the Lodi Native experiment, a joint venture by six winegrowers to spotlight the heritage or old vine vineyards of the region.  By employing a hands-off approach from the vine to the bottle, these winemakers employ minimalist winemaking techniques, such as native yeast fermentation, to achieve a true expression of what makes Lodi wine distinctive.
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Comfortable room at the Holiday Express
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Courtesy Lodi Winegrape Commission
And with it’s prestige growing, Lodi is a destination, as well as a beverage.  Only 100 miles directly east of San Francisco, this quaint town, charming and friendly, is populated by tasting rooms.  Wines are often poured by the grower or the winery’s family member, a very hands on wine tasting experience.  Adding to the appeal, Lodi wines are so approachable, as the balance and flavor profiles far outweigh the price point, with 95% of wines retailing from $17 to $25. The Lodi Wine Trail is home to many wineries with their own tasting rooms and hospitality areas that can host special events.  Accommodations range from boutique hotels like Wine & Roses to comfortable business class hotels like Holiday Inn Express.  A wide range of restaurants, from fine dining to casual wine country cuisine, and ethnic specialities to American comfort food, can suit whatever budget a wine traveler has.
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Dinner at Towne House Restaurant
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Grape Pie at Michael David Cafe
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Lodi, a consistent producer of high quality grapes, has morphed into a producer of high quality wines.  Fueled by family ties, it’s winemaking industry is focused on the future, while firmly rooted in over a century of discovery.  Lodi’s winescape is changing rapidly, but the one constant, excellent wines at amazing prices, is a wine lover’s dream come true.
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Michael McCay of McCay Cellars in his Lot 13 Old Vine Zinfandel Vineyard
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Michael Phillips of Michael David Winery tasting his Ancient Vine Cinsault in the Bechthold Vineyard
Next, a closer look at some of the special vineyards, growers, and winemakers that are revving up Lodi’s wine scene, in Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines.