Self-Proclaimed Zinfandel Capital

The Lodi Region, where a preponderance of Zinfandel plantings are located, has a classic Mediterranean climate featuring warm days and cool evenings. Several environmental issues converge to provide this ideal Zinfandel climate–situated directly east of the San Francisco Bay, where a significant gap forms in the Coast Range allowing cool sea air from the Golden Gate, and at the edge of the Sacramento River Delta, where cool “delta breezes” provide a reliable natural air conditioning throughout the growing season. This climate extends the ripening season, allowing the grapes to develop rich fruit characters while retaining their all-important acidity.

Historically, Lodi vineyards were planted in the fine sandy loam soils surrounding the community of Lodi. It’s here along the banks of the Mokelumne River where the majority of Lodi’s century-old, own-rooted Zinfandel vineyards lie.  Mineral-rich, free-draining, sandy clay soils offer little resistance to downward-growing root systems and let the vines reach deep into the ground for water and nutrients. As a result, the vines are strong and healthy and produce berries typically more concentrated in color and sugars, leading to richer, intense fruit-driven wines with a rich silky texture.

Lodi is the self-proclaimed Zinfandel Capital of the world producing over 40 percent of California’s premium Zinfandel. Many of the region’s most distinctive wines come from the thousands of acres of “old vines,” some dating back to the 1880s.

American Viticultural Areas consist of Alta Mesa, Borden Ranch, Clements Hills, Consumnes River, Jahant, Lodi, Mokelumne River, and Sloughhouse.