Counting the Metter’s family lineage starting from Alsace, Germany, that adds up to eight generations of wine-grape farming. Quite the family wine pedigree, indeed!
There are several branches of Mettlers in the Lodi region and this particular one is headed up today by Lodi farming legend Larry Mettler and his wife Charlene Mettler. Larry’s Lodi farming roots trace back to 1899 in Lodi where he has been a longtime leader and innovator in the Lodi farming and wine community. A family winery in the fullest sense, their children, Kim Mettler Eells is the General Manager of the family winery and son Adam heads up the winemaking – along with his other prominent role as wine director for Michael David Winery. Kim’s husband Jason Eells is vineyard manager. Kelli Mettler Costamagna heads up sales. Every aspect of the family businesses including their vineyard company, Arbor Vineyards, is run by the family. Dedicated to the health of the land and wine grape quality, the Mettler’s operate under Lodi Rules green practices as well as being CCOF- California certified organic vineyards.
A visit to the welcoming estate tasting room and picturesque grounds framed by the vineyards is an opportunity to catch up on the new wave of Lodi’s diversified wine making that includes multiple Italian, French, and Spanish varietals produced directly from the family’s estate vineyards. Be sure to taste and secure some of The Estate Old Vine Zinfandel which is a Lodi classic and a tremendous value. The Mettlers welcome picnickers and make their estate available for weddings and special events.
