The Lodi region has been Eden for grapes since at least the 19th century, when the wild fruit thrived along its riverbanks. Capt. Charles Weber, the founder of Stockton, was the first to plant grapes in the area in 1850. By 1858, other entrepreneurs had taken interest in Weber’s flourishing vines, and a gentleman named Charles West built the first commercial operation, called El Pinal Winery.
Through the centuries, grape growing and wine production tended to stay in the family, and today, many of Lodi’s wineries are still owned by families who have tended grapes here for generations.
Naturally, changes have occurred, particularly over the past few decades, as younger winemakers have stepped in to craft more global-reaching wines, and create unique tasting room experiences to attract more wine lovers.
“Now that Lodi has become such a popular wine destination, we needed something special to set ourselves apart,” said Sarah Spenker, whose parents founded Spenker Winery 25 years ago. She and her sister, Kate Spenker, have recently begun offering quite interesting adventures around their bucolic property, including dancing with goats.
“I think that customers want more than just a great glass of wine, they want an experience,” she said. “Our generation is coming up with new and exciting ways to make tasting more than just a sip from a glass. From concerts and art classes, or in our case, goat yoga, people can buy a bottle of Lodi wine and taste that wonderful memory with every glass.”
Meet the 21st century changemakers:
Adam Mettler
Winery: Mettler Family Vineyards and Michael David Winery
Last year, Adam Mettler won Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Winemaker of the Year award, besting talents from all around the world. He admits that he was shocked by the…