San Joaquin - Index

San Joaquin - may08 - Index

wine country
FEaTurED TasTinG rooMs
wooDBriDGE
By roBErT MonDaVi
5950 E. Woodbridge Rd., Acampo
(209) 365-8139
www.woodbridgewines.com
although founder and wine legend
Robert mondavi’s name appears on so
many labels it’s nearly impossible to keep
‘em straight, a tasting at the wine bar
will help. When in doubt, steer towards
Woodbridge’s smaller production labels;
these wines use only their best grapes.
TASTING: Daily, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Tours daily at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
jEssiE’s GroVE winEry
1973 W. Turner Rd., Lodi
(209) 368-0880
www.jgwinery.com
The secluded tasting room is jampacked
with historical photos that tell the
winery’s fascinating tale. Come during
the summer, when they host outdoor
concerts.
TASTING: Daily, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
LoDi winE anD VisiTor CEnTEr
2545 W. Turner Rd., Lodi
(209) 367-4727
www.lodiwine.com
at this all-in-one tasting room and
educational resource center, Lodi
features not only an extensive tasting bar,
but interactive and educational exhibits
about grape growing and winemaking,
and a wine shop with over one hundred
wines and local Lodi products for sale.
TASTING: Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
MiCHaEL-DaViD VinEyarDs
4580 W. Hwy. 12, Lodi
(209) 368-7384
www.lodivineyards.com
Brothers David and michael Phillips split
the duties of running the vineyard and
winery. David handles winegrape growing
and sales and marketing, while michael
oversees the winemaking.
TASTING: Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Van ruiTEn FaMiLy winEry
340 W. Hwy. 12, Lodi
(209) 334-5722
www.vrtwinery.com
Located just outside the city limits of Lodi
on Highway 12, this tasting room and
visitors center features state-of-the-art
facilities. The Van Ruitens farm over eight
hundred acres of winegrapes and are one
of the only U.S. producers of Cab-Shiraz.
TASTING: Daily, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
group tours by appointment
Vino Con Brio
7889 E. Harney Ln., Lodi
(209) 369-5392
www.vinoconbrio.com
Long-time Lodi residents and winemakers
mike and Renae matson welcome wine
lovers to share their distinctive wines. You
can also make a weekend out of your visit
with a stay at the matsons’ amorosa inn
and gardens, on the vineyard property.
TASTING: Thurs. through mon., 12-5 p.m.,
or by appointment
ironsTonE VinEyarDs
1894 Six Mile Rd., Murphys
(209) 728-1251
www.ironstonevineyards.com
This exciting winery may be a further
drive than other local tasting rooms, but
with all the entertaining things to do and
see here, like beautiful gardens and many
events, we’re sure the car ride will be the
last thing you remember about this trip.
TASTING: Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
MaCCHia
7099 E. Peltier Rd., Acampo
(209) 333-2600
www.macchiawines.com
This award-winning winery has recently
moved their tasting room from Vino
Piazza to a new location on Peltier Road.
While they focus on Lodi’s traditional
zinfandel, there are enough other
delicious reds here to keep tasters
coming back for more.
TASTING: Thurs.-mon., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wine and Roses
56 san joaquin magazine maY 15 - JULY 1 2008