Traveling through the flatlands of Lodi, one has a sense of old traditions working along side new technology. Captain Charles Weber, founder of Stockton, California, brought the first grapevines to the region in 1850. Zinfandel grapes, a California original, were being planted in the region during the late 1880s. Many farmers grew wheat, fruit and vegetables along side their grapes. Growers were able to sustain their vineyards during Prohibition by supplying large vats of wine varietals concealed as grape juice with specific instructions on how to ensure your juice does not turn into wine. Thank you for your hospitality!

The friendly, hospitable nature of the region during the Prohibition is alive today. Most wineries are family owned and run. The owners grow the grapes, are the winemakers, and participate in the wine tasting and selling. The appellation is bursting with down to earth farmers that know their grapes, love their land and love their wine.