Grab your Lodi winery map because we’re at it again! Well, technically it was just me this time with a bunch of girlfriends, not the usual Wine Tasting Bliss family. While our trip on Valentine’s Day featured wineries in what I shall refer to as the lower right hand corner of your map, this trip featured those on the left side – the West side.
Our second stop landed us at Lucas Winery , a favorite amongst the group, but my first time. It is a $10 tasting fee, however you get to walk out with a nice size Riedel glass. I must say this was a nice perk since somehow Rob and I keep breaking our glasses. I am not a huge Zinfandel fan, but have been open to trying them at every winery (I mean, why discriminate). Lucas definitely surprised me with their 2012 C’T’Z’N Zinfandel and I can’t wait to take Rob and the rest of the fam here to see what they think.
From there we headed to another group favorite, Oak Farm Vineyards. This property is gorgeous and can definitely accommodate a large group! With a large U-shaped bar (complete with purse hooks!) and multiple outdoor seating options, one can easily spend the day here! They offer two whites – an Albarino and a Sauvignon Blanc. Both were light and refreshing and I could easily see myself drinking the Albarino while floating in the pool. Next we moved on to the reds, where I found nothing very heavy in tannins, which suits my palette perfectly. The group consensus for our lunch time beverage was the 2012 Tievoli (“I love it” backwards) and we did indeed love this Zinfandel based red wine blend. The 2013 Barbera came home with me, though I have a feeling the Tievoli might next time.
While the Livermore wineries are pretty much what I consider to be my backyard, exploring the Lodi wineries is quickly becoming a new hobby. One I think my girlfriends that live on the other side of the hill would be happy to support. What Lodi wineries should we check out next? Leave your suggestions below!
Cheers!
Sarah
About the Author: Sarah's philosophy is that every occasion; a wedding, job promotion, Friday night after a tough week or even sitting at a Pai Gow table in Las Vegas should be celebrated with a glass of bubbly in hand. Her reviews will be casual, just like her. Descriptions will be basic and typically consist of a great place to drink said wine.
