You Will Fall “In Love” With Intercoastal Vineyards

Rachele Spaletta tasted a new wine made by her husband, Mitch Spaletta.

The alluring, light pink color and vibrant aromas and flavors led her to exclaim, “I’m in love with this.”

Eureka!

Out of nowhere, a new brand for the couple’s burgeoning Lodi winery, Intercoastal Wine Company, was born.

“I just kept saying, ‘I’m in love with this, and, ‘You’re making me blush,’” Rachele said with a bright smile. “So, one thing led to another.”

“In Love” is the Spaletta’s second brand following their flagship brand, Intercoastal Vineyards, which consists of an ever-growing portfolio of whites, reds, rosès, and sparkling wines.

In February, “In Love” blush, made from the Italian variety Montepulciano, was released and quickly sold out. Rachele says more fun and exciting wines within the “In Love” brand are coming, including mourvedre and a white Montepulciano.

Intercoastal Vineyards wines are available locally at selected stores, such as Rinaldi’s Market in Linden, and Young’s Payless IGA Market in Lockeford, and fine restaurants, including M Sushi Bistro, Pietro’s Trattoria, Komachi Sushi, and West Oak Nosh in Lodi; Gypsy Bistro in Lockeford; Cocoro Bistro Sushi Bar, Midgley’s Public House, Bud’s Seafood, and Prime Table in Stockton; and the Waterloo Club in Waterloo. But the surest way to find, taste and acquire Intercoastal Vineyards’ eclectic lineup is to visit the spacious winery, tasting room and comfortable outdoor space on Highway 88 just north of Harney Lane in Lodi. Guests ages 21 and over are treated to premium wines in a casual setting that is pet-friendly and large enough to accommodate small groups.

The Intercoastal Vineyards’ brand includes premium wines made from international wine grape varieties, such as pinot noir, merlot, chenin blanc, chardonnay (oaked and unoaked) and cabernet sauvignon; and wines from varieties seldom seen in these parts, including pinotage bianco, rosè of pinotage, teroldego, vermentino, petite sirah, Montepulciano, and mourvedre, to name several.

The Spalettas soon will launch their third brand, a canned line called “Canpanion,” that includes a white blend, a red blend and a bubbly rosè perfect to take on a picnic or to the beach or on a hike or just about anywhere. “Apollo,” Rachele and Mitch’s late beloved golden Labrador retriever, adorns every can and helped inspire the brand.

Mindy Wendell has joined Mitch on the winemaking team, allowing him more time to tend to the vines he grows and sources.

Rachele and Mitch strive to remain relevant and the feedback from their customers and wine club members has been roundly enthusiastic.

The Spalettas were not seeking to add a second brand, but “In Love” hit them like a lightning bolt.

“I’m excited about the growth of different brands that just give some new interest,” Rachele said. “It helps to stay relevant and our members love that we keep changing, and we keep adding new products that give them new passion.”

Intercoastal Wine Company opened in 2017 as a passion project melding Rachele’s career in international business and Mitch’s talents as a second-generation Lodi farmer. The Intercoastal Vineyards brand personifies the winery’s roots. The s-shaped logo on the Intercoastal label represents the couple’s last name, Spaletta, and the winding Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, where Mitch farms wine grapes in Lodi and Clarksburg. On every bottle are the words “Embrace Every Moment,” which is more than a motto: it’s a lifestyle, a reminder that tomorrow never is promised, and every moment should be celebrated.

The Spalettas like nothing more than enhancing celebrations and bringing people together. Social media posts showing people enjoying their wines while on vacation or with their family truly bring them joy and make all of their hard work worthwhile.

Rachele and Mitch, who grew up in Stockton and Lodi, respectively, believe the best things in life come from the passion within, no matter what it is.

“It’s so much fun,” Rachele said.

Local food vendors are on site some weekends. Outside food is allowed when local vendors are not present. Check Intercoastal Wine Company’s website (intercoastalwine.com) to see what fun and events are planned each day.

Intercoastal Vineyards

Where: 13731 N. Highway 88, Lodi

Hours: Tues.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Phone: 209-213-7142

Website: Intercoastal Vineyards

Social media: Follow on Facebook and Instagram: @intercoastalvineyards

Bob Highfill covered sports and local news for more than 25 years for The Stockton Record, and he wrote the weekly “From the Vine” column in the publication. Bob has earned the Certified Specialist of Wine certificate from the Society of Wine Educators and the Level 3 certificate from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET), and he will take you on a journey to meet the growers and winemakers who make Lodi such a special place. Please share your article suggestions and your tales from Lodi wine country at info@stocktonia.org.