There are more than 60 tasting rooms open to the public in the Lodi American Viticultural Area.
Almost all the tasting rooms in Lodi belong to family-owned-and-operated wineries. They are anxious to share with you their hospitality, unique stories, and of course, their delicious wines.
Though I’ve done my darndest to visit them all over the course of the past 20 years, I haven’t. But I have only begun to fight!
From time to time, I will recommend some of my favorite places to visit and share with you my new experiences that are sure to come.
Let’s get started with one of my favorites in the Lodi AVA, or anywhere for that matter: Acquiesce.
What makes Acquiesce a must?
- They specialize in white wines made from estate-grown Rhone grape varieties, such as grenache blanc, viognier, clairette blanche, picpoul blanc, bourboulenc, and roussanne. (Acquiesce makes white blends made from these varieties and a killer grenache rosé, too!)
- Acquiesce offers a unique, seated tasting experience, where four wines are paired beautifully with four delicious amuse-bouche. More on that later.
- Acquiesce is tranquil and beautiful set amid vineyards that belong to the owners Susan and Rodney Tipton, who bravely chose to start a winery in Lodi that doesn’t offer reds.
The wines and savory bites for the seated experience change every month.
Christiane and I and another couple recently enjoyed the seated pairing experience for the month of April.
The 2024 Picpoul Blanc was paired with preserved meyer lemon on sourdough flatbread. Rodney made the preserved meyer lemon, which gave vibrancy to the wine, which has notes of honeydew, citrus blossom, crushed rock, and salty ocean air, all back by picpoul blanc’s signature “lip stinger” acidity and lush texture. ($37 per bottle/$29.60 wine club)
The 2024 Grenache Blanc’s sweet lemon, granny smith apple, Anjou pear, stone fruit, and crushed gravel aromas and flavors were perfect with a roasted spring onion with an ash honey drizzile. Ash from the roasted onion was mixed into the honey and gave a most enticing combination of smoky and sweet. ($37 per bottle/$29.60 wine club).
Full disclosure: Christiane and I are proud members of the Acquiesce Wine Club, which means we are big fans and can partake in the seated, amuse bouche wine tasting experience four times annually as a perk, though anyone can make a reservation to sip and nibble, or walk-in for a standard tasting, as space permits.
Jolie — a blend of viognier and grenache blanc — is released every two years. The 2024 Jolie – 70 percent viognier and 30 grenache blanc — has bright, tropical notes of pineapple, orange and guava juice, pina coladas and lavender. The wine played nicely with local asparagus on a dollop of remoulade aioli and capers. ($37 per bottle/$29.60)
And finally, the 2023 Grenache Rosé was offered with a ricotta strawberry sofrito and savory granola. The ricotta was made with milk from the adorable goats on the Spenker family’s farm, creamery and winery on DeVries Road in Lodi. How special it is to experience these local products singing together in harmony. ($35 per bottle/$28 wine club).
The 2023 Grenache Rosè earned a haul from the California State Fair – 99 points and Best of California.
Make plans to visit Acquiesce Winery or go there again and get a real taste of the Rhone in a gorgeous setting.
If you go
Acquiesce Winery
- Address: 22353 Trethaway Rd., Acampo
- Hours: Thursday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed Monday-Wednesday)
- Phone: 209-333-6102
- Website: acquiescevineyards.com
Let me know your favorites tasting rooms and why you like them at info@stocktonia.org.