Modern Polymath

So, I’ve decided to start a review of Lodi Wineries.  Not just the wine, but the winery too.  Lots of people enjoy going wine tasting these days, and since I live in the heart of wine country California (there are large wine regions in every direction), I figured I might as well give you the scoop.  I’m not so much going to review individual wines, as I am the winery as a whole.  If there is a wine in particular that needs mention (good or bad), I’ll be certain to do so, but only if it really varies from the rest.

            Just to let you know, I have zero financial interest in any of the wineries.  I may be a club member of them, but what I say about them will be completely honest.  Although I haven’t written them yet, you’ll be able to tell my honesty from the stark difference in review between Berghold and Jewel.  Just to give you a heads up.  In my opinion, Berghold Winery is by far the best Winery in Lodi, with regard to wine and tasting room, and Jewel (although their tasting room is pretty nice), is by far the worst winery in the Lodi appellation.

            Lodi is a pretty big wine appellation, and it is the closest appellation to my home, so I figured I’d start there.  Since I’m a member of Berghold Winery, also my favorite Lodi Winery, I decided they would be my first.

            The drive down the vine wrapped driveway to what has to be the largest tasting room in all of Lodi starts you off knowing you are in for something special, more than just a tasting, but an experience.  Even before you get through the door, you can notice certain items around the building (and on it) that stand out.  The beautiful ironwork gate you walk through from the parking lot, and if you look up, there are ornately carved wooden corbels holding up the roof of the building (they are actually old piano legs).  The huge wooden door to the tasting room looks menacing, but opens with ease, and your first look into the tasting room fills your eyes with visions of unique armoires, a beautiful piano, and a HUGE bar inviting you up for a drink.  Berghold is one of the few wineries in Lodi that charges for a tasting (although the trend in Lodi is moving toward that, since it’s becoming more and more popular to taste in Lodi).  But at Berghold, the wine is well worth the price of tasting.  There isn’t a bottle of wine they have offered in the last 6 months that I haven’t bought (at least one bottle of), and I consider opening a bottle of their wine something to do on a special occasion. 

            Pouring wine for you will always be someone very closely associated with winery.  In the dozen or so times I’ve been there, only 4 people have been behind that bar:  Joe, the owner of the winery, his wife Kay, their son Miles (who is the head winemaker), or his girlfriend Julia.  All of them are a pleasure to talk to, and the whole experience there is memorable.

            When you’re there, make sure you do these things:

·        Take your glass outside with you and enjoy the back patio.  It’s nice enough to have a little picnic lunch if you like.  Take some food, buy a cold bottle of their Viognier, and enjoy lunch.  (You should call ahead to make sure their patio is available.)

·        Be inside the tasting room at the stroke of the hour to watch the HUGE mechanical clock.

·        If it’s not real busy, ask to see their barrel room.

·        Buy some wine

·        Join their Wine Club  ;)

Berghold Winery & Vineyards
17343 N. Cherry Road
Lodi, California  95240 

To visit the winery –

From Highway 99, take the Central Lodi / Highway 12 East Exit and travel east 2.5 miles.  Turn left onto Cherry Road.  The entrance to the winery will be on the left.

For more information –

209.333.9291 or 888.553.WINE

(If you are a winery representative and would like me to review your winery, feel free to send me an email.  I’ll be happy to move you up on my list.)