The Newcomers | Wine Enthusiast
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The Newcomers

With all due respect to Creedence Clearwater Revival, but there are some people who choose to get stuck in Lodi on purpose.

The term “new to Lodi” used to mean that your family had been here only two or three generations. But now there’s a whole new breed of growers and vintners (call them the omni-generationals) putting an exciting spin on what it means to be able to put the name Lodi on a bottle of wine. They’re bringing with them new ideas and new techniques, along with a deep appreciation and understanding of the unique conditions that make this one of the premier wine regions in the country. If not the world. And in doing so, they’ve opened a lot of eyes as to what’s possible. We’re talking about people like Markus Bokisch, who found the volcanic soils over in Clements Hills perfect for transplanting his family’s Spanish farming roots; becoming

one of Califonia’s Spanish varietal pioneers. Or another Markus, Markus Niggli from Switzerland, who traversed the world and landed here, making off-the-wall German varietals. Then there’s Tegan Passalacqua who has his pick of California’s most historic vineyards, but who’s chosen the Victor Triangle as home for his own patch of gnarly old growth and a winery to boot. And of course you can’t say the names Robert Mondavi and Opus One without including their former winemaker, Heather Pyle-Lucas, who made Lodi and The Lucas Winery home. All found Lodi to be invigorating, exciting and above all, welcoming. Just as you’ll find it when you choose to come visit.