Michael David Winery: A Fast-Growing, Multi-Generational Winery

Named for brothers Michael and David Phillips who represent the fifth generation of the Lodi, California, grape-growing Phillips family, Michael David Winery has a knack for producing premium quality wines with eye-catching labels. With more than 800 vineyard acres and more than 30 years experience making wine, the winery is considered one of the nation’s fastest growing wineries.

The Phillips say they owe their success to many things. In the vineyard, they farm with future generations in mind, diligently applying progressive sustainable farming practices. In the winery, the dynamic winemaking team crafts an exciting portfolio of wines. Perhaps the most quickly recognizable in the lineup is the iconic 7 Deadly Zins, a sinful blend of Zinfandel from seven of Lodi’s best Old Vine Zinfandel vineyards. Other fruit-driven wines, like Petite Petit, a non-traditional blend of Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot; and Sixth Sense Syrah, produced from one of California’s oldest Syrah vineyards, have also developed quite a following. Several impressive reserve, small-lot varietal, and appellation-designate Zinfandels round out the list.

Recently, the winery introduced an additional label: the namesake Michael David Winery label, dedicated to the members of the family’s sixth generation, many of whom are involved with the winery’s day-to-day operations.

For example, Michael’s son Kevin Phillips is the winery’s vice president of operations and his youngest daughter Melissa Phillips Stroud works as vice president of sales. The Michael David label, available in all major U.S. markets, Canada, and Sweden, embraces the Phillips family’s six-generation history in the Lodi area.

Even the winery building itself pays homage to the Phillips legacy. It was built in 1972 around the family’s original roadside fruit stand. Today, it also features a café serving farm-style breakfasts and lunch, a bakery with famous pies and gourmet cookies, and a tasting room where Michael David wines are proudly poured.

AN INTERVIEW WITH VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS KEVIN PHILLIPS

T&T: Your family’s signature wines are known for their fun names, intriguing labels, and premium flavors. What do you strive for with these wines?

KP: We made a conscious decision a long time ago that as an unknown/upstart appellation and winery, we were going to need more than good wine to create sales. We wanted to pull everything together with recognizable labels/brands that grabbed attention and created a lasting memory in a way that’s tied to an actual story and very good wine at a good price point. We are accomplishing this on all fronts and constantly striving to improve on every aspect.

T&T: You also produce wines dedicated to your generation, the family’s sixth generation of Lodi grape growers, under the Michael David Winery label. Would you please tell us about them?

KP: After our winery gained traction and recognition as a standalone winery and not just a few clever brands, we wanted to develop a label that had a direct tie in to Michael David Winery that was devoted to our lasting commitment to this business. In this world of ever-evolving mergers, buyouts, and acquisitions, this brand is meant to show the staying power of our family winery. It is also on track to become an estate brand within the next two to three years.

T&T: What should the Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing program mean to our readers?

KP: They probably know little about it right now, but it’s my goal to change that. It’s a great program, vetted by a diverse board of scientists, agriculture specialists, educators, and environmentalists. It is also the first third-party certified sustainable grape growing program in the United States. After participating in this program myself, I realized how it vastly improved my agriculture practices, environmental awareness, and quality growing efficiency. I was so impressed with the program I proceeded to institute the first voluntary participation bonus for all of our growers. I encourage your readers to research Lodi Rules. They’ll find it’s a program that embraces and enforces the three Es of sustainability: environmentally sound, economically feasible, and socially equitable. When you see the Lodi Rules seal on the back of a bottle you are supporting a legitimate and worthwhile program!

What to Buy
’13 7 Deadly Zins – $16
Crushed berries, oak, spice