At the end of a quiet country road, just south of the Mokelumne River in northwest Lodi, California, Oak Farm Vineyards offers visitors to the region an unrivaled wine tasting destination. The historic 70-acre estate, replete with lush grapevines and majestic century-old oaks, dedicates 10 acres to its guests’ enjoyment. There’s even a private lake on the grounds, where wine club members can enjoy catch-and-release fishing and unhurried picnic lunches under a mighty oak tree.
Now, with the opening of a beautiful Wine and Hospitality Center in early 2014, the property offers even more. The casual and yet sophisticated facility features a 360-degree tasting bar, floor-to-ceiling windows offering full vineyard views, a private room for wine club members, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and an inviting, covered outdoor terrace.
“While there are lots of tasting rooms and a growing number of wine lounges in Lodi, there really hasn’t been a go-to place where wine lovers can share an elevated experience,” says Dan Panella, whose family purchased the property and namesake vineyard in 2003. The Panella family entered the winemaking business in 2008, and Dan—who describes himself as a third-generation American farmer—serves as Oak Farm Vineyards’ managing partner.
Oak Farm Vineyards specializes in handcrafted, small lot, and single vineyard varietals that truly express their terroir. All of the grapes used to make Oak Farm Vineyards wines come from the estate vineyard or other family owned vineyards nearby. The well balanced, food-friendly wines, skillfully crafted by Winemaker Chad Joseph, are structured, yet supple: never over-oaked or overworked.
While every visitor to Oak Farm Vineyards is greeted with warmth and hospitality, those who join the winery’s Circle of Friends enjoy special guest privileges on the property, along with many wine club benefits. Since Oak Farm Vineyards is close enough to visit often, many guests join the Circle and return to relax and enjoy the wines of this very special destination.
WHAT TO BUY
’12 Sauvignon Blanc – $20
Grapefruit, peach, Meyer lemon
’11 Barbera – $32
Plum jam, black cherries, clove, baked cobbler
’11 Zinfandel – $28
Cherry jam, sandalwood, tobacco, caramel, vanilla
SPECIAL NOTES
Private tours by appointment, picnic grounds, scenic view, pet friendly, sustainable farming.
Touring & Tasting is a media company that produces a wine and travel magazine and is also partner in the Hitched Wine Club.
Steve Cooper is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Hitched. You can follow him on Twitter at @hitchedmedia.
