From Harvest to Glass: Lodi’s Must-Try Wines This Fall

If warm summer nights call for a chilled Sauvignon Blanc, then cool fall days are made to indulge in red wines from the Lodi region.

With over 85 wineries and 135 varietals to explore, there’s plenty to discover. If you are looking to switch your wine style with the season, consider Lodi-grown Zinfandel, Cinsault, and Tempranillo to take you through the autumn months!

Zinfandel: A Lodi Favorite

Lodi’s prized varietal, Zinfandel, is the perfect wine to transition your palate into fall. Its rich dark fruit flavors and lingering spice set the tone for the season. With many old vines still thriving in our wine region, you can expect an array of incredible Zinfandel to choose from.

What to taste: We can rave about Lodi-grown Zin all day, which is a testament to the quality that our region produces, but if you find yourself overwhelmed by the choices, start with the Lizzy James Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel by Harney Lane Winery. This bold Zin makes the perfect pairing for a fall dinner or for a casual fireside pour. The sustainably grown fruit shines through, bringing out a flavor profile full of dark fruit that transitions perfectly into fall.

Cinsault: Old World Meets New World

A gem among Lodi’s old vines, the Cinsault variety, also spelled Cinsaut, thrives in our Mokelumne River sub-AVA’s fertile soils. Lodi also boasts one of the oldest Cinsault vineyards in the world – known as the Bechtold Vineyard planted in the late 1800’s. It produces wine that is paired perfectly with braised and stewed savory dishes to take you through those crisp fall days.

Where to taste: Be sure to add a bottle of Cinsault from Jessie’s Grove Winery to your fall rotation. With a description that says, “Pair with Thanksgiving dinner”, you know that the fall vibes will be set right.

Tempranillo: A Spanish Stunner

Tempranillo is a dry, medium-bodied Spanish grape varietal grown in the Lodi AVA. Its notes of cherry, black currant, leather, and tobacco make it the perfect fall varietal to enjoy in Lodi Wine Country. In fact, an entire day is dedicated to the Tempranillo variety, which is celebrated annually on the first Thursday in November.

Where to taste: Bokisch Vineyards are the pioneers of Spanish varietals in the Lodi AVA and were the first to successfully produce a Lodi-grown Tempranillo. Enjoy this perfect fall wine by the bottle or glass, and be sure to visit their vineyard estate tasting room to celebrate National Tempranillo Day, which lands on the second Thursday of November!

With an array of delicious options, celebrate the diversity of Lodi Wine Country this fall by the bottle or glass! Book your fall getaway today to cozy up by the fire with a glass of Lodi-grown wine in hand and enjoy the magic of autumn in wine country.

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Nataile Morlino

Author

Nataile Morlino

Community Engagement & Communications Manager

Natalie is a natural storyteller eager to make authentic connections with her community. An avid world traveler, she’s always ready to pull up a barstool at a cozy restaurant, meet new people, and spot a Lodi wine on the menu. Since trading city life for wine country, you’ll find her in Lodi shopping the farmers market, hunting for antiques, or exploring a new winery with her fiancé, son, and their pug — glass of Zin in hand, of course.

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