Three Lodi Wine Varietals to Enjoy in 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 125 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. Of course, any varietal can be enjoyed at anytime of year, these three picks give us all the fall feels!

Bokisch Vineyards owners, and husband and wife team, Markus and Liz Bokisch, are true pioneers of Spanish varietals in the Lodi AVA as the first to successfully produce and bottle a Lodi grown Tempranillo. Enjoy this perfect fall wine by the bottle or glass, and be sure to stop in to celebrate National Tempranillo Day, which lands on the second Thursday of November!

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. We can wax poetic 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 Lucas Winery‘s Zinstar Zinfandel. This bold Zin makes the perfect pairing for a fall dinner or for a casual fireside pour. The organically 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. It produces wine that is paired perfectly with braised and stewed savory dishes to take you through those crisp fall days. 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 enjoy a bottle of Lodi-produced Tempranillo: 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 Zinfandel, Cinsault, or Tempranillo in hand and enjoy the magic of autumn in wine country. For more information on what to do, see, and taste this season, visit here!