Bokisch Vineyards

Markus and Liz Bokisch have been crafting award-winning Spanish wines since the early 2000s, drawing inspiration from their Spanish roots and a deep love for the country’s wines. They started Bokisch Vineyards in the Clements Hills of Lodi, focusing on Spanish varietal wines.

With Markus’s family heritage in Spain, it’s no wonder they have such a passion for the place. Markus spent his childhood summers watching his water turn from light pink to deep red as the wine-to-water ratio grew with his age. After graduating from UC Davis, he got his start in the wine world at Joseph Phelps Vineyards, working as a viticulturist from 1989 to 1992. The charm of Spain soon lured the newlyweds to Catalonia, where they found the inspiration to grow and produce Spanish varietal wines back in California.

On returning to Napa Valley, they bought their first vineyard land in the Clements Hills of Lodi in 1995. So, why Lodi? Markus got to know the area during his time at Joseph Phelps when he was exploring old vine Rhone varietals like Carignane, Mourvedre, and Grenache.

In 1998, they moved to Lodi and planted their first Spanish varietal block of Albarino, Tempranillo, and Graciano in 1999. They’ve been experimenting with new Iberian varieties ever since, expanding their wine lineup to include Garnacha Blanca, Garnacha Tinta, and Monastrell. With a case production of 2,000, they’ve also launched a unique wine club called “Salut!” which pairs Spanish foods with their wines. Markus and Liz are committed to sustainable farming and manage 1,000 acres of wine grapes, all boasting 100% Certified Green status under the Lodi Rules Program for Sustainable Winegrowing.