By Heather Litman

Mr. Joseph da Costa Narcizo was born on the Portuguese island of Terceira located in the Azores in 1889. He and his bride embarked on a journey sailing across the ocean toward the shores of liberty eventually passing through the gates of Ellis Island in1906. Joseph then “Americanized” his name to become Joseph Costa.

Joseph and his bride, Lucinda, established a family dairy business in Stockton, California and raised eleven children in the heart of the Delta. This successful enterprise grew to over 3,000 acres of dairy and farmland over the period of four generations.

Wine was essential to the meals of those born of European descent and Joseph always being involved in the production of wine followed the ways of the family and never forgot what had been taught to him at home on the island. These simple traditions lead Joseph to pass the torch to his son Louis and continued forthwith to his grandson Patrick.

Although, today’s winemaking has come along way since Joseph and his sons made twenty-five barrels and kept them stored under the hay to control the temperature the integrity and dedication to the finished product has not.

Let’s discover how an individual outside of the family was awarded his place in this winemaking family.

At a fourth of July barbeque Patrick’s brother in law Denny introduced him to a gentleman named Chad Joseph that was looking to leave a prominent winemaking position with a well-established icon of the wine industry. This sparked a conversation that began an association that would enhance the family winemaking commitment forever.

So began the relationship with Chad that would honor the integrity of the family tradition, employing new technologies and a commitment to quality taking the wine to a higher level. Patrick and Chad unite two worlds. When the world of fruit grower and wine maker collide it usually creates strained bed partners but in this case it works. Patrick modestly states: “all we do is supply the paint and canvas - Chad is the true artist.”

Chad is married to Stacia. The couple met while employed at Gallo in 1996. Stacia was working as a yeast geneticist in the research department. Today, Stacia can be found assisting in every aspect of the wine business including at the tasting room answering light and complex questions of wines and winemaking.

Now let’s explore the wines of Joseph Narcizo...In 1991 Louis took over three of the family’s ranches and with his son by his side they set aside 175 Acers and planted Zinfandel, Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Louis states, ”I always knew that Patrick would someday make wine from the families vineyards”.

In mid August 2001 the four partners Louis, Patrick, Chad and Stacia found themselves amidst their inaugural crush. The results were nothing thing less than spectacular exhibiting the perfect blend of grape grower and wine maker experience! I believe that when you have the opportunity to raise a glass of Joseph Narcizo wine to your lips you too will discover their wonderful blends and rich aromas exhibiting the character and consistency expected of veteran producers. This is a great young winery filled with generations of tradition in every savory sip.

Successes – Yes, they have achieved several so far say’s Chad. “Our Alicante Bouschet, a lesser known varietal has been well received. Making a wine that not a lot of people know about is exciting. A contributing factor to the success of this wine is that from bud to crush I was able to examine it and taste it in the field. The grapes came from the Delu Family Vineyards who were very instrumental. Alicante Bouschet was planted 100 years. ago and was the grape of prohibition. Since I wasn’t around then the excitement grew as I developed an idea of what the wine should be. Perfecting that idea and constructing the taste was a wonderful challenge. The Alicante Bouschet has been selling at a tremendous rate.”

Another success for this winery is their “Concerto”. A Bordeaux wine blend featuring four varietals – Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec. It’s a rare blend for the Lodi area. Concerto has received an 86 by Wine & Spirits.

Their 2001 Lodi Merlot, a French Nouveau Style received a Bronze Medal at The San Francisco Wine Competition. This delightful blend of wine comes from Pat’s vineyards.

When asked about their goals it was simple; “To keep making wines that we can serve to our families and feel proud of. “

Joseph Narcizo Winery at Vino Piazza
12470 Locke Rd., Bldg. 800 Lockeford, California
Hours: Sat. – Sun. 1-5 p.m.
(209) 321-1224 – web site: www.josephnarcizo.com