Webster’s contains one definition of harmony as “a pleasing arrangement of parts”. Many wine grape vineyards in South Africa are referred to as wynelands, which is appropriate since the land is giving forth the vines and resultant fruit to be made into that most celebrated of liquids. When you put these parts together, you get Harmony Wynelands, a very pleasing arrangement of vineyard, winery, special event center and concert venue east of Lodi. Taking the short drive to this wonderfully relaxing place is worth it, so let’s take a peek at this place.

The vineyard was acquired in 1987, which contains some of Lodi’s famed old vine Zinfandel. Bob Hartzell’s love of music, especially theater organs, led to his acquisition of the 1921 Robert Morton Theater Pipe Organ, originally installed at San Francisco’s historic Castro Theater. The picturesque “Blue Barn” was built to house this magnificent instrument. The house was built across the courtyard from the barn, and made a great retreat from the work-a-day world of the wine and grape business.

Bob served as President of the California Association of Winegrape Growers, all the while selling most of his Zinfandel to Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi winery, and even making a little bit under his own label. In between times, friends of the family began requesting to use the barn and patio for special events. When Bob retired from CAWG in 1996, his wife Linda saw that the area really needed a facility such as theirs for weddings, parties and meetings, so they made it available on a rental basis. Linda certainly was right, as their business in this has grown each year, mainly on word of mouth from satisfied clients. And with such a setting, how could you not enjoy the serenity of the vines on a sunny day!

The winery has really kicked into gear in the last several years, especially with Bob’s background in the industry. The name has a story all its own. While traveling in South Africa in 1997, visiting vineyards and wineries, the Hartzells found that many vineyards are referred to as “wynelands” in the local vernacular. When you stop to think of it, this is really accurate, since the land supports the vine, which then bears the fruit that becomes wine. The first part of the winery’s name has a poly-fold meaning. First of all, the vineyard is located in the historic Harmony Grove School District, as well as having the afore mentioned theater organ. Plus, with having such events as weddings at the place, where people are joined in the harmony of wedded bliss, the Harmony was a natural. Put the two together, and you get Harmony Wynelands.

With a glass of wine and a song…
The organ has not only attracted interested consumers, but has been the sight for many concerts over the past few years. Although the pipe organ is usually the star, groups of all kinds have performed with this wonderful instrument, including a tuba quartet! This April, world-renowned organist Jonas Nordwall will be featured performer in an afternoon concert. Bob’s love of theater organs also extends beyond the one housed at his facility – he is also one of the driving forces behind the renovation of the theater organ at the Fox California Bob Hope theatre in downtown Stockton, which will be rededicated September 18, 2004.

The grounds at Harmony also are inviting, including a wonderfully presented Rose Garden, as well as the spacious patio area and gazebo, decorated with Linda’s special flair. It’s no wonder why she is so busy with events from corporate meetings to wine dinners. Thanks to Lodi’s mild climate, people can enjoy this special setting most of the year.

Of course, with the wines made under their Wynelands Estates label are the real virtuosos. The Chardonnay, Old Vine Zinfandel and sparkling wines are all from local fruit, while the Chenin Blanc grapes come from nearby Clarksburg, and the Riesling and Pinot Noir are sourced from select vineyards in the Monterey area. By doing this, they can make outstanding wine by getting their fruit from the places where the particular vines do the best. Just like a group of musicians that bring out the best in each other, so do the wines of Harmony Wynelands complement each other. With wonderful fruit essences and clean, pleasing flavors that leave a lasting impression, much like a great performance, you will be left saying “bravo! bravo!” from your total experience at Harmony Wynelands.

Harmony Wynelands is located at 9291 East Harney Lane, approximately 4 miles east of Highway 99, just east of Lodi. The Tasting Room is open Friday through Sunday from 11am to 5:30 pm, as well as by appointment. Winery tours and facility rentals are also available by appointment. For more information, please contact them at 209-369-6850, or visit their website at harmonywynelands.com.