By John Carlin

In Latin, the word “Diva” means goddess. It can also be defined as “prima donna”, but in the case of these four hard working women of the Lodi wine industry, nothing could be further from the truth. Goddess is a MUCH more appropriate title.

Unlike the characters in the motion picture “Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood”, these “sisters” raise their goblets holding the nectar that they themselves plant, produce and promote. The fabulous four wineries represented here collectively hold numerous national wine competition medals.

The promotion of Lodi’s newest wineries comes easily to these four tireless blondes of the Lodi wine making scene. As anyone in the wine industry today will tell you, it is quite an effort in getting your wines onto the dining tables of restaurants and homes alike. This is a huge job on a couple of levels. Lodi is garnering attention to it’s appellation by winning nationwide competitions, but with literally hundreds of new wineries popping up on the landscape, the challenge is formidable even on a local level.

Catherine Keil represents the award-winning Grands Amis Winery. Much like the label on the bottle, Catherine is a class act. Catherine, along with co-owner Jonathan Wetmore are your gracious hosts in their tasting room located at The Vino Piazza in Lockeford. This Diva knows that the personal connection helps to educate and promote their fine Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane, Syrah, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Port and with the 2003 harvest – a sumptuous dry Rose’. California State Fair 2004 Award Winner: 2002 Syrah, Lodi Appellation – Silver/Best of Class

All of Lodi’s Divas feel that the superior quality of the fruit has been greatly underestimated. Diva Cathy says, “Local reputable growers changed their farming practices quite some time ago to improve the excellence of the fruit, and have succeeded. What the general population doesn’t realize is that Napa and Sonoma wineries discovered this improvement a long time ago and have been purchasing fruit from the Lodi Appellation for years to blend with their grapes.”

Renae Matson’s roles include mother of three, Amorosa Inn Bed & Breakfast proprietress, winery co-owner / hostess, writer, psychologist and being a great cook. Oh yeah, she also sells the wine she and her husband Mike produce. Renae embodies the spirit of the name of their label “Vino Con Brio” or Wine With Passion. What they offer up is an array of varietals including Viognier, Syrah, Sangiovese, Old Vine Zinfandel and the little known Pinotage. This unique varietal is widely grown in South Africa. However seven acres grown in the Lodi Appellation produce this light, fruit forward and delightful wine. When Diva Renae is not out promoting her award winning wines she is rising at dawn to prepare a sumptuous gourmet breakfast for her inn guests. It takes a diva to master all her roles with such grace and charm.

Diva Linda Hartzell holds court with husband Bob in their picturesque “blue barn”, an old-fashioned farmhouse custom built to house the 1921 Robert Morton Theater Pipe Organ originally installed in San Francisco’s Castro Theater. While Bob entertains on the organ, Diva Linda happily pours their estate grown Old Vine Zinfandel, Chardonnay and other varietal wines for visitors. Harmony Wynelands also serves as an elegant setting for special events. A beautiful white gazebo is the background for a rose garden that boasts over 100 different varieties. Nearly the entire garden planting is done by this enterprising couple. With a “hands on” attitude, Linda’s family jokes that she should be a “quality control specialist.” “Believing in yourself,” says Linda, “taught me that anything is possible.” A diva’s magic touch is evident everywhere you look at the charming Harmony Wynelands. California State Fair 2004 Award Winner: 2002 Proprietor’s Selection, White Riesling, Gold. (2) 2001 P.S., Pinot Noir, Silver. (3) 2002 P.S. Chardonnay, Bronze.

Betty Hansen brings a bit of fun southern hospitality to the Lodi Appellation. Originally from Texas, Betty’s southern charm is synonymous with Jewel Winery. Betty’s position in the company as key executive in the marketing department makes her a natural spokeswoman for this quality and value based winery. Diva Betty admits, “I have found that visitors are very interested in learning more about our area and wine in general. We are able to establish long lasting relationships with our visitors when time is spent to develop an educational and tasteful experience. Visitors love our friendly atmosphere and our value priced wines.”

Diva Betty’s untiring energy and enthusiasm about the Lodi area have led her to develop and oversee one of Lodi’s grandest events “A Taste of Lodi”. This year’s event will include a sampling of the appellations finest wines as well as local culinary talents. Visit tasteoflodi.com.

California State Fair 2004 Award Winner: Jewel – Best 2003 Viognier of California