All Seasons Carriage Company |
wine & Roses |
Forest Lake Gold Club |
wine EDUCATION:Mourvedre |
wine Tasting 101 |
Culinary Corner: |
All Seasons Carriage Company |
wine & Roses |
Forest Lake Gold Club |
wine EDUCATION:Mourvedre |
wine Tasting 101 |
Culinary Corner: |
Many times in the wine industry, someone brings in a truckload of money and literally buys their way into wine qithout really understanding what it takes to make wines that people want to drink. Fortunately for us, lodi wineries have taken a different path. Most wineries in the region can trace their lineage back several generations, with growers who understand that quality wines begin in the vineyard. A prime example of this is Michael-David Vineyards, here brothers Michael and David Phillips, themselves 5th generation growers, have built a winery from where it needs to begin - in the vineyard.
Beginning in the 1860s, the ancestors of today's Phillips family began farming in the Lodi region, realizing that the combination of warm days and cool nights, along with rich soil and abundant water sources were perfect for many crops. The family grew, prospered, and established a reputation for growing quality and diverse produce. Among these items were grapes for wine. The family added acreage, bit by bit, and became known for their grapes. Michael and David's father, Don, as known for the ingenuity of his farming in the region (Don has been honored for all he did for agriculture by being selected into the San Joaquin Agricultural Hall of Fame). Don instilled the knowledge and hard work it takes to grow high quality grapes into his children. When Mike came into the family business, he entertained the idea of making wine in addition to being a grower. After making wine at home for family enjoyment, Mike took the plunge in 1984 ith the first commercial vintage. The wine met with success, and with Brother David joining the enterprise after college, slowly began building the production of wine from their vineyards.