When Lance Randolph dons his red shorts, Lodi grape growers watch. It means the harvest season is fast approaching, and Peirano Estate Vineyard’s owner/winemaker is offering up his sacrificial polyester as continued good luck for another fruitful yield. The red shorts, as well as his signature straw hat, remain steadfastly worn until every Lodi vineyard has been harvested. Clearly, Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, is pleased by what he sees.

A fifth generation farmer, Randolph continues to carry on the tradition of growing and harvesting premium grapes on the very same soil that Giacomo Peirano tilled, back in 1881. The family philosophy remains steadfast: “Knowing that great wines must begin with the finest of grapes, it has always been our belief that wine should reflect the character of the fruit and the land.”

Peirano Estate Vineyards is located just north of Lodi, along Highway 99 Frontage Road. Surrounded by waves of ripening vineyards, the winery’s tasting room and gift shop are tucked inside the original family homestead where Lance grew up and dreamed of carrying on the family legacy.

As you walk up the path to the tasting room, the shingled exterior boasts a quaint porch and a deck leading to a shady picnic area where guests can enjoy a balmy Lodi afternoon. Stepping into the inviting tasting room, visitors are greeted with a pleasant “Hello!” by tasting room manager Stacy Montantes.

Montantes expertly pours wine, educates visitors, plans events, and arranges tours for eager guests. The winery welcomes buses and limos, and kindly asks that at least one day’s notice be given to prepare accommodations. Wine tastings are complementary. For the last minute picnicker, light food items such as crackers, salami, and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a lunch and make use of the winery’s delightful picnic area, where 75 acres of lush vineyards surround the tasting room. Walking among the gangly arms of ancient vine zinfandel, it feels as though I’m in the presence of Lodi’s founding fathers. After all, I’m standing in the heart of the Lodi Appellation. Pleasantly, the noisy buzz of the nearby freeway seems far away.

The winery’s spacious and thoughtfully stocked gift shop adjoins the tasting room and offers a pleasing selection of gift items, including a fine assortment of clever tee shirts and tank tops, and the prices won’t put a dent in your shorts. What wine lover couldn’t use a fashion statement declaring, “Will Work for Wine?!”

Peirano Estate Vineyards is made up of five hundred acres of grapes, where only the finest are carefully selected and handpicked to go into their estate grown wines. Uniquely, the land includes the last natural rooted zinfandel in the United States.

Listed below are just a few of the tempting choices you will want to try:

The Other Red:

A top seller at the winery; a smooth blend of cabernet, merlot and syrah, and honored as Best of Class at the 2007 California State Fair. Enticingly full of black cherries and spice, the finish is long and smoky.

The Other White:

Another top seller winning Best of Class at the ’07 California State Fair. A seductive blend of chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and a splash of viognier. Savor the sweetness of pears, green apples, and tropical fruit flavors that create this warm weather winner.

Ladies, take note:

The Other’s distinctive wine label features the alluring shape of a woman. Hence, if a spat breaks out between you and your mate, leaving him running to another woman, he will instead seek comfort with The Other woman! It’s no wonder this luscious wine is usually a sell out…It’s a harmless rendezvous in a bottle.

Barbera:

Rich and robust, this beauty took home Best of Class and Gold at this year’s State Fair.

Petit Sirah:

Incredibly smooth and spicy, you’ll take pleasure in the aromas of black raspberry and coffee; get ready for a cherry chocolate finish that never ends.

Muscat Canelli:

This is the first release of this anticipated varietal. A light and fruity selection; not too sweet, with vanilla aromas. A wonderful selection for a hot August night! Available only at the tasting room.

Not surprisingly, Lance Randolph is a strong advocate for Lodi’s promising wine region. “Lance is very much into promoting Lodi. That’s his goal,” says Stacy. Peirano Estate Vineyards wholeheartedly subscribes to the Lodi adage, “Exceptional wine at a truly affordable price,” thus, proving once again you don’t have to drive all the way to Napa for excellence.

Much to this wine drinker’s delight is the announcement of Peirano’s upcoming release of their latest blend, fittingly called Red Shorts Red! Release is set for November, and just in time to warm up the holidays. You can bet the resident wine guru will throw on his “special” shorts for this event! This could lead to a new fashion trend among Lodi grape growers and wine makers alike.

Peirano Estate Vineyards has proven to be a popular destination for travelers on their way to the hills and the nearby waterways, as well as the regulars who enjoy stopping by, catching up with Stacy, and sipping some of Lodi’s best. Then there’s the skydiving crowd that meets just a stones throw away at the local airport. When you visit the tasting room, you never know who might be dropping in! So, pack up your parachute and make Peirano Estate Vineyards your target.

Likewise, plan a relaxing wine afternoon at Peirano’s picnic spot, where you and your wine tasting buddies can enjoy a bottle or two of this, that, and The Other. Who knows? You just might catch a glimpse of those famous red shorts poking through the vineyards. And if you spot the matching straw hat, raise your glass, and be thankful the grape gods are grinning.