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By Ken Young People get into the wine business for a variety of reasons. For some it's the allure of a lifestyle. For others like Joe Posadas, it is because he loves wine. "I was young and single with the desire to follow my dreams while I had the chance." say’s Joe about his commitment to wine. As one-fifth owner and winemaker for Lodi's, la Vida Dulce , Joe is indeed following his dream. "I am very proud that we are small winery that involves our entire family including my Father Aurelio, Mother Donna, Sister Rachel, and Brother In-Law Russell O'Leary. We have no employees and we do everything ourselves." Joe's dream was kindled years ago by a wine tasting trip to the Napa Valley. "While I enjoyed that experience, it was a visit to Boeger winery in Placerville that really got me fired up," Joe says. "We were on our way to Apple Hill one day when I saw their sign and went in. I just loved the experience and the people that we met. Everyone was so pleasant and helpful."
Joe didn't always have the dream of being a winemaker. He was an English
Literature major at Sacramento State University and looking for a career he
could really enjoy. It was Daniel Pambianchi's book on home winemaking techniques that most influenced Joe as he started his enology career. "With my background in literature, I figured I could learn anything from reading books," Joe relates. However, he credits consulting winemaker Antonio Pasos and Olde Lockeford Winery's Don Litchfield for his "hands on" training and his winemaking knowledge. This boutique winery offers a Tempranillo, a Zinfandel, two Syrah’s a Merlot and a Cabernet Sauvignon, from Lodi and Escalon grown grapes for tasting. According to Joe, "We tend to favor the lighter, more fruit-forward style of wines with softer tannins. We aren't into heavy oak so we use a combination French, America and Neutral oak of varying ages. |
The 2005 La Vida Dulce Tempranillo is a romantic wine, with a sensual ruby color featuring blackberry aromas with a hint of citrus on the palate. Soft tannins result in a smoldering finish. Joe's 2005 Syrah is a dark purple beauty featuring aromas and flavors of boysenberry and pepper with a touch of oak and round, smooth tannins. His 2005 Zinfandel is an earthy, sweet wine with flavors of raisins, black currant and smoky pepper. Joe hasn't made any white wines yet but does offer a limited release of Chardonnay and White Zinfandel. La Vida Dulce opened its Vino Piazza winery and tasting room in the spring of 2006. "We have one room dedicated to our tasting bar and product sales and one room that is half barrel room and half art galley where my sister displays her art," Joe explained. "This is the area where we have our live music a couple times a month." Joe is also an accomplished guitarist and singer, specializing in blues and classic rock. "My musician friends will stop by occasionally and we'll spend the afternoon playing music for our tasters." Now that he is producing delightful, handcrafted wines offered through a snug tasting room in a great location, has Joe Posadas realized his dream? In some ways yes but he and his family still look to the future. The dream now is to find property in the Lodi area where they can grow grapes and build a small winery. "I want to encourage people, especially when they are younger, to follow their dreams while they have the chance." - Joe Posadas. Come and meet Joe and the family at La Vida Dulce - located at Vino Piazza, 12470 Locke Road, CA. For additional information visit www.LaVidaDulceWines.com Tasting Room Hours are Thursday & Friday 12 – 5 pm, Weekends, 12-5 pm. Events: Nov. 17 &18 - Wine Music and Appetizers, Featured artist is Joe Posadas, joined by Robert Copsby. Dec 15th Art and Music with Anna Swindell, Donna & Rachel Posadas. Jan 19th & 20th, 2008 – Barrel Tasting & Barbeque. Feb 9th & 10th - Art, Wine & Chocolate – Featuring Rachel Posadas. ALL of these EVENTS are FREE! |
