D'Vine Wine and Visitor Guide, serving Amador County, Calaveras County, El Dorado County, Placer County, Nevada County, San Joaquin County, Alameda County, Clarksburg and Delta region, Northern Sierra, Lodi Wine Region and Livermore Wine Region

Dvine Wine and Visitors Guide November 2007

Christine's at St. George	Cecchetti Olive Oil
Pasos Vineyard	Savor the Season
Don't Blink - Golf 2007	La Vida Dulce
St. George Hotel	Wine Tasting 101
Culinary Corner	Wine Education Cabernet Franc
Past Issues

Macchia
Where the Passion Began

"By Fran Benavidez"

Passion means everything to Macchia owners Tim and Lani Holdener. Whether it’s crafting award winning wines, experiencing the thrill of rock climbing the face of Yosemite’s Half Dome, or kayaking over whitewater rapids, this dedicated duo has poured their heart and soul into every undertaking, and the rewards have been amazing. This dynamic couple has focused their time and energy on a new adventure.

Their latest challenge revolves around relocating their winery from the Vino Piazza to their home. Yes, that is right, their Home. They are moving out of their house of 15 years and turning it into a Tasting Room/Winery. “We are bringing the passion back to where it began,” says Tim. “We are sharing our home, our foundation of Macchia with everyone,” he adds. This is where some of our family’s first wines were made. Back then it was one barrel at a time.

Surrounded by lush Lodi vineyards, this 95-year old farmhouse gives visitors a hug when walking through the double French doors. The new tasting room was formerly their living room/dining room … an interior with rich hardwood floors, coved ceilings, and a large brick fireplace. An inviting picnic area nestled amongst large redwoods, crape myrtles, Japanese maples, and many other varieties, is available for a guest to enjoy with a bottle of Macchia.

Fifteen years ago, when the Tim and Lani moved onto the property, there was no grass or landscaping. “Even the house looked haunted!” Lani remembers. Thus, the determined couple jumped in headfirst and transformed the property into the charming site that exists today. We saw the potential for a lovely home site, and now we are realizing its potential for a beautiful winery. Visitors to the tasting room can view first-hand the affection Tim and Lani share for nature. Mature shrubbery and lush carpets of lawn wander around stately trees, leading up a brick path to the farmhouse. Behind the farmhouse, you can see the four-story water tower that used to supply water to the home at one time. This new location is planned to be open sometime in November/December 2007.