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If you’re in the mood to make some beautiful music with a juicy bottle of the good life, then turn your tasting tuner toward Lodi wine country’s Harmony Wynelands, where delicious wines flow and rousing melodies fill the air! Nestled among luscious vineyards of old vine zinfandel, the winery, tasting room and event facility is a must-stop for wine and music lovers alike. Winery owners Bob and Linda Hartzell opened their tasting room’s doors in 2002, when they began producing prized wines under their Wyneland Estates label. Linda’s son, Shaun MacKay, is the assistant winemaker, in addition to handling sales, marketing, and winery operations. Harmony Wyneland’s unique namesake came about as the result of a South African journey the Hartzells made years back, when they discovered “wynelands” is used to describe many of South Africa’s grape vineyards. As for the “harmony” part, you’ll just have to read further to figure that one out! Passing through the picturesque garden, visitors are treated to colorful blooming flowers and a peaceful trickling fountain that beckons visitors inside. Upon entering the spacious tasting room, one can’t help but take in the immense keyboard instrument holding court over the entire building. Originally, Hartzell designed and built the studio to house the revered 1921 Robert Morton Theater Pipe Organ he acquired from San Francisco’s historic Castro Theater. An inveterate pipe organ enthusiast, Hartzell can frequently be found tickling away at the console’s numerous ivories, and it is definitely a thrill to observe one of his impromptu concerts. As he says, “The atmosphere appeals to people.” |
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Wine tasters, take heed: If you have a glass of wine in your hand and Hartzell fires up the Morton, you’d better keep a firm grip on the glass and your stance, as this robust instrument means business. Through an elaborate maze of 1500 blaring pipes, guests can hear bells ring, whistles blow, and clippity-cloppity horse trots thunder from every angle and rafter of the studio, and that’s exactly how Bob likes it. If there’s any credence to plants thriving when you talk to them, imagine what Bob’s music does to the grapevines! The tasting room offers wine and song enthusiasts the occasion to sample Wyneland Estate’s impressive assortment of award winning wines, while shoppers can peruse an eye-catching selection of unique gift ware and clothing, as well as a generous array of gourmet food items. With each sip of their exceptional wines, Linda and Shaun offer old fashioned hospitality to every visitor. “You get a lot of wine culture in a very casual and comfortable setting,” says Shaun, who’s noticed there has been quite a rise in the number of younger wine tasters, thus adding a fresh element to the sipping experience. “I think a lot of our tasters like to hang out and talk,” he reflects. The comfortable tasting room sits within arm’s reach of lush vineyards and an inviting patio complete with an enchanting gazebo in which to sit and enjoy a bottle of wine and conversation. It’s easy to see why Harmony Wynelands has become such a popular destination spot for wine lovers. When he isn’t busy wearing his other winery “hats,” Shaun can be found behind the scenes where the real action is; assisting head winemaker Chad Joseph, the wine chef responsible for handcrafting the unforgettable aromas and flavors Wyneland Estates fans return for time and again. Together, the two men are creating delicious melodies of a drinkable nature, and the hits just keep coming! As chief winemaker, Chad feels his ultimate goal is to capture and enhance the fruit’s flavor. “Just as in fine food making, you’re trying to find flavors endemic to the terroir,” he explains. From hand harvesting to the finished product, the fruit is handled very gently. “You just let the grapes do their thing and let their personalities develop,” he adds. To Joseph’s credit, while it’s easy for consumers to become wrapped up in the microscopic whys and wherefores of what’s inside the bottle, the talented winemaker takes a refreshingly simple approach: “Wine is not complicated. It’s a beverage to enjoy.” Here is a sampling of a few of the delicious wines that sippers can enjoy at Harmony Wyneland’s tasting room Wyneland Estates Alicante Bouschet - the winery’s distinguished flagship wine, produced from 85 year-old vines. Rich and velvety, this is a must-try for wine lovers. Savor the silkiness of juice-popping boysenberries, followed by a rich chocolate finish. Wyneland Estates Old Vine Zinfandel - Crafted from mature vines growing so close to the winery you can touch them! A pleasing combination of berries, spice and caramel wrapped up in fragrant oak. Zinsation - A delectable dessert wine created from spicy-sweet old vine zinfandel. Enjoy alone or with a luscious hunk - of chocolate, that is. In addition, Harmony Wynelands offers their stunning facility as an event site for weddings, corporate meetings, and luncheons. The winery’s secluded location coupled with a peaceful ambiance creates the perfect intimate setting for any wine country gathering. |
A consummate professional, Mrs. Hartzell is the winery’s event coordinator, making sure each special occasion is a memorable one. Mr. Hartzell shares, “Linda is the powerhouse of the tasting room and our events,” and beaming, adds, “She has quite a knack for entertaining.” And entertainment is always on the menu at the winery! During the fall and winter months, Harmony Wynelands offers moviegoers the chance to step back in time at Silent Movie Nights, their popular motion picture series featuring some of Hollywood’s most beloved film stars of yesteryear. Moviegoers are treated to the talents of organist Dave Moreno as he brings the thunderous Morton organ to life, accompanied by emcee/vocalist Matías Bombal. Best of all, it’s a great way to spend a Friday evening in Lodi wine country, especially when movies, wine, and popcorn are on the menu! Did I mention wine? Next season kicks off on Friday, October 24th, with Silent Halloween Comedy Night featuring the antics of Harold Lloyd and Laurel & Hardy. The winery is taking reservations for these sell-out events now, so reserve your seat today! So where are you headed this weekend? As you wander along Lodi’s wine trail in search of new adventures for your tasting and listening pleasure, be sure to stop in and stay tuned to the memorable sounds and sipping possibilities to be had only at Harmony Wynelands. Harmony Wynelands is located at 9291 E. Harney Lane, Lodi, CA. For additional information call (209) 369-4184 or visit their website at www.HarmonyWynelands.com and please don’t forget to mention you saw it in d’vine Wine & Visitors Guide.
Harmony Wynelands - Wine Awards
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