“What I
like to drink most is wine that belongs to others” – Diogenes
In my
August 13th blog on the 2016 Wine Bloggers’ Conference, I provided a
brief highlight of my excursion to the Michael-David winery(www.michaeldavidwinery.com) with fellow wine bloggers.
Michael-David wines are favorites of mine and having an opportunity to make a
connection with the family responsible for much of the history of Lodi
winemaking was an added bonus.
As I drove
on Day 1 of the conference from Stockton to Lodi, my journey took me through
the heart of California agriculture country. The history of the area provides a
glimpse into Lodi’s transformation from a fruit and vegetable farming community
to the 1800s as a grower of 25% of the acreage for California grapes. Each
vineyard entry reflects the unique character and brand of its owner. Driving
past the gateway to the Michael-David vineyards was an early morning treat! Much
to my surprise, at the wine bloggers conference I picked a coded registration card
that won me a memorable evening at the Michael-David Bare Ranch location.
We started
our evening by matching the van drivers’ signs to our badges. I matched Three
Ring Circus from my choice at registration. Read my blog highlighting Michael-David’s
exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon Freakshow to learn the history behind the art
work and names of some of their better known wines. This will give you a clue
as to why I guessed that my evening destination would be Michael-David.
Most groups
drive over a rustic wooden bridge to get to Bear Ranch. We came in through a
slightly sturdier entrance due to the fact that our van was fully loaded with
at least 15 enthusiastic wine bloggers. We were immediately greeted with the
sight of an expansive lawn, a fully renovated 1930s home, as well as a pool and
an entertainment area ready for our evening meal. Our hosts were Phillips’
family members Kevin, Michelle and Lori Phillips along with some key vineyard team
members. Following the Civil War, the family started farming in the Lodi area. The
winery was established in 1984 by Micheal and David Phillips, great-grand
children of the first family settlers Andrew and Lucille Harsher. The
transformation to great wine producers and dedication to the Lodi region are
qualities that provide consistent leadership in the Lodi region.
The
Phillips family introduced us to a variety of white and red varietals from the
Michael-David collection. Inkblot – a full bodied Cabernet Franc- was a
favorite of mine for the evening. This red wine with a dark purple color
features aromas of vanilla and blackberry with a little hint of pepper and dark
chocolate. The tannins are very well balanced making this a smooth bold wine to
drink. This is a top tier wine from the Michael-David collection.
Positivevines Helpful Hint: Cabernet Franc is similar in composition to
Cabernet Sauvignon. Growing this grape varietal in chalky, sandy soil produces
fuller bodied wines like Inkblot. This is a sturdy grape classified as an
“insurance” crop in Bordeaux where unexpected cool weather may negatively
impact other varietals.
Vineyards
surround this location in the Michael-David estate which is located just 5
miles away from the vineyard entry that I passed earlier in the day. We were
served a meal of sushi, wines and local craft beers. The Phillips family was
very generous with their time and dinner table discussions. We learned how
Kevin and Michelle grew up helping their family grow, harvest and sell
vegetables at the family stand and Lodi food market. Lori- also from a farming
family- is Kevin’s wife and masterfully manages the properties that entertain
salespeople and guests as well at Bear Ranch. Each of these individuals has a
deep love and appreciation for Lodi having gone to various colleges around the
state and returning to work in the many facets of the family business. They
share what they own with the world and in return we get to appreciate a family’s
love of their craft, their community and the product that they serve.
The next
time that you are in Central California, visit Lodi and the Michael-David
Winery. This is a team of family members and close friends who have taken
winemaking very seriously through their education, marketing and willingness to
share their love of the art of making wine with visitors from around the world.
Don't forget to pick up bottles of Freakshow and Inkblot. With retail prices
averaging from $20 - $35, you can find something for every occasion from the
everyday meal to a special time sharing wines with good friends.
Remember to drink what it is that makes you truly
happy and always think positively!
Drink Responsibly!
@MDWinery @Lodi_Wine #WBC16
