Monday, September 12, 2016

Michael-David Winery - a Family Affair


“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.



                             Inkblot by Michael-David Winery

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

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