Klinker Brick Winery
Description
Klinker Brick Winery is a family-owned and operated winery located in Lodi, California. Established in 2000 by Steve and Lori Felten, the winery takes its name from the unique bricks that were used to construct their family home. These highly dense bricks, known as "klinker" bricks, have become a symbol of strength and longevity, reflecting the Felten family's commitment to producing exceptional wines.
Klinker Brick Winery is renowned for its production of Old Vine Zinfandel, which is sourced from some of the oldest vineyards in the Lodi region. The winery carefully selects vineyards that showcase the region's unique characteristics, resulting in wines that are rich, bold, and full-bodied. Each bottle of Zinfandel represents a dedication to preserving the heritage of these old vines and delivering a wine that truly reflects its terroir.
Apart from their Zinfandels, Klinker Brick Winery also produces a range of other varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and a delectable blend called Farrah Syrah. The winery views its wines as a true expression of the Lodi appellation, showcasing the region's warm climate and diverse soil types.
Visiting Klinker Brick Winery offers a delightful experience for wine enthusiasts. The charming tasting room, built with reclaimed wood from an old flour mill, provides a warm and inviting atmosphere to sample their exceptional wines. The knowledgeable and friendly staff are passionate about sharing the stories behind each varietal and guiding visitors through a memorable tasting journey.
In summary, Klinker Brick Winery is an esteemed establishment in the Lodi region, producing outstanding wines that pay tribute to the Old Vine Zinfandels that thrive there. With their commitment to quality and a family-owned legacy, Klinker Brick Winery continues to capture the essence of Lodi in every bottle, earning the admiration of wine lovers far and wide.
What Makes Klinker Brick Winery
Different From Other Nearby Wineries?
Klinker Brick Winery stands out among the many wineries in California's region for numerous reasons, making it a beloved destination for wine enthusiasts. From its rich history and commitment to sustainable practices to its unique vineyard location and exceptional wine offerings, this winery offers an experience that sets it apart from others in the area.
One distinguishing factor of Klinker Brick Winery is its remarkable history. The winery's name derives from its signature red bricks, manufactured in the early 20th century, which were known for their exceptional quality and durability. These bricks can be found in many historic buildings across California, including the nearby Lodi Arch. By incorporating this local heritage into their winery's name, Klinker Brick pays homage to the region's history and showcases its commitment to preserving and celebrating the past.
In terms of sustainability, Klinker Brick Winery prioritizes environmentally friendly practices. They have implemented sustainable farming and viticultural techniques, including the use of cover crops, integrated pest management, and water conservation measures. These sustainable practices help to protect the land, maintain soil quality, and reduce their impact on the surrounding ecosystem. By embracing these environmentally conscious methods, Klinker Brick Winery sets itself apart as a responsible and forward-thinking establishment within the wine industry.
Situated in the renowned Lodi Appellation, Klinker Brick Winery benefits from an ideal vineyard location. Lodi, known for its Mediterranean climate, provides the perfect conditions for growing high-quality grapes. The warm daytime temperatures and cool delta breezes at night create an optimal environment for grapevines to thrive. This unique microclimate influences the flavors and characteristics of the wines produced at Klinker Brick, resulting in distinctive and exceptional tasting experiences.
Furthermore, Klinker Brick Winery offers an impressive range of wines that cater to diverse palates. They produce a variety of red and white wines, including Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay, and more. The winery's commitment to producing small-lot, handcrafted wines ensures a focus on quality and attention to detail that wine connoisseurs appreciate. Each bottle reflects the dedication of the winemakers and vineyard team, resulting in wines that capture the unique essence of the region.
Beyond the exceptional wine offerings, Klinker Brick Winery provides a welcoming and inviting atmosphere to visitors. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are passionate about wine and are eager to share their expertise with guests. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and even special events hosted by the winery. The picturesque vineyard setting and beautifully landscaped grounds further enhance the overall experience, creating a serene and memorable escape for wine lovers.
In conclusion, Klinker Brick Winery distinguishes itself from other wineries in the region through its rich history, sustainable practices, ideal vineyard location, exceptional wine selection, and welcoming atmosphere. These factors combined make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique and memorable winery experience in California.
What Some Possible Concerns About Klinker Brick Winery
?
While Klinker Brick Winery is generally well-regarded, there are a few criticisms that have been mentioned by some people. Here are a few things that some individuals didn't particularly like about the winery:
1. Limited wine selection: Some visitors have mentioned that Klinker Brick Winery has a relatively small wine menu compared to other wineries in the region. While they produce quality wines, the lack of variety can be a drawback for those seeking a wide range of options.
2. No vineyard views: Unlike many other wineries in California, Klinker Brick Winery does not offer stunning vineyard views. Some visitors prefer a picturesque atmosphere and feel that the absence of beautiful scenery takes away from the overall winery experience.
3. Limited tasting experience: Some visitors have found the tasting experience at Klinker Brick Winery to be somewhat limited. While the staff is knowledgeable and friendly, the tasting room itself may not have the same ambiance or aesthetic appeal as other wineries in the region.
4. Inconsistent service: While most guests have had positive experiences with the staff, a few have reported encountering some inconsistencies in service. Some visitors felt that the staff was not as attentive or engaging during their winery tours or tastings.
5. Higher wine prices: Klinker Brick Winery's wines have been regarded as high-quality and well-crafted; however, some individuals have found the prices to be slightly higher compared to similar wines from other wineries in the area.
It's important to note that these criticisms reflect the views of a minority and should be considered alongside the overall positive reviews and experiences enjoyed by many visitors to Klinker Brick Winery.
Klinker Brick Winery
History
Klinker Brick Winery, nestled in the heart of California's Lodi Appellation, boasts a rich and fascinating history dating back to the late 1800s. The story begins with Joseph and Caroline Felice, who immigrated to America from Genoa, Italy, in the 1850s in pursuit of the American Dream.
In 1865, Joseph purchased a piece of land in what is now known as the Mokelumne River area of Lodi. This land, with its unique sandy loam soil and ideal Mediterranean climate, proved to be an exceptional location for grape growing. Joseph primarily planted Zinfandel grapes, recognizing their remarkable potential in the region.
Fast forward to 1901, and Joseph's son, Joseph Spenker, took over the vineyard and built the iconic brick house that still stands on the property today. Its unique reddish-brown bricks, known as "klinkers" due to their distinct sound when tapped together, inspired the winery's name - Klinker Brick.
Throughout the early 20th century, Klinker Brick vineyards expanded, and the family's reputation for producing exceptional Zinfandel grew. However, like many wineries during Prohibition, Klinker Brick faced significant challenges. In order to survive, the family resorted to selling grapes to home winemakers and producing sacramental wine.
Fortunately, the repeal of Prohibition in 1933 breathed new life into the winery. Joseph Spenker's sons, Arthur and Eugene, continued the family tradition, nurturing the vineyards and further establishing Klinker Brick as a trusted and reputable producer of quality Zinfandel.
In the late 1990s, the fifth generation of the Felice family, Steve and Lori Felten, stepped in to continue the legacy. With a passion for both their family history and winemaking, they began modernizing the winery while preserving its historic charm. Steve, who serves as the winemaker, recognized the potential within the old vine Zinfandel plantings and focused on crafting distinctive single-vineyard wines that showcase the vineyard's unique terroir.
Under the Felten family's stewardship, Klinker Brick Winery has garnered numerous accolades and become synonymous with exceptional Zinfandels from the Lodi region. Their dedication to sustainable viticulture practices and handcrafted winemaking has further elevated the winery's reputation.
Today, Klinker Brick continues to produce a diverse range of wines, including Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and more. With a commitment to showcasing the best of Lodi's terroir, Klinker Brick sources grapes from several exceptional vineyards across the appellation, ensuring each wine reflects the unique character of its origin.
Beyond winemaking, Klinker Brick also holds strong ties to the local community. The winery often hosts events and participates in philanthropic endeavors, supporting various charitable organizations and community initiatives.
With its long and storied history, Klinker Brick Winery stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Felten family and their commitment to producing exceptional wines. Imbued with a rich legacy, the winery continues to captivate wine enthusiasts with its outstanding portfolio, reflecting the passion and dedication passed down through generations.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel