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Mettler Family Vineyards Summary

7889 E. Harney Lane
Lodi ,CA 95240
United States
mettlerwine.com

Mettler Family Vineyards Description

Mettler Family Vineyards, located in the heart of the Lodi appellation in California, is a family-owned winery with a rich history dating back to the late 1800s. Established by Joseph Spenker, the great-great-grandfather of the current winemakers, the Mettler family has been dedicated to crafting exceptional wines for over 100 years. Today, the winery is overseen by sixth-generation winemaker and family member, Adam Mettler, who continues the legacy of producing high-quality wines that truly reflect Lodi's unique terroir.

The vineyard terrain at Mettler Family Vineyards is blessed with well-drained, sandy loam soils that allow for excellent water drainage, essential for producing premium wine grapes. Committed to sustainable farming practices, the winery ensures that their vineyards thrive in an environment that is in harmony with nature, resulting in grapes of exceptional quality. The vineyard is home to several different grape varietals, including old-vine Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petite Verdot.

The wines produced by Mettler Family Vineyards are a testament to the family's commitment to excellence. With a focus on showcasing the unique characteristics of each varietal, their wines are crafted with precision and passion. The flagship wine, the Mettler Zinfandel, is a crowd favorite, known for its intense flavors of dark berries, spice, and velvety tannins. In addition to Zinfandel, the winery produces a range of red wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah, as well as a small selection of white wines.

Visitors to Mettler Family Vineyards are welcomed into a warm and inviting tasting room, where they can sample an array of wines while diving into the history and winemaking philosophy of the family. The winery also offers vineyard tours and private tastings, providing guests with an immersive experience into the world of Mettler wines. Whether you are a wine enthusiast looking to explore the diversity of Lodi wines or simply seeking a picturesque setting to enjoy a glass of exceptional wine, Mettler Family Vineyards is a must-visit destination for wine lovers.

What Makes Mettler Family Vineyards Different From Other Nearby Wineries?

Mettler Family Vineyards stands out from other wineries in the region due to several distinctive features that set it apart. Firstly, the winery has a rich history that spans over eight generations, making it one of the oldest wine-growing families in Lodi, California. This heritage and experience contribute to the winery's deep-rooted knowledge of the land, resulting in exceptional wines that reflect a longstanding dedication to quality.

One aspect that differentiates Mettler Family Vineyards is their commitment to sustainable farming practices. The winery emphasizes responsible resource management, such as water conservation, soil health, and natural pest control methods. By implementing sustainable farming techniques, they aim to preserve the environment, ensuring the long-term viability of their vineyards and the surrounding ecosystem.

Another distinguishing factor is the unique terroir of the vineyards. Mettler Family Vineyards benefits from the region's Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by warm days and cool evenings. This climate, along with the well-drained sandy loam soils, creates optimal conditions for cultivating premium wine grapes. The winery focuses primarily on producing single-vineyard designated wines, which showcase the distinct characteristics and flavors of each vineyard block.

Mettler Family Vineyards also offers visitors an exceptional wine-tasting experience. The winery features a beautifully designed tasting room, where guests can enjoy a variety of wines while appreciating the picturesque views of the surrounding vineyards. Furthermore, the friendly and knowledgeable staff provide insightful information about the winemaking process, the unique qualities of the wines, and the history of the winery, enhancing the overall experience.

In addition to their exceptional wines, the winery has a deep commitment to community engagement and philanthropy. Mettler Family Vineyards actively participates in local charity events and fundraisers, supporting various causes. This dedication to giving back to the community demonstrates their holistic approach to winemaking, focusing on both quality products and contributing positively to society.

Overall, Mettler Family Vineyards stands apart from other wineries in the region due to its rich heritage, sustainable farming practices, unique terroir, exceptional tasting experiences, and commitment to community involvement. These factors combined contribute to the winery's reputation as a sought-after destination for wine enthusiasts seeking high-quality wines and a genuine connection to the land and community.

What Some Possible Concerns About Mettler Family Vineyards ?

While it is important to showcase the positive aspects of a winery, it is also crucial to provide a well-rounded view that includes potential drawbacks or concerns. Here are a few aspects some people may not have liked about Mettler Family Vineyards:

1. Limited Varietal Options: Mettler Family Vineyards specializes in Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. While these wines are renowned and highly regarded, some visitors may prefer a wider range of varietals to choose from.

2. Price Point: Mettler Family Vineyards' wines are often considered to be on the higher end of the price spectrum. This may deter budget-conscious consumers or those looking for more affordable options.

3. Crowded Tasting Room: During peak hours or popular occasions, the winery's tasting room can become quite crowded, leading to longer wait times and potentially diminish the overall experience for some visitors.

4. Limited Food Offerings: While wine tastings often focus on the wines themselves, some guests may have expected or preferred a wider selection of food options to pair with their tastings. The winery primarily focuses on the wines themselves, with limited food offerings.

It is worth noting that these points might not apply to every visitor, and personal preferences will vary. The aim is to provide a balanced perspective for potential visitors to make informed decisions.

Mettler Family Vineyards History

Mettler Family Vineyards, located in California's esteemed Lodi appellation, has a rich and fascinating history that spans multiple generations. The story of this renowned winery begins with its founder, George Mettler, who laid the foundation for what would become a celebrated winemaking legacy.

George Mettler was a German immigrant who settled in the Lodi region in the late 1800s. Recognizing the region's incredible potential for winemaking, he purchased a plot of land and planted his first vineyard. With a strong commitment to quality and a passion for winemaking, George and his family tirelessly worked the land, nurturing their vineyards and producing exceptional wines.

The Mettler family's dedication paid off, and by the early 20th century, their wines gained recognition for their exceptional quality. However, like many other wineries, Mettler Family Vineyards faced challenges during the era of Prohibition in the United States. Despite the ban on alcohol, the family managed to survive by selling their grapes to other wineries and producing sacramental wine, which was permitted during that time.

After the repeal of Prohibition in the 1930s, George Mettler's sons, Carl and Ellis, took over the operations of the vineyards. They continued the family's tradition of producing outstanding wines, slowly expanding their production and developing a loyal base of customers. Under their stewardship, Mettler Family Vineyards thrived, earning a solid reputation for crafting wines that showcased the unique terroir of the Lodi appellation.

In the 1980s, the fourth generation of the Mettler family, siblings Larry and Kelli Mettler, joined the winery. This marked a new chapter in the history of Mettler Family Vineyards, as they brought fresh ideas and a renewed focus on sustainable farming practices. Larry, who holds a degree in viticulture and enology, utilized his expertise to further elevate the quality of the vineyard's offerings.

Today, Mettler Family Vineyards is known for its commitment to producing exceptional single-vineyard wines, primarily from their acclaimed "Epicenter" vineyard, renowned for its old, gnarled Zinfandel vines. With a deep respect for the land, the family constantly strives to minimize their environmental impact, employing sustainable farming techniques to ensure the longevity of their vineyards for future generations.

The winery's portfolio offers a diverse range of varietals including Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and more, each expressing the unique character and luscious flavors that the Lodi appellation is renowned for.

Mettler Family Vineyards continues to receive critical acclaim and numerous accolades for their exceptional wines. Their dedication to quality, sustainability, and their unwavering commitment to crafting wines that reflect their family traditions and the essence of the Lodi region has firmly established them as one of California's beloved wineries.

In conclusion, Mettler Family Vineyards weaves together the rich history of the Mettler family, their unwavering dedication, and their continuous efforts to produce outstanding wines that have made them a fixture in the California winemaking landscape.