The Record published this article on March 1, 2000.

Microwineries seek roots near Lodi

by Neil Gonzales
Record Staff Writer

LODI - At least two more wineries have targeted the agricultural corridor between Highways 88 and 99 east of the city.

Both are small projects that intend to produce premium varietal blends, reflecting a growing area trend in microwineries.

"What you are seeing is a lot of our growers diversifying their business," said Stuart Spencer, program manager for the Lodi-Woodbridge Winegrape Commission. "They are developing their own wine brand, producing it, marketing it and selling it."

Larry and Charlene Mettler, owners of Arbor Vineyards, Inc. in Lodi, propose to crush grapes grown on site and bottle about 1,200 gallons of wine in an existing building near Alpine Road and Kettleman Lane. Tina Wehrmeister, county community Development Department assistant planner, said the Mettler project is not expected to cause traffic or other serious problems.

She said the winery would not have public tasting or special events.

But Larry Mettler said the family operation could expand if it proves successful."We've been making homemade wine there for a couple of years," he said. Building a winery is "the natural thing for us to get into. We're interested in seeing what we can do in further educating ourselves and making the best wine in a small lot."

He said the project would cost about $10,000 and should be finished by this year.

Trillium Wineries, meanwhile, would locate south of the Mettler site and should also be complete within a few months. The Planning Commission is scheduled to review a use-permit application in April.

Trillium, on Handel Road off Alpine, would feature a 3,000 gallon storage capacity, use two existing buildings and hold wine tasting by appointments only, Wehrmeister said.

"We'll be a very, very premium winery," project manager and vintner Steve Carson said. "We'll be trying a lot of new varieties that have had success in other parts of the world."

Carson did not immediately know the cost of the enterprise, which would employ several workers.

Other planned wineries east of Lodi include the $2 million Omega Vineyards on 40 acres off Highway 88 and Harney Lane, and a renovated Lockeford Winery on Locke Road by the locally based Copper Enterprises, Inc.

Also, the Robert Mondavi Corp. is seeking to build a massive warehouse and distribution center for the company's wines on 45 acres north of Highway 12 between North Guild Avenue and the Central California Traction lines.

Spencer said the increasing number of wineries between the highways and elsewhere around Lodi will help promote wines made in the area and draw many visitors here.

"I don't think that they'll be competing but complementing each other," he said of the wineries.

He said microwineries showcase different blends - something that "attracts a broader audience."

To reach reporter Neil Gonzales, phone 209-367-7428 or e-mail ngonzale@recordnet.com.

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