From Grape to Glass
By Nora Heston Tarte
Big name wineries that bottle and distribute vino around the globe aren’t hard to find in the Lodi appellation. It is, however, the small-lot estates that make this area special, and everyone experiences a glimmer of pride when they are the first to know about a local gem. Here in Lodi one of the best places to find a flavorful vino is Harney Lane, where small production, 100 percent estate-grown wines reign superior. Impress your friends with your knowledge of one of Lodi’s best wineries before word gets out.
At Harney Lane, the fruit that goes into making their one-of-a-kind, tasteful wines is all grown on-site. “We are proud to be 100 percent estate,” Co-owner Jorja Lerner says.
Originally a family farm, the owners took on a new venture when Kyle and Jorja Lerner, along with Jorja’s parents Kathy and George Mettler (who died in 2013), decided to branch out into wine production as a means of preserving their land. A total of less than 1000 cases were turned out in 2006, Harney Lane’s first year in the wine business, but they have since upped their supply to meet demand. Today, the winery bottles approximately 5000 cases annually, allowing locals to enjoy ample amounts of sophisticated wines while keeping its small production charm in tact.
Perhaps the most notable aspect of its business model for true vino enthusiasts is that 95 percent of Harney Lane wine is sold at the winery itself. There’s a particular allure in sharing a bottle of zinfandel with someone special that wasn’t simply picked up at the store. The effort speaks volumes. Not to mention, it garners the purchaser a little wino-cred. “Our winery maintains a focus on handcrafted, award winning limited production wines,” Jorja explains. “With a small production, you rarely find our wines anywhere but at the winery itself.”
Located on Harney Lane in Lodi, the estate boasts “rustic elegance.” Not only can tasters step in to sip samples ($5 for a tasting session that is waived with wine purchase), they can also stay to enjoy an artisan cheese platter while ordering favorites by the glass. The estate that provides all of the ingredients needed to turn out award-winning old vine zins and tempranillos, also offers a warm and inviting space with plenty of room for relaxing under 80-year-old diodora cedar trees. Excellent customer service and a memorable experience are equally as important to the family of local growers.
The abundant supply of reds and whites promises something for everyone—from well-known varietals like chardonnay to more obscure types such as albarino. Many will be available during Zinfest as the family pours at Lodi Lake on Saturday, May 14 and hosts a Zinfest Open House on Sunday, May 15 from 11 AM-5PM.
Insider Tip: On your next visit, order the 2013 Tempranillo and 2013 Petite Sirah. “These are new vintages of Harney Lane favorites,” Jorja says. “In fact, these wines often sell out before we can release the next vintage.”
Join The Club: Can’t get enough? Wine:30 is the club for Harney Lane’s biggest fans. Join to receive discounts on wines as well as access to exclusive events. Harneylane.com/wine-club to learn more.
Taste Today:
Harney Lane Winery
9010 E. Harney Ln., Lodi, (209) 365-1900, Harneylane.com