If you’re searching for an exciting white wine alternative to the commonly poured Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio this spring, then you’re in luck! One of the beautiful things about the Lodi wine region is that it doesn’t limit itself to standard commercial wine grape varieties. Amongst its 110,000 acres of fine wine grapes are experimental plantings of interesting white wine grapes like Albariño, Gewürztraminer, Torrontés, Picpoul Blanc, and oh-so-many-more. Here are three adventurous suggestions to help you take the wine road less traveled this spring:
ACQUIESCE WINERY & VINEYARDS 2014 LODI ROUSSANNE
No one does crisp white wines like winemaker Susan Tipton, owner of Lodi’s only dedicated white wine winery. Although it is difficult to find Roussanne (roo-SAHN) outside of France’s Rhône Valley, we can feel lucky that it has made itself quite at home in the vineyards of Lodi’s Mokelumne River sub-appellation. Packed with flavors of apricots and cream, this juicy wine finishes with notes of almond, pear, and honeyed flowers. Steely minerality makes it the perfect partner for rich shellfish, roasted salmon or – if you’re feeling adventurous – foie gras. ($24) WhiteWineWinery.com
MARKUS WINE CO. 2014 LODI NIMMO WHITE WINE 
Sourced from Lodi winegrowers Bob and Mary Lou Koth’s Mokelumne Glen Vineyards—the largest, most serious collection (over 40 varieties) of German and Austrian wine grapes in the U.S.—this may be the most interesting white wine blend you’ll ever sip. A blend of Kerner, Gewürztraminer, Riesling, and Bacchus—this vibrant wine exhibits flavors of lemon and orange peel, lychee, mango, and granite. Pair this energetic wine with fresh pasta salad or a simple shrimp ceviche with tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro cured in lemon juice. ($22) MarkusWineCo.com
BOKISCH VINEYARDS 2014 CLAY STATION VINEYARD LODI VERDEJO
Hailing from the Rueda region in northwest Spain, Verdejo (ver-DAY-ho) is a welcome addition to Lodi’s diverse portfolio of grape varieties. Sourced from the cobbled soil of Clay Station Vineyard in Lodi’s Borden Ranch sub-appellation, this straw-colored wine has aromas of honeydew melon, rose petals, and lemon zest. Bright acidity and flavors of white nectarine, guava, and kiwi make this the ideal wine for serving alongside seafood paella, tropical fruit salad or tapas with fresh Feta or Manchego cheese. ($18) BokischVineyards.com
WHERE TO FIND THESE WINES:
Pick up these Lodi wines from the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center, 2545 W. Turner Rd., Lodi, (209) 365-0621. Open daily 10am-5pm. LodiWine.com