Did you know August is National Goat Cheese Month? While many food-related holidays are overrated, we think this one is worth celebrating! Why? Because we love all things cheese. But more importantly, because Lodi wine country is home to the region’s first creamery, and they just happen to specialize in goat cheese.
At Spenker Family Farm, the charming set of red barns beckons you onto the property where you’ll find dozens of goats, a quaint wine bar, a cheese shop, and a picnic area. The Spenker family is no stranger to farming. They opened a winery in 1994, got their dairy and creamery license in 2019, and have been churning out quality goat cheese ever since.
A true family affair, parents Chuck and Bettyann own the creamery along with their two daughters, Sarah, and Kate. When the girls went off to college, Bettyann replaced their kids with (goat) kids (yes, that’s what they are called). She was interested in cheese making and the science behind it. After all, goats are adorable animals, and it seemed like the least intimidating way to get into cheesemaking. The rest, as they say, is history.
With over 70 goats, the family makes a delicious variety of aged and fresh goat cheeses ranging from a simple chevre to the spicy Diablo sunset aged goat cheese. They are available for purchase directly from the tasting room along with fresh goat ricotta, bottled milk, and frozen yogurt.
With both a winery and creamery onsite, the opportunity for growth at Spenker Family Farm is on solid ground. The family hopes to begin hosting a series of guided farm tours followed by a wine and cheese pairing. Guests will get a behind-the-scenes peek into the process by viewing the dairy, creamery, vineyard, and winery.
Being the first commercial creamery in Lodi, the Spenkers are grateful for the support of the community and fellow wineries. The collaborative effort of Lodi wine country is what makes Lodi so unique,” says Sarah. “Wineries are not competitors, but neighbors and friends. Our community supports each other and wants our region to be the best it can be.”
Editor’s Picks
- Simply Salted Chevre served with apricot preserves, fresh peaches, and prosciutto.
- Diablo Sunset with spicy chorizo sausage on ciabatta.
- Herbs de Provence Chevre with L’Epicurien Lavender Confit Jam and wafer-thin crackers.
Spenker Family Farm
1703 N. DeVries Rd., Lodi
(209) 367-0467
SpenkerWinery.com