About Valensin Vineyard & Winery
Valensin Vineyard & Winery sits on a 40-acre estate on the rural edge of Galt, about 25 minutes south of Sacramento, in the Alta Mesa AVA within the larger Lodi appellation. What sets it apart from most tasting rooms in the region is water: the estate's 11 acres of vineyard wrap around a private 15-acre water ski lake, and that lake is central to both the farming and the visit. The winery frames itself less as a cellar-door stop and more as a lakeside destination, where a glass of estate wine, a paddleboard, and live music can all share the same afternoon.
The vineyard was planted in 2002 by first-generation farmers who, by their own account, relocated across the country in 2006 to pursue wine full-time after two decades in the industry. That leap is the origin of their flagship label, The Plunge, a name that nods to both the lake and the risk of building a winery from scratch. The second brand, Crazy 8's, is made entirely from estate fruit and takes its name from the 8,888 vines on the property. Farming leans sustainable by the winery's account, and the lake plays a practical role beyond recreation by moderating the vineyard's climate, which the estate credits for more concentrated, intensely flavored fruit.
The portfolio is broad for a boutique operation, spanning white, rosé, red, sparkling, and port-style dessert wines, all made in small lots. The waterfront tasting room is the heart of the visit, with views over the lake and vineyards; tastings run about $15 to $20 per person. Beyond the pour, the estate offers paddleboarding, pedal boats, and vineyard tours, plus on-site lakeside rentals for an overnight stay. The events side is unusually active for its size, with a Friday Night Music Series, a Drag Boat Show, and a private-events business covering weddings, corporate gatherings, and luxury picnics.
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