Watts Winery, Lodi Winery & Tasting Room

Watts Winery sits on Locust Tree Road north of Lodi, run by a farming family that the Lodi Winegrape Commission says has grown grapes here for four generations. The family sold fruit to other producers long before it bottled anything of its own, and the winery dates its first vintage to 1999. Craig Watts runs it with his wife Sheri; he and his brother Keith worked the properties under their mother Janet's ownership until she died in 2012, after which the brothers divided the land.

The estate leans on old vines and a wide varietal spread. Lodi Winegrape Commission notes describe Pescador Vineyard with Zinfandel planted in 1937, Casa Azul on the west side of the Mokelumne River for Chardonnay, the Iris Vineyard right by the tasting room, and Los Robles on red volcanic soil for Montepulciano and Malbec. Bottles come out under both the Watts and Upstream labels, with Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and a blend called Dos Amigos filling out the list. The tasting room itself is casual, family and pet friendly, with art on the walls and free parking.

The address is 17036 N Locust Tree Rd, Lodi, CA 95240, and the listed phone is (209) 329-1569. California Winery Advisor shows the room open Friday through Sunday, noon to 5 pm, with a $5 tasting fee waived with purchase and a phone call to arrange visits outside those hours, while Visit Stockton describes tasting as by appointment only, so it is worth reconciling the two before you drive out. Confirm current hours, fees and reservation policy with the winery before you go.

Not Yet Reviewed

Van Ruiten Family Winery

California · Lodi

Not Yet Reviewed

Vinum Cellars

California · Lodi

Not Yet Reviewed

Viño Vargas

California · Lodi

Not Yet Reviewed

Zin Phomaniac

California · Lodi