Region: |
West Lodi |
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Locations: |
340 W. Highway 12
Lodi, CA 95242
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Phone: |
(209) 334-5722 |
| Winemaker: |
Ryan K. Leeman |
Tasting Room: |
Large |
Days/Hours: |
Daily 11:00 to 5:00
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Parking: |
Large |
Picnic Facilities: |
N/A |
Red Wines: |
Late Harvest Zin, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Red Wine Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, Old Vine Zin
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White Wines: |
Late Harvest Viognier, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay |
Production: |
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The Winery:
The Van Ruiten winery was built in 2000. The tasting room is beautifully decorated with a vineyard scene mural, tile floors, and huge windows to view the landscaped, covered outdoor picnic area. The tasting room includes the sale of household goods in addition to their fine wines. Their wines can also be tasted at the Cellar Door, 21 N. School St., downtown Lodi.
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The Vineyards:
The first estate vineyards were purchased by John Van Ruitens in the early 1950s where he planted Zinfandel Vines. There are now 800 acres of vineyards where the best grapes are used in the family wines. This is still a family affair with three generations currently involved in growing grapes and producing wine.
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The Wines:
The winery specializes in small batch wine production and has received the coveted ‘12 best Zins of Lodi’ for their estate Old Vine Zin. They also produce an ancient vine Carignane from their 98 year old James Ranch Vineyard. Although most wines are produced from Lodi grapes, they do purchase some grapes from some of the other fine wine regions of California.
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The Winemaker:
Ryan K. Leeman is the winemaker at Van Ruiten. He is a graduate of Cornell University and worked at several wineries in the Long Island area prior to coming to Van Ruiten.
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