MEET OUR PEOPLE
Liz & Markus Bokisch
Bokisch Vineyards / Owners & Growers
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
Liz: I was born nearby in Roseville, CA. I was raised in Lincoln on land that has been in my family since the 1880s. I lived along Coon Creek in a house that my Dad built out of recycled timbers. Markus: I was born in Mainz, Germany, and spent the first two years of my life in Germany before our family immigrated to San Diego, California. I spent my childhood growing up in San Diego and spending summers in La Rapita, Spain, with my extensive Catalan family.
WHEN DID YOU MOVE TO LODI?
Markus: We discovered Lodi in 1990 when I was working in Napa Valley for Joseph Phelps Vineyards and was scouting for Rhône varietals. We loved the area and purchased our first property in 1995. We moved from Yountville to Lodi in 1998. At first, people teased us and asked us why we left Napa for Lodi, but it was the best decision of our lives!
HOW MANY ACRES DO YOU FARM UNDER THE LODI RULES FOR SUSTAINABLE WINEGROWING PROGRAM?
We are currently farming about 900 acres of which 100% is certified under Lodi Rules and about 25% is CCOF certified organic.
WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT ASPECT OF YOUR JOB AS A GROWER OR WINERY OWNER?
Honestly one of the main challenges is the current lag between grape pricing and increasing costs of farming. We know the market will correct itself with time but in the meantime, it requires a lot of innovation and patience!
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU’D LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT LODI?
That it is beautiful! We love it when people come to our winery and say “This is Lodi?!?” Yes, there are beautiful rolling hills with oak trees!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL SPOT IN LODI?
One of our local favorites is the Know Place Bar in Victor. Best Sunday Bloody Mary’s and Manhattans in town!
WHAT CHORE DO YOU ABSOLUTELY HATE DOING?
Liz: I hate folding clothes, but I’m lucky because Markus loves it! He’s got those German genes that result in straight, crisp folds! Markus: I love pruning, but I’m not a fan of picking up all the brush.
