MEET OUR PEOPLE

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Jessica Dart

d’Art Wines / Winemaker

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HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN MAKING WINE?
I have been making wine since 2011. I began making wine after graduating from CSUS with a degree in biochemistry. 

WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT ASPECT OF MAKING WINE?
How different grape varieties show individual characteristics during winemaking as much as in the bottle. Learning how each variety is different during fermentation and aging is one of the more difficult aspects, as well as one of the most interesting. 

WHO HAS BEEN THE MOST INFLUENTIAL MENTOR IN YOUR CAREER?
Most of my wine career has been spent working with my dad, Dave Dart. I wouldn’t be in wine production if it wasn’t for him. 

HOW HAS THE LODI WINE REGION CHANGED OVER THE YEARS OR SINCE YOU’VE BEEN HERE?
The number of wineries has tripled since I first began drinking wines from Lodi. It's really become a destination for wine lovers.

IF YOU COULD MEET ANYONE, LIVING OR DEAD, WHO WOULD THAT BE AND WHY?
Pliny the Elder. He was so observant, and I imagine a conversation with him would be mind-blowing. 

WHAT CHORE DO YOU ABSOLUTELY HATE DOING?
I hate stopping to fill up my gas tank. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL SPOT OR SPOTS IN LODI?
The Lodi Lake Nature Trail is such a cool little trail. To be in the trees and see wild animals is awesome.