MEET OUR PEOPLE

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Joseph Smith

Klinker Brick Winery / Winemaker

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WHERE WERE YOUR BORN AND RAISED?
Belize. I moved to Lodi in 1996.

WHAT IS YOUR FIRST MEMORY OF WINE?
My first memory of wine was in 1996 when I arrived in Northern California to do renovations at a newly purchased winery.

WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT ASPECT OF MAKING WINE?
Adapting consistently to the challenges of the growing season.

DO YOU HAVE ANY IRRATIONAL FEARS OR SUPERSTITIONS AS THEY RELATE TO YOUR JOB?
Blessing of the grapes is a must for a successful harvest.

HOW HAS THE LODI WINE REGION CHANGED OVER THE YEARS OR SINCE YOU’VE BEEN HERE?
I’ve seen the acceptance for people from diverse backgrounds grow and opportunities to become more involved in the wine community have increased.

WHAT CHORE DO YOU ABSOLUTELY HATE DOING?
Paperwork.

WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I love gardening. I also made a few hip hop songs that didn’t go anywhere.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL SPOT OR SPOTS IN LODI?
Thai Spices.