MEET OUR PEOPLE
Kim Mettler-Eells
Mettler Family Vineyards / General Manager
HOW MANY YEARS HAS YOUR FAMILY BEEN FARMING WINEGRAPES?
My family has been farming winegrapes in Lodi since 1899.
WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT ASPECT OF FARMING WINEGRAPES?
Mother Nature is a tricky business partner; you never know what she has in store for you – record heat waves, California wildfires, frost, drought, or pests. As farmers, we learn to adapt to our ever-changing climate while producing the highest quality winegrapes we are able.
HOW HAS THE LODI WINE REGION CHANGED OVER THE YEARS?
In the past 20 years the Lodi wine region has become known as a premium wine growing region and tourist destination. Lodi was recognized in 2015 as Wine Region of the Year, and in 2018 my brother, and our winemaker Adam Mettler, was named Winemaker of the Year, each from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
PEOPLE SAY PARENTS DON'T HAVE A FAVORITE CHILD. IS THAT THE SAME WITH FAMERS AND VINEYARDS?
As a parent, I would say that I don't have a favorite child. My daughters, however, would disagree. Individually, they would probably say that my favorite is always the other daughter. When it comes to a vineyard, I do have a favorite – our Fathom Ranch head-trained Old Vine Zinfandel vineyard, planted in 1915. You are truly tasting history in a glass when you have the privilege to enjoy a wine from ancient vines.
WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
That I have a Master’s Degree in Psychology and was going to be a psychologist! Here I am 20+ years later in the wine business. Sometimes life has its own plans for you, despite all your planning. Oh, and I hate spiders!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL SPOT IN LODI?
I love relaxing with a glass of wine under the huge willow trees that line our pond at our tasting room.
CURRENTLY, WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO DRINK?
With all that 2020 has given us, anything with alcohol!
