MEET OUR PEOPLE

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Madelyn Kolber

Kg Vineyard Management, LLC / Owner & Grower

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HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY BEEN FARMING?
My grandparents started farming row crops (sugar beets, corn, tomatoes, and others) in the area over 80 years ago with rows crops in the Delta. Eventually, they evolved their farmland into premium winegrapes. I grew up a farm kid, immersed in vineyard work. I have been farming with our own company, KG Vineyard Management, since 2003. I love seeing my own children learn the trade – driving tractors, planting vines, keeping up the vineyards and orchards.

FARMING IN LODI IS…
Our way of life; family; a healthy lifestyle; it’s full of choices and decisions daily!

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU’D LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT LODI?
Farming is in our blood! Generations before have paved the way, allowing us to continue our legacy of exceptional winegrowing. As a farmer in Lodi, I deeply care about sustainable winegrowing. What an opportunity to farm today with sustainable practices to ensure future generations can do the same!

WHAT CHORE DO YOU ABSOLUTELY HATE DOING?
Cleaning up Puncturevines and Russian Thistle (tumbleweeds). Noxious weeds are obnoxious!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL SPOT OR SPOTS IN LODI?
Nothing beats a cold root beer float from A&W on a hot summer evening, a handmade cocktail on the patio at Wine & Roses, spicy carne asada fries from Taqueria El Grullense, a kayak paddle around Lodi Lake and the Mokelumne River, or a walk along the Delta levees at sunset as the Sandhill Cranes fly over for their evening roost. I don’t recommend trying to experience all of these in one day, however. Pace yourself.

WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
Cal Ripken is a distant cousin.

CURRENTLY, WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO DRINK?
During work hours, iced tea – keep them coming! After hours, a Whiskey Sour (only with homegrown Meyer lemons).

Pictured: Madelyn Kolber and chicken, Opossum