MEET OUR PEOPLE
Markus Niggli
Markus Wine Co. / Owner & Winemaker
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
Weesen, Switzerland.
WHAT IS YOUR FIRST MEMORY OF WINE AND HOW DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WINEMAKER?
I would drive down from Switzerland 2-1/2 hours to Riquewihr in the Alsace. I hated sweet wines and a kerosene taste, but then I learned those flavors come from the very complex microclimates and terroir. That opened my eyes to how much there is to learn.
WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT ASPECT OF GROWING WINEGRAPES?
Quality growing versus quantity, and then finding the market to sell them.
HOW HAS THE LODI WINE REGION CHANGED OVER THE YEARS OR SINCE YOU’VE BEEN HERE?
Lodi used to be known only for Zin and Cab, but we are finally building a reputation for the incredible diversity of winegrapes grown here which are being made into award-winning wines.
WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
That I love to make bread. There weren’t many of us home bakers before 2020.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU’D LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT LODI?
I want people to open their eyes and forget any past stereotypes. We have many unique terroirs and I believe some of the best wines are still to come from the ancient vines growing here that deserve recognition and to remain in the ground.
CURRENTLY, WHAT'S YOUR GO-TO DRINK?
Besides wine, of course, I drink lots and lots of water. My Hydro Flask is always at the ready.
