MEET OUR PEOPLE

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Steve Felten

Klinker Brick Winery / Owner & Grower

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WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
I was born in Lodi and have lived here my entire life.

HOW MANY YEARS HAS YOUR FAMILY BEEN FARMING WINEGRAPES?
My family first planted winegrapes in the 1890s and has been farming them ever since. I’ve been farming pretty much my whole life. I did try my hand at some other endeavors for a couple of years, but came back to my roots and have been farming winegrapes for 45 years with my family.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR VINEYARDS AND THE WINEGRAPES YOU GROW TODAY.
All of our vineyards are sustainably farmed and certified under LODI RULES. We grow Zinfandel, Syrah, Carignane, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Petite Sirah.

HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN MAKING WINE? 
I started producing bulk wine about 1995. We started making wine under the Klinker Brick label in 2000. 

ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT AS A WINEMAKER?
Don’t be afraid to ask for advice from a more experienced winemaker. It just might save you from making some costly mistakes.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL SPOT IN LODI?
Pietro’s Italian Restaurant and Wine & Roses. 

WHAT IS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ?
Legend Of A Road by June Wood Somerville.