Letters from Lodi
An insightful and objective look at viticulture and winemaking from the Lodi
Appellation and the growers and vintners behind these crafts. Told from the
perspective of multi-award winning wine journalist, Randy Caparoso.
5 Family-Friendly Lodi Wineries for Your Holiday Gathering
Dec 10, 2025 at 3:00 PM
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Be the first to comment on this postWelcome to Lodi Wine Country: No Reservations Required
There’s something happening in Lodi, and we want you to be a part of it.
We've always believed that great wine starts in the vineyard and ends at the table, with real people sharing real moments. That doesn't require fancy fees or exclusive access.
That's why we're launching No Reservations: not just a campaign, but a promise.
Continue »Lodi's San Joaquin Series Soil - Exploring the Jahant, Cosumnes River, and Alta Mesa Viticultural Areas
Reddish sandy/clay loam soil and blue oak characteristic of Lodi's Jahant AVA along Liberty Rd.
As we conclude our California Wine Month journey through Lodi's wine history, we explore the three remaining sub-appellations that complete the region's diverse tapestry: Jahant, Cosumnes River, and Alta Mesa AVAs.
Located between the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to the west and the eastern hillside appellations, these three regions share a unique common denominator: variations of California's official state soil, the San Joaquin series. Characterized by shallow sandy clay loam over hardpan layers, these soils initially seemed less ideal for viticulture than Lodi's deep sandy plains. However, innovative farming families in the 1980s discovered that deep ripping techniques could transform these terraced floodplains into exceptional wine-growing terrain.
From the cool, fog-influenced vineyards of Jahant and Cosumnes River to the "high table" mesa topography of Alta Mesa, these appellations showcase how Lodi growers turned agricultural challenges into opportunities, establishing diverse plantings that range from classic Cabernet Sauvignon to Portuguese Port varieties. In this final exploration, originally authored by wine journalist Randy Caparoso, discover how these three AVAs complete the story of Lodi's seven nested appellations.
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