Klinker Brick

Klinker Brick is a family-run vineyards and winery dating back to the early 1900’s. Steve and Lori Felten are the fifth generation of grape growers in the Lodi region and continue on their family’s tradition of cultivating “Old Vine” Zinfandels.

The Felten Family can to the Lodi region over a hundred years ago. Recognizing that the soil and climate were ideal for growing grapes, they began to plant varieties that included Zinfandel, Tokay, Carignane, and Alicante. The family has cultivated the land with the aim of producing top quality fruit. Zinfandel was one of the first grape varieties to be planted in the Lodi appellation, although it had also been established in other parts of the California. The Felten Family own and manage fifteen individual vineyard blocks of “Old Vine” Zinfandel that ranged in age from 35 to 110 years old. Each vineyard is planted in sandy loam soils along the Lodi Mokelumne River Region and up into the Clements Foothills.

The most rich, intense and multi-dimensional Zinfandel tends to be produced from “Old Vines”, vines that are at least 50 years old. “Old Vines”, also known as Ancient Vines, Gnarly vines, Old Timer Vines, Old World Vines or Old Twisted Vines, are in decline. They tend to have fewer clusters of grapes with smaller berry size, yielding more intense sugars, color and concentration of flavors, producing wines that are generally better balanced with more body and structure.

Klinker Brick welcomes visitors to come share a glass of their wine and with each sip, you can taste the family history behind their delicious Zinfandel.