Ripken Vineyards

“No Boring Wines!” is the cry from this un-boring winery located on the fringe of the Lodi wine trail. The big blue doors of the newly constructed barn like building conceal this small boutique winery that produces up to 14 different wines, with its miniscule case production around 100 cases per variety. According to owner Richard Ripken, “we consider ourselves an artisan “barnista” winery that is uniquely different, electric, eclectic, quirky, esoteric, even wacky, but never boring or weird.”

The family has been growing grapes in the area for over 50 years, as well as developing a nursery program that supplies many of the other Lodi growers with their vines. There are up to seven Ripken family members on the scene at any one time as they pool their talents to create their unique offering of wines. The cozy tasting room, with its tall ceilings and friendly atmosphere, is behind big heavy doors that stay open most days encouraging visitors to stop by and sample. Don’t’ miss the metal sculpted “flying guardian pig angel” that oversees the operation.

Heading down the road less traveled, Ripken Vineyards produces an assortment of wines with Italian, Spanish and Rhone origins. These include Roussanne, Viognier, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Carmine, Petit Verdot, Alicante Bouschet, Tempranillo, Graciano, Souzao, Touriga National, Grenace, Mourvedre, Montepulciano, Barbera, Dolcetto, and Corvina, as well as a few proprietary blends and a port. Their wines are big, with a fruit-forward style.