Mettler Family Vineyard
7889 E Harney Ln, Lodi, CA 95240
Website: https://www.mettlerwine.com/
I would put Mettler Family Winery on my “A” list in Lodi. The Mettler family has been farming in Lodi since the 1800s. They are fully involved in every aspect of the winery, from growing grapes to bottling and sales. Larry and Charlene Mettler founded the winery in 1970. Their land had been passed down from prior generations. The 6th generation is now involved in the winery. Adam, their son and winemaker, is the same winemaker as Michael David Winery. He won Wine Enthusiast’s Winemaker of the Year in 2018. After tasting the wines at both Michael David Winery and Mettler, it’s apparent why he was selected for winemaker of the year. His talent comes out in the wines.
Mettler Tasting Room
Mettler is fully estate grown, organic and sustainably farmed. Their wine varietals are grown in small lots. Besides producing their own wine label, they grow grapes for many other well-known wineries. The grounds at Mettler are beautifully landscaped, encircled by 7 acres of vineyards. My impression of the tasting room was that it is meticulous and modern. The room has a semi-circular shape, with the tasting bar taking up about half of the room. In the open area were some cushioned high back chairs in front of a fireplace and a chandelier hanging from the middle of the ceiling, giving the room a rich but casual feel.
Mettler sign inside the tasting room
There were bar stools around the long bar, and a chalk board behind the bar with a quote that showed their fun side. Our host was very sociable. He was managing three groups who were all tasting at the same time, but he was still attentive and forthcoming while he poured the wines for us.
I was immediately won over by the wines. There was quite a variety to choose from on the tasting menu, including Albariño, Chardonnay, GSM blend, Muscat Canelli, Zinfandel, Pinotage, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines are so well balanced. The ones that stuck out to me the most were the 2016 Pinotage, a mix of Pinot Noir and Cinsault that was earthy and chocolatey, and the velvety smooth 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon. I also have a soft spot for a really nice Muscat Canelli and theirs definitely made me a fan. I left the winery so impressed and wondering why the Mettler name isn’t more well-known. They are totally worth seeking out.
Rose bushes outside of Mettler Winery