Don’t just go to the big name locations. St. Amant Winery

Lodi; that’s where they grow Zinfandel. Lodi; that’s where the Michael David Winery is. Yes and yes. And you should have Zinfandel and go to Michael David. I had been before and was after someone else, something new. I love trying wines that are “experimental.” Experimental is in quotations because almost all wine, especially new world wine, is experimental. But something like native Portuguese varieties growing in California. Yes, I want to try that!If you feel the same way then St. Amant Winery needs to be on your list. Land in California is uber expensive, and has been for a long time. All the land right around Lodi has been in many of the same families for 100+ years. So relatively new (1979 is relatively new around here) wineries have their vineyards farther away but their tasting room and warehouse facilities in town. St. Amant’s winery is located in part of an industrial complex. If I had not done my research I would have never just happened in on this place. Their speciality are Portuguese varieties, such as Touriga National, Souzao, Tinta Cao, along with others. They have limited amounts of their wine so if you are hunting for a specific one, call ahead. Or just stop in for and taste whatever great wine they have in stock. Also very friendly folks. Go to the big ones, but definitely stop into the small ones.