Where can I buy great wine, grown organically, that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? This is the most popular question I (and probably most other wine types) get asked by friends.
It ain't easy to find, but one all star stands out - Bokisch Vineyards in Lodi.
For years, the hard working couple who own the label, Mark and Liz Bokisch, have labored to build the pieces you need to have to become a real, grownup winery - their own vineyards and their own winery. Next weekend they're launching the next biggie: their own facility and tasting room in Lodi.
Bokisch is a standout for many reasons. One, they are pretty much the ONLY Lodi winery with organic vineyards. Two, their wines have been winning gold medals in state competitions for quite awhile. And three, the estate wines they make are affordably priced at $18-23 a bottle. And fourth, all their organic vineyards are planted to Spanish varietals, which are climate appropriate for California's hot inland climate.
I first wrote about them in 2013 (see here) and their wines have only grown in stature over time.
Here are three of my favorites:
• Albarino ($18)
One of the world's most delicious white wines and under appreciated here in the U.S., Bokisch makes two versions from two different estate sites.
• Garnacha (Grenache) ($20)
Their 2012 got a double gold at the SF Chronicle wine competition and the 2013 won a gold medal.
• Graciano ($23)
My personal favorite, this rarity is a gem. Usually a blending grape in Spain, a very few California vintners bottle this on its own. It's unique and food friendly and one of those off the beaten path fun wines that no one else brought to dinner.
Learn more about Bokisch on its web site, from Wines and Vines magazine (the industry rag) or the Lodi Wine site.
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