Top Photo: The wine at night tanks as viewed from our coach.
"We landed at a Harvest Hosts winery, and it looks like we picked a good one. Amazing good Zinfandels from very old vines."
Overnight Parking - Jessie's Grove Winery, Lodi, CA: Participating HarvestHosts.com member, no facilities provided, must have self-contained RV & have an active Harvest Hosts membership for an overnight visit. 52’ elevation. November 30th - December 1st. Miles traveled: 141.
Overall Experience:
A pleasant sitting area outside of the tasting room.
Wine barrels stored outdoors. Was there wine in them? That we don't know.
An old-growth Zinfandel vine.
We would have liked to stay here a tad longer, but we were trying to stay a step ahead of a winter storm – next time!
Found in the heart of California's renowned Lodi wine region, Jessie's Grove Winery stands as a testament to the area's rich viticultural history. Founded in the late 19th century, this family-owned winery is home to some of the oldest Zinfandel grape vines in the state, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Lodi's winemaking past.
A Legacy of Ancient Vines
The story of Jessie's Grove begins with the Bechthold family, who first planted their vineyards in 1886. The Bechthold Vineyard, now over 130 years old, is the oldest existing Zinfandel planting in the Lodi Viticultural Area and one of the top five oldest in all of California. These ancient vines, which still produce exceptional fruit, are the foundation upon which Jessie's Grove has built its reputation for exceptional, terroir-driven wines.
Honoring History Through Generations
Under the stewardship of the Woock family, who acquired the winery in the 1970s, Jessie's Grove has continued to honor its historic roots. Wanda Woock Bechthold, a member of the Bechthold family, serves as the winery's ambassador, sharing the 150-year-old history of her family's vineyards with visitors every weekend. This deep connection to the land and its past is evident in the quality and character of Jessie's Grove's wines.
Exceptional Wines with a Sense of Place
One of the winery's flagship offerings is the Royal Tee Zinfandel, crafted from the oldest Zinfandel vines on the property. This wine "surges across the palate with waves of ripe boysenberry fruit and gripping tannins that will need another three or four years to fully integrate." The Bechthold Vineyard Cinsault, another standout, is described as "delicate and fruity with expressions of red currents and jasmine tea."
Commitment to Sustainability
In addition to its historic vineyards, Jessie's Grove is also known for its commitment to sustainability. The winery has been a leader in the Lodi region's sustainability efforts, implementing practices that minimize its environmental impact and preserve the land for future generations.
A Journey Through Time and Taste
For wine enthusiasts and history buffs alike, a visit to Jessie's Grove Winery is a must-do experience. By honoring the past while crafting exceptional, terroir-driven wines, this family-owned winery continues to play a vital role in the ongoing story of Lodi's winemaking legacy.
