As we listened to the voice of our GPS and turned down a narrow road, we were unprepared for the magnificence of the winery we were about to visit – Oak Farm Vineyards. My husband and I were touring the Lodi Wine region for two-days, and all around us stretched row upon row of bare grape vines, their limbs gnarly and black on a grey February day. The landscape was flat, composed of the sandy soil deposited by the confluence of two great rivers – the Sacramento and San Joaquin. Together they created the famous California Delta, home to some of the oldest vineyards in America, as well as thousands of birds and other wildlife.
As we entered the driveway leading to a large parking lot, we realized we were surrounded by towering oak trees, the reason for the name of the winery, Oak Farm. Later we learned that the property was home to more than 400 century old oak trees, one of the few places left in the Delta to preserve these massive trees. We parked in front of a large impressive group of buildings designed in a modern California barn architecture style with wooden siding, red roofs, and multiple open patios and breezeways. Signs indicated this was the tasting room and winery complex.
To the right of the winery, just beyond a field of vines, rose a palatial white mansion, complete with two story white pillars and a large front porch. It seemed like we had been transported to the deep South of the US, instead of Lodi. It turns out the mansion was built in 1876 by the original property owners, the DeVries.
The current owner, Dan Panella, greeted us, along with winemaker, Sierra Zeiter, in the patio, wearing masks like us during this Covid-era visit. For the next hour, they provided us with a tour of the winemaking facility, described the history of the property, and treated us to a delightful wine tasting session.
Certified Green and Famous for Weddings
Dan explained that he was a third generation California farmer raised in the California Delta of Lodi. He purchased Oak Farm estate in 2004, and proceeded to renovate the property. This included nursing some of the existing vineyards back to health, as well as planting new vines. Today Oak Farm has 60 acres of vineyards, and produces around 30,000 cases of 27 different types of wine from 18 varieties. They are most well-known for their Barbera, Albarino, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Meritage (Bordeaux blend) wines.
“We are certified green farmers,” stated Dan. “This means we follow sustainable farming practices set out by Lodi Rules. “We are also keepers of these ancient oak trees that came with the property. We are proud to preserve them, and they provide great backdrops for picnics on the grounds, as well as many weddings under their branches.” Dan explained that during non-pandemic times, they host many weddings with hundreds of guests at Oak Farm Vineyards.
After viewing some of the winemaking tanks and barrels, Dan and Sierra showed us the various outdoor patios and rooms where they host many wine tastings during the summer months, as well as cater special events. There were many lovely areas with tables and chairs for visitors to relax and look at the vineyards and oak trees beyond. Dan explained that they sell 40% of their wine direct to consumers (DTC) who visit the tasting room and/or purchase wine online.
A Tasting of Oak Farm Wines
Soon we were settled at a table, with the appropriate 6 foot distancing protocol during Covid-times. The tasting room had an impressive two-story fireplace with “OF”, the letters of Oak Farms, emblazed on the bricks. One side of the room was completely open so fresh air could enter and circulate.
Sierra led us through a tasting of 8 wines, explaining her winemaking process. “I like to use different yeasts to increase the complexity in the wines,” she explained. “For example, our 2020 Estate Albarino has 3 different yeasts. They each add something different, such as texture, aromas, and flavors.”
She was right, because the Albarino was one of my favorites, with a golden yellow color, aromatic floral nose and ripe apple and lemon on the palate, with a very long finish. Indeed, all of the wines were well-made, with rich ripe fruit, good acidity, and strong varietal typicity. Some of the highlights for me, in addition to the Albarino, were:
- 2019 Fiano – floral nose, notes of guava, pear and a touch of minerality. Crisp high acid finish. Made with half native yeast.
- 2018 Old Vine Zinfandel – complex earthy notes, with blueberry and boysenberry, fresh acidity, and very long finish. Grapes from Mohr Fry Vineyard, planted in 1944.
- 2018 Estate Barbara – very spicy nose with clove and allspice, savory notes combined with succulent blackberry on palate, refreshing acidity. Aged 20 months on 25% new French oak.
- 2017 Genevieve – a Bordeaux blend of cab, merlot, petite verdot, malbec, and cab franc, this was a rich velvety blend with ripe red and black fruit, tobacco, and earthy notes – reminiscent of a Napa cab.
Covid Safe Visits to Oak Farm Vineyards
Due to its many outdoor patios, Oak Farm Vineyards is open during the Spring and Summer of 2021 for tastings from 11am to 5pm. It follows Covid-safe protocols, including a mask requirement, hand sanitizer and 6-foot spacing. During tastings at a private table on the patio, guests can remove their masks. It is also possible to walk around the property to see the vineyards and oak trees.
“We are doing everything we can so that our visitors stay safe during this time,” stated Dan. “However, we do look forward to the day when we can host hundreds of visitors and weddings again.”
Oak Farm Tasting Room 
Oak Farm Owner Dan Panella and Winemaker Sierra Zieter