Lodi Wine Country travels with friends is pura vida: Bokisch Vineyards for a taste of Spain

Our Lodi Wine Country adventure took us to Bokisch Vineyards, a family-owned winery specializing in wines produced from Spanish grape varieties. The husband and wife team, Markus and Liz Bokisch, began production in the early 2000’s as tribute to Markus's Spanish heritage. It was their love for Spanish food and wine inspired them to produce domestic Spanish varieties. We were delighted to discover their wines!

Bokisch Vineyards, Lodi Wine Country © Spaswinefood

Bokisch Vineyards is thriving, as Markus and Liz champion Spanish grape varieties, including Graciano, Verdejo, Albariño, and Garnacha. They are pioneers, being among the first to produce a Gran Reserva Tempranillo, and to cultivate and vinify the Catalan varieties Xarel·lo, Macabeo, and Parellada. They released their first Cava, the traditional Catalan sparkling wine, in 2025. During our Bokisch Vineyards visit we did a wine tasting of Spanish varietals, and enjoyed a charcuterie with the wines.

Bokisch Vineyards, September 2025 © Spaswinefood

Bokisch Vineyards Wine Tasting with Cheese & Charcuterie Platter

We choose to explore Bokisch Vineyards Cava and Spanish wines.

Bokisch Vineyards © Spaswinefood

 Bokisch Vineyards farms organically and sustainably in the Clement Hills AVA of Lodi. 

Lodi Wine Country © Spaswinefood

That September afternoon we sat outside in the shade, overlooking the vineyard.

Our wine tasting began with a rose.

Time for Rosé, Bokisch Vineyards © Spaswinefood

Some of the other wines we enjoyed included:

Bokisch Vineyards, Garnacha, Clements Hills, Lodi 2017 

Bokisch Vineyards, Garnacha, Clements Hills, Lodi 2017 © Spaswinefood

Bokisch Vineyards, Monastrell, Sloughhouse, Lodi 2020 

Bokisch Vineyards, Monastrell, Sloughhouse, Lodi 2020 © Spaswinefood

For sure enjoying these wines with friends made it extra special.

Bokisch Vineyards Moments © Spaswinefood

Enjoying the Moments, Bokisch Vineyards © Spaswinefood

Vine-Inspired Moments, Bokisch Vineyards © Spaswinefood

For sure sipping wines around the table with friends made our reunion in Lodi special!

CHEERS! Bokisch Vineyards © Spaswinefood

We were also well treated during our visit.

Excellence Service, Bokisch Vineyards © Spaswinefood

We enjoyed learning about Bokisch wines and appreciated the excellent service. Bokisch Vineyards' goal for its Spanish wines is to reflect the rich winemaking traditions of his (Markus) family's homeland, blending Old World influence with California's unique terroir.

After the wine tasting we checked in at our hotel for the weekend. Next, we were off to dinner at The Gypsy Bistro.

The Gypsy Bistro, Lodi Wine Country © Spaswinefood

The Gypsy Bistro is located in the historic town of Lockeford, California. It is housed inside a former 150,000-gallon concrete wine tank, a remnant of the Old Lockeford Winery. The winery was established in 1946, and served local grape growers until the 1970s.

It was after reading the above description that I made dinner reservations at The Gypsy Bistro. I would highly recommend making a reservation well in advance to avoid disappointment.

The Gypsy Bistro, Lodi Wine Country © Spaswinefood

The Gypsy Bistro, Lodi Wine Country © Spaswinefood

We totally loved our dining experience at The Gypsy Bistro. It was delightful ending to our day in Lodi Wine Country. While Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA) is most famous for its Zinfandel however, there are over one hundred grape varieties planted in the Lodi Appellation, so there is something for everyone. If you have a passion for wines produced from Spanish grape varieties then put Bokisch Vineyards on your list.

Lodi Wine Country travels with friends is pura vida! You will fall in love with Lodi’s hospitality, and discover some of its wine gems. Bokisch Vineyards is the perfect stop for a taste of Spain. While my wine country travels takes me to wine regions around the world, it was priceless to have this wine adventure with friends in Lodi. I invite you to join me in my travels in Lodi, California, and elsewhere in the sharing of these adventures at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood  on  Bluesky  and Facebook. 

CHEERS!!

Sharon

Lodi, California

September 2025

Lodi Wine Country with Friends © Spaswinefood

Follow me on Bluesky and Facebook

For those planning to visit Lodi Wine Country I would highly recommend stopping at the Wine Visitors Center, 2545 W Turner Rd, Lodi, CA 95242. The Lodi Wine Visitor Center is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts. It is located on Turner Road, next to Wine & Roses. The center offers a comprehensive introduction to the Lodi Appellation. Visitors can learn about the region's winemaking process and the impact of night breezes from the Sacramento Delta on vine growth. There are over 200 Lodi bottles available, including those from small-batch vintners without their own tasting room. There is no shortage of options to explore from the large collection of Lodi wines. It is also a very inexpensive tasting ($12 for 4), and the wine tasting menu changes weekly. It is nice to hang out there and learn a bit about the different wineries.

Tasting Lodi Wine Country Wines © Spaswinefood

Follow me on  Bluesky and Facebook

End of summer wine explorations on Vancouver Island: 40 Knots, Comox Valley

The end of summer on the idyllic island of Vancouver Island, British Columbia was just perfect for a wine adventure. Over the years, I have visited Vancouver Island a number of times to check out the island's wine vibes. After we explored Vancouver Island wineries near Victoria, we headed to Comox Valley for the Labor Day Weekend. 40 Knots Winery was our Labor Day weekend wine outing. You might ask why continue exploring wineries when I have visited so many already. I not only love a wine adventure to a new winery but also, learning what is special about Comox Valley's 40 Knots Winery.

40 Knots, Comox Valley © Spaswinefood

Welcome to 40 Knots Winery, Comox Valley

40 Knots, one of the larger wineries on Vancouver Island, is located in the Comox Valley near the Salish Sea. The winery was initially owned by a Greek restaurateur, and later a tugboat captain unsuccessfully tried farming before converting the land to vineyards in 2006. The current owners, Brenda and Layne, purchased the property in July 2014, and expanded the vineyard to nearly 20 acres. The winery offers tastings, classes, and more. It is a very welcoming place where you can picnic on the vineyard terrace, patio, or balcony.

The winery’s name, 40 Knots, is an ode to its marine history, and it is also the stall speed of a bush plane. Owner Layne is a pilot and was researching this topic when he happened upon the listing for this winery. The present owners impulsively decided to buy the vineyard, despite having no prior entrepreneurial, or winery experience. Today 40 Knots is a sustainable business, which is committed to limiting waste, using recycle and repurpose bins, and eliminating any  environmental threats or hazards. 

Welcome to 40 Knots Winery © Spaswinefood

Given the success of 40 Knots Winery, they have recently expanded to also producing cider from their on-site apple orchard. 40 Knots also makes a skincare brand called VinoSpa (organic, vegan, cruelty-free, and made with sustainable ingredients) utilizing the signature ingredient, the Pinot Noir grape. This red wine grape contains naturally occurring resveratrol and polyphenols, which are known for its antioxidant properties. 

Wine Time and Explorations at 40 Knots Winery

Whether you’re looking for wine, cider, or a vino-therapy skincare product, 40 Knots is a winery with it all on Vancouver Island.  I came primarily to learn about its wines. They produce sparkling wines, white wines, rosé wines, white and red wines, and sweet wines. We began with a sparkling wines followed by a selection of other wines. Here are some of the wines we tasted:

40 Knots, Soleil Rosé Extra Brut

40 Knots, Soleil Rosé Extra Brut  © Spaswinefood

40 Knots, White Seas White Wine 

40 Knots, White Seas White Wine © Spaswinefood

40 Knots, Gamay 

40 Knots, Gamay © Spaswinefood

40 Knots, Carambolage

40 Knots, Carambolage © Spaswinefood

I was told that you can taste the difference the rich air in the Comox Valley makes in the wine. Based on my limited tasting experience at the winery I do not know if this claim is true. However, it was an enjoyable experience to be introduced to the wines. I was equally excited was to discover some wines that I do not taste often.

After the wine tasting I explored a little. We took a stroll along their interpretive trail.

Interpertive Trail, 40 Knots Winery © Spaswinefood

During our walk we encountered guests enjoying 40 Knots wine throughout this beautiful property. The winery has created perfect wine sipping settings. 

Taking in the Views, 40 Knots Winery © Spaswinefood

Guests Relaxing at 40 Knots Winery © Spaswinefood

Beautiful Spaces, 40 Knots Winery © Spaswinefood

I could not resist checking out the demo vineyard at the front of the property. Their main vineyard is protected by a fence. 

Vineyard, 40 Knots Winery © Spaswinefood

As I walked the property, I learnt a little about its grape growing history. Their 

vineyards include a diverse range of grape varieties, each carefully selected to thrive in our coastal climate. They grow the classic cool-climate varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and unique grapes like Siegerrebe and Schönburger. 

It's all About the Grapes, 40 Knots Winery © Spaswinefood

Home Block Row 4, Schoenberger 2012, 40 Knots Winery © Spaswinefood

Home Block Row 26, Schoenberger 2013, 40 Knots Winery © Spaswinefood

 I managed to spot some Schönburger vines during my walkabout. For example, Home Block Row 4, Schoenberger 2012, and Home Block Row 26, Schoenberger 2013, indicated to me that this grape was planted on the estate in 2012 and 2013. The Schonburger grape, a hybrid grape (crossing of Pirovano 1 and Pinot Noir), originated Germany in 1979. It was created as a disease-resistant and cold-hardy variety. The result was a light red (almost pink), thick-skinned grape with low acidity. It was used to make light wines with floral aromas and a small amount of residual sweetness. While the grape originated in Germany, today it is more widely cultivated in England where it is use to make sparkling and still wines. It is still grown in Rheinhessen Pfalz, and Baden regions, Germany to make light wines with an off-dry style. It is also grown in western Oregon, Washington state, Canada and Tasmania where the wine typically has more body, is supple, and is vinified more often into a white wine than a light red.

I also spotted some Pinot Gris vines.  North Block Row 2 Pinot Gris 2012 again indicted to me it was planted on the estate in 2012. Pinot Gris (aka Pinot Grigio), a pinkish grape mutation of Pinot Noir, is famous for zesty white wines however, it can also create fuller-bodied white wines, and be used for rosé. Northern Italy, Alsace, Oregon, and Germany are where it is widely cultivated.

North Block Row Pinot Gris 2012, 40 Knots Winery © Spaswinefood

Comox Valley Wineries, Vancouver Island 

If you have heard of British Columbia wines, it is likely the Okanagan Valley, the region that put the Canadian province on the map,  It is to British Columbia what Napa Valley is to California, but it is not the only wine region in BC. Today, winelovers can explore the unique terroir and award-winning wines on Vancouver Island. Winemaking began here in the 1920s, with fruit wine made from local berries, a traditional that endures however, not only fruit wine but honey wine (mead), still wine, and sparkling wine. It the1980's a provincial government research project, identified grape varietals that could thrive in this maritime climate (mostly hardy hybrid grapes). Today there are around 30 wineries, from the Comox Valley on the northeast coast down to the southern tip. Most are boutique-sized estates with grapes grown and wine made on site. Most are also family-run enterprises, offering tours and tastings only seasonally (June to September). For further info see Comox Valley wineries and distilliers.

Comox Valley, Vancouver Island © Spaswinefood 

Just in case you may wonder where Vancouver Island wineries fit within Canada’s viticultural picture. In this case Canada has two appellations, namely Ontario and British Columbia. British Columbia's appellation has four "designated viticultural areas" (DVA's). These DVA's include Okanagan Valley, Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island and Similkameen Valley. Both provinces participate in a Vitners Quality Allicance (VQA), an appellation of origin that is modeled after the European system.  In this case a Vancouver Island VQA would certify a wine is from this region and meets the quality standards. 

Comox, Comox Valley © Spaswinefood

Getting to Comox Valley, Vancouver Island

A 90-minute ferry ride from the mainland, or a 50-minute seaplane flight from Seattle, and you’ll find yourself on Vancouver Island. Known for outdoor adventure and whale-watching, the island offers so much to explore. We came for the wines, beginning our journey in the southern part of the island, near the province’s capital city of Victoria, and make our way north to the Comox Valley. It was here we had a most delightful wine adventure at 40 Knots winery.

40 Knots

40 Knots is the perfect place to kick-off a Comox Valley wine adventure! I invite you to join me in my travels in British Columbia and elsewhere in the sharing of these wine adventures at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky  and Facebook. 

CHEERS!!

Sharon

Comox Valley, Vancouver Island

British Columbia

© Spaswinefood

40 Knotts Winery © Spaswinefood

40 Knotts Winery © Spaswinefood

 Salish Sea, Comox © Spaswinefood

 Day's End, Salish Sea, Comox © Spaswinefood

Comox Valley, Vancouver Island © Spaswinefood 

Follow me on Bluesky and Facebook

End of summer wine explorations on Vancouver Island: Church and State Wines

Our end of August west coast wine travels took us back to Vancouver Island. The idyllic island of Vancouver Island, British Columbia is just perfect for a Spaswinefood adventure. I have visited a number of times to explore the island's wine scene. The number of wineries has grown significantly over the years. This time we explored Vancouver Island wineries near Victoria. The city of Victoria, a major tourist attraction, draws visitors from around the world to Vancouver Island. Our first wine stop was Church and State Wines, on the Saanich Peninsula. Little did I know the wine surprises that I would enjoy over lunch.

Church & State Wines, Vancouver Island © Spaswinefood

While the Okanagan Valley, which I have visited often, is well known for its wine, Vancouver Island is less so. During my last island visit, about ten years ago, my overall expectation for wines was not high. I had anticipated maybe discovering a few wines that I liked. I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised. What I discovered, was that Vancouver Island wineries were working with international grape varieties that did well in this region. Perhaps this was not such a great surprise. However, some of the wineries were making wines from grape varieties I had not tasted before. Needless to say, I was happy to return to Vancouver Island last summer.

Welcome to Church and State Wines

When we arrived at Church and State Wines 1445 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay, Vancouver Island’s largest winery, we were in for the most delightful experience. It is a must for visitors to the region. This winery pours award-winning wines from both its Vancouver Island and Okanagan Estate vineyards. Indeed Church and State offers a unique experience to guests, just 15 minutes from Downtown Victoria.

Church & State Winery, Vancouver Island © Spaswinefood

Church and State Wines has two distinctly different vineyard properties. One is located on Vancouver Island and the other in the South Okanagan Valley. Both properties utilize meticulous wine-making processes, which is driven by a passion to make wines capturing a sense of place. That sense of place draws from the terroir of each to showcase character, depth and elegance.

Church & State Winery, Okanagan Valley © Spaswinefood

August Vineyard, Church & State Wines, Vancouver Island © Spaswinefood

Tasting Church and State Wines over Lunch

We arrived at the winery just in time for lunch. The good news is this winery has a bistro. Shortly after arrival, we began our lunch with a wine tasting.

Wine Tasting, Church & State Winery © Spaswinefood

Wine Time, Church & State Winery © Spaswinefood

Exploring Wines, Church & State Winery © Spaswinefood

Amongst the wine choices we had were to order wine by the glass or wine flights. We opted for wine flights.

Making Tasting Decisions, Church & State Winery © Spaswinefood

We decided on tasting the sparkling, white and red flights.

Wine Flights, Church & State Winery © Spaswinefood

Given there was plenty of wines for tasting, we were excited to order lunch, and continued to explore the wines. The lunch options we selected included the following:

Bouillabaisse, Church & State Winery © Spaswinefood

Pizza, Church & State Winery © Spaswinefood

Salad, Church & State Winery © Spaswinefood

Our lunch choices were so delightful! We enjoyed the wines, with each of us having a favorite. Church and State winery has been named producer of Canada’s Best Red Wine seven times since 2009. It has received countless Gold medals, Best in Class awards and National trophies for both its red and white wines. 

When we left the winery that August day I stopped to take a closer look at the vineyard.

Church & State Winery Vineyard © Spaswinefood

1.     Church and State Winery has a perfect setting for tasting their award winning wines. We discovered this in 2013 and was very happy to return.

Church & State Winery, 2013 © Spaswinefood

Church and State Wines was the perfect summer's end wine outing. During our summer's end wine adventures we visited two areas on Vancouver Island, namely the Saanich Peninsula and the Comox Valley. While most Vancouver Island wineries can be found in the  Cowichan Valley during my last visit I focused on the Sannich Peninsula and Comox Valley.

Church & State Winery, 2025 © Spaswinefood

You will be treated well at Church and State Wines, one of the premier wineries on the Saanich Peninsula.

If you are looking for a winery with excellent wines then Church and State Wines is a must. I invite you to join me in my wine travels on Vancouver Island (see also Wine of Canada’s list of Vancouver Island Wineries) and elsewhere in the sharing of these adventures at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood  on  Bluesky  and Facebook. 

CHEERS!!

Sharon

August 2025

Brentwood Bay, Vancouver Island

British Columbia

© Spaswinefood

Wine Tasting, Church and State Wines © Spaswinefood 

Church & State Wines © Spaswinefood

Church & State Wines © Spaswinefood

Follow me on Bluesky and Facebook

Notes from earlier visit

During a 2013 visit to the Saanich Peninsula we explored the following wineries:

1.     Church & State Winery, 1445 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay has a perfect setting for tasting their award winning wines. This winery has a bistro.

Church & State Winery © Spaswinefood

2.     De Vine Vineyards, 6181 Old West Saanich Road, Saanichton has an excellent view on a clear day. We took advantage of the view for a picnic lunch during our visit. The young winery is already producing good wines. The winery has an organic certificate in progress. They are totally organic on the estate.

De Vine Vineyards Roussanne 2011 © Spaswinefood

3.   Muse Winery, 1195 Chalet Road, North Saanich uses estate grown grapes and grapes from Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands and the Okanagan Valley. Sulphites are kept to a minimum during their wine making process. This winery has a bistro, which uses fresh, local and organic ingredients.

Muse Winery © Spaswinefood

We did stop by Symphony Vineyard, 6409-B Old West Saanich Road but it was closed.

The Vancouver Island wineries that I visited were all very welcoming. A few of the wineries had bistros and they all usually had a picnic area. 

View from De Vine Vineyards, 2013 © Spaswinefood

You may wonder where Vancouver Island wineries fit within Canada’s viticultural picture. In this case Canada has two appellations, namely Ontario and British Columbia. British Columbia's appellation has four "designated viticultural areas" (DVA's). These DVA's include Okanagan Valley, Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island and Similkameen Valley. Both provinces participate in a Vitners Quality Allicance (VQA), an appellation of origin that is modeled after the European system.  In this case a Vancouver Island VQA would certify a wine is from this region and meets the quality standards. I invite you to join me in my travels in British Columbia and elsewhere in search of the best in Spaswinefood. 

Sharon

September 2013

Vancouver Island, British Columbia

© Spaswinefood

Follow me on Bluesky  and Facebook