Lodi's Michael David Winery on that Saturday afternoon was buzzing with excitement. It lived up to the claim It is more than a winery it is a culture. This winery is a sixth-generation, family-owned winery. The Phillips family has been farming since the 1860’s, and cultivating wine grapes since the early 20th century. If you have had Lodi wine, chances are it was a Michael David wine. Michael David Winery is known for putting Lodi on the radar; hence it is a historically important. Michael David Winery is also where there is a strong wine culture vibe.
Welcome to Michael David Winery
Michael David Winery was our second winery stop for the day. Our visit included a Wine Tasting and a Lunch. Given it was Saturday this winery was quite busy.
We were treated well by the staff and enjoyed the wines we tasted! Our wine tasting host was fabulous!
Below is a glimpse at the wines we tasted:
- Freakshow: One of their most popular lines, the Freakshow wines are as bold and unique as their labels. Michael David's Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon, is known for its rich, full-bodied flavors, and its Freakshow Zinfandel, with its intense berry and spice notes, are fan favorites.
- Petite Petit: A blend of Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot offers intense, dark fruit flavorsand its smooth finish and deep, inky color, makes it a standout in their wine portfolio.
- Earthquake: Named after the 1906 earthquake that struck Lodi, its Earthquake series includes Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petite Sirah. These wines are celebrated for their bold, powerful flavors, rich fruit, and high alcohol content.
- 7 Deadly Zins: A Lodi classic, 7 Deadly Zins is a signature Zinfandel blend, offering lush flavors of dark berries, spice, and a hint of oak, perfect for those who enjoy a robust, full-bodied red. The chances are most folks have definitely heard and /or tasted this wine, which is produced old vines grown in seven different vineyards.
Overall the winery is well known for producing bold, award-winning wines like Freakshow, Earthquake, and Misfits & Mavens. This Family-friendly, dog-friendly winery has deep farming roots and a rebellious spirit. They pour wines with personality and purpose. For sure, the wine culture vibe at Michael David Winery is strong!
After the wine tasting we were off to lunch at the bistro. We were seated near the pond. The bistro offers complete bottle service and access to a full bistro menu. The winery also has an on-site café, bakery, and seasonal fruit stand.
Relaxing at Michael David Winery © Spaswinefood
The winery's founders, brothers Michael and David Phillips, 5th generation grape growers, have raised their families in the vineyard, and now the 6th generation (Mike’s daughter Melissa) has joined the team. Their family's legacy and love of Lodi has driven them to focus on sustainability. Michael David Winery combines sustainable farming practices with innovative winemaking techniques, resulting in high-quality, memorable wines, which showcase the best of Lodi's terroir.
My weekend visit to Lodi Wine Country with friends was priceless! 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. In case you are wondering, other wines, than Zinfandel, that you will find in Lodi include: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Petit Sirah, Albariño, Grenache, and more. Lodi Appellation has seven Sub-Appellations ( Mokelumne River, Clement's Hills, Borden Ranch, Jahant, Sloughhouse, Alt Mesa, and Cosumnes River). Lodi, the largest wine growing region in California (twice the size of Napa Valley!), is one of the west coast’s most underrated wine regions. Lodi, a source for many grapes added to the blends of Napa and Sonoma wines, is building a reputation as, a must-visit wine region. Given its seven sub-AVA’s, each with unique microclimates and soils, we would get to experience some of Lodi's uniqueness during our wine country adventure. YES, Lodi Wine Country travels with friends is pura vida!
Lodi Wine Country © Spaswinefood
We began our visit with an introduction some of Lodi’s wines at the Lodi Wine Visitor Center.
Lodi Wine Visitors Center © Spaswinefood
Lodi Wine Country travels with friends is pura vida! You will fall in love with Lodi’s hospitality, and discover wine gems, like Michael David Winery. 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.
Sharon
Lodi, California
September 2025
Follow me on Bluesky and Facebook
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