The Vineyards at
Klinker Brick Winery
Steeped in history and cultivated with precision, Klinker Brick’s Old Vine vineyards are the cornerstone of their celebrated wines. Across the Mokelumne River and Clements Hills appellations of Lodi, the Felten Family manages between 15 to 24 distinct vineyard blocks of Old Vine Zinfandel, spanning 40 to 122 years in age, all planted in deep sandy loam soils ideal for nurturing mature vines.
Ancient Vines &
Precise Dry Farming
These head-trained, dry-farmed vineyards yield remarkably low outputs—typically 2 to 3.5 tons per acre, and in the oldest blocks as little as 0.25 tons. That intentional restraint allows the vines to concentrate nutrients, producing small, intense berries at optimal maturity—dark, structured, and brimming with flavor.
This deliberate approach reinforces the identity and structure associated with Old Vine Zinfandel: richly layered, deeply colored, with dense fruit and firm yet elegant tannins, capturing the essence of century-old Lodi vines .
Climate, Soils & Sensory Character
Klinker Brick vineyards take full advantage of Lodi’s ideal geography. The region’s sandy loam allows vine roots to delve deep into moisture reserves, while the long, warm growing season—tempered by daily Delta breezes and coastal fog—ensures slow, balanced ripening with retained acidity and beautifully nuanced flavors.
These conditions foster expressive wines with layered profiles: dark cherry, spice, and herbal notes, supported by vibrant acidity and a polished finish. Each lot tells a unique story of site, soil, and season.
Vineyard Excellence & Rare Releases
In addition to their flagship blends, Klinker Brick occasionally offers single-vineyard bottlings, celebrating the distinctive character of specific blocks when merit shines through . Notably, the coveted “Old Ghost” Zinfandel stems from the finest selections among their century-old vines—yielding under 1 ton per acre and delivering intensely concentrated fruit shaped by Tule Fog conditions.
Stewardship of Heritage Vines
Through generations, precise dry-farming, head-training, and rigorous canopy and water management have sustained these venerable vineyards. The result is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation: vines that quietly yield their concentrated character, and wines that resonate with the depth, structure, and history of Lodi’s Old Vine heritage.
