Rooted in Heritage,
Grown with Purpose
The Felten family’s journey to Lodi began generations earlier, with roots stretching from Germany and Russia to the American Midwest. After settling in the Dakotas, the family eventually made their way west to California’s Central Valley. Lodi’s fertile soils, long sunny days, and cool Delta breezes proved to be ideal for agriculture. Initially, the family cultivated watermelons, but the land soon revealed its greater promise: premium wine grapes.
Early on, the Feltens and other pioneering families recognized that Lodi’s Mediterranean climate and sandy loam soils were particularly well-suited to Zinfandel. They began planting it alongside other varieties like Tokay, Carignane, and Alicante Bouschet. By the time Zinfandel had become widely established in other parts of California, the Felten family had already made it a cornerstone of their farming tradition.
In the early 20th century, the primary market for Lodi grapes was home winemakers on the East Coast and in Canada. Grapes were hand-harvested, carefully packed into wooden crates, and shipped by rail across the country. Nearly every berry was sent east, except for small quantities reserved for personal winemaking—an enduring family practice that helped shape their deep respect for wine as both craft and culture.
By the mid-1930s, as the American wine industry evolved in the wake of Prohibition, the family’s grape production shifted to supplying large cooperatives and private wineries. Even then, the focus remained on growing the highest-quality fruit, as the value of Old Vine Zinfandel became more apparent with each passing decade.
As viticulture technology advanced, so too did the Felten family’s farming practices. Until the late 20th century, vineyards were irrigated through traditional flood methods, which made it difficult to control vine vigor and led to high yields with less concentrated flavor. The introduction of drip irrigation in the 1980s transformed the vineyard landscape, allowing for precise water management and improved vine health. With better tools came higher expectations—and the opportunity to grow fruit of truly exceptional quality.
The Feltens embraced these innovations wholeheartedly. They began implementing modern vineyard techniques such as shoot thinning, leaf pulling, color thinning, and selective crop reduction. These practices reduced yields but increased quality dramatically, creating intensely flavorful grapes and laying the groundwork for a new chapter: estate winemaking.
After nearly a century of farming for others, Steve and Lori took a bold step in 2000, launching Klinker Brick Winery with a single bottling of Old Vine Zinfandel. It was a tribute to their family’s enduring relationship with the land—and a signal that the best was yet to come. That first wine captured the depth, character, and complexity that only old vines can deliver. It was a defining moment, not only for the Feltens, but for Lodi, which was beginning to gain national attention as a premier winegrowing region.
The name “Klinker Brick” pays homage to the rich, dense, dark-colored bricks once used in Lodi’s historic buildings—known for their strength, individuality, and durability. Much like those bricks, the wines of Klinker Brick are crafted to stand the test of time, each vintage a reflection of the land, the family, and the enduring vines from which they come.
Today, Klinker Brick Winery stands as one of Lodi’s most respected producers, with a portfolio that has grown to include Syrah, Grenache Blanc, Albariño, Cabernet Sauvignon, and the acclaimed Old Ghost Zinfandel. Yet the spirit of the brand remains unchanged: a deep reverence for the past, a passion for quality, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
From the early days of packing crates for cross-country railcars to producing world-class wines enjoyed around the globe, the Felten family’s story is not just one of agricultural success—it’s a celebration of generational vision, enduring craftsmanship, and the unmistakable character of Lodi.
