Klinker Brick Winery
Lodi, California
Location & Heritage
Nestled in the heart of Lodi’s famed Mokelumne River AVA, Klinker Brick benefits from the region’s sandy loam soils and Mediterranean climate—ideal for producing rich, vineyard-driven wines. Lodi has been growing winegrapes since the 1850s, with a deep-rooted viticultural history shaped by generations of farming families.
A Legacy in the Vines
Lodi is renowned as the “Zinfandel capital,” home to the nation’s largest concentration of own-rooted old-vine plantings—with many dating back over 100 years. Among them is the world’s oldest Cinsault vineyard, planted in 1886, which remains a cherished asset for wineries Lodi wineries alike.
Case Production & Vineyard Partnerships
Klinker Brick operates a mid-sized, hands-on production facility with a strong in-house team spanning winemaking, sales & marketing, and administration—ensuring quality at every level. They source fruit from some of Lodi’s most historic vineyards, including the centenarian Bechthold Cinsault (planted 1886) and Rauser Vineyard Carignane (planted 1907). Its portfolio includes flagship releases like the Bricks & Mortar Cabernet blend and standouts like Rauser Carignane, produced under Steve Felten’s oversight. Other vineyard partnerships include the Ripken Family’s “Under the Sea” grenache blanc and Mokelumne Glen vineyards, providing eclectic German varieties like Rieslaner, Gewurstraminer and Weissburgunder.
Mission & Stewardship
Klinker Brick’s mission is to preserve and champion Lodi’s century-old vineyards, crafting handcrafted wines expressive of place. The winery supports Lodi Rules sustainable farming and actively participates in regional efforts to “Save the Old Vines,” recognizing both the cultural and enological value of these heritage plantings. Their involvement in rehabilitating historic blocks—like adding drip systems to Rauser Vineyard’s Carignane—is an example of their care for these living treasures.
Team Strength
- Winemaking & Production: Led by Steve Felten and a skilled cellar crew, they execute small-batch, estate-focused wines with precision.
- Sales & Marketing: A professional team ensures distribution to specialty markets, direct-to-consumer wine clubs, and e-commerce.
- Administration: A solid backbone that maintains winery operations, regulatory compliance, and logistics efficiently.
Lodi’s Deep Viticultural Roots
- Origins in the 1850s: Early settlers discovered wild grape clusters around Lodi’s rivers, prompting the planting of Mission, Zinfandel, Carignan, and Cinsault vines.
- Phylloxera Resistance: Lodi’s sandy soils spared the region from 19th-century pests, allowing own-rooted vines to thrive uninterrupted.
- Enduring Legacy: Lodi has more acres of old vines than any other region in California, with “centenarian” plantings still yielding concentrated, expressive fruit.
- Sustainable Leadership: The pioneering Lodi Rules program, launched in the early 1990s, showcases the region’s commitment to eco- and socially-aware viticulture .
Why Klinker Brick Stands Out
- Historic Terroir Focus: By partnering with iconic vineyards like Bechthold Cinsault and Rauser Carignane, Klinker Brick taps into Lodi’s oldest vines—an authenticity few can match.
- Holistic Team Excellence: With dedicated teams in winemaking, sales, marketing, and administration, they ensure consistent quality and brand presence.
- Mission-Driven Approach: Their commitment to preserving old vines aligns with broader regional efforts, reinforcing Lodi’s winemaking heritage.
- Balanced Scale: Their moderate production size allows for attention to detail, while impactfully contributing to both local heritage and the broader wine marketplace.
Klinker Brick Winery is a testament to Lodi’s enduring soul—sourcing from some of the region’s most historic vineyards, managing production with professionalism and care, and nurturing a passionate team across every department. Their dedication to preserving Lodi’s deep viticultural roots—and translating that legacy into exceptional, terroir-driven wines—is both admirable and delicious.
