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Our Vineyards
A core value at Bokisch Ranches is pride in our work and every one of our team members wants to share our vineyard love with you.
Each vineyard in the Bokisch Ranches portfolio is planned, planted and pampered to maximize the quality of the fruit. Markus is meticulous about maintaining healthy vines that produce exactly what each winemaker is looking for.
If the fruit coming into the winery is premium the winemaker's job is that much easier and the wine going out stands a fair chance of being great. Get to know our vineyards.
Süss Vineyard
This Süss Vineyard is located in the Clements Hills appellation of Lodi, far from the other old-vine vineyards of the region. This lonely outpost of exquisite Zinfandel was planted in the early 1930’s, and has consistently produced intensely aromatic fruit with high acidity. The vineyard is stately and exemplifies the essence of “old vine” Lodi. In 2014, the Süess family entrusted us to lovingly restore this vineyard after many years of neglect.
The beauty of farming a vineyard that is over twice your age is a humbling experience because at that point it is the vineyard that tells you what it needs and not the other way around. And, to take it a step further, the opportunity to make wine from the fruit of this beautiful vineyard completes the circle.
Planted: | Early 1930’s |
Varietal(s): | Zinfandel |
Soil Type: | Tokay Fine Sandy Loam |
Appelation: | Clements Hills-Lodi |
Acres: | 15 |
Certification: | Certified Green by “Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing Practices” |
Bokisch Wines: | Tizona by Bokisch, Old Vine Zinfandel -Süss Vineyard |
Linden Ridge Vineyard
This vineyard is nestled on the last ridges of ancient volcanic mud flows before the elevation drops down into the fertile San Joaquin Valley. The larger blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Malbec are bisected by vernal swales and pools that sprout with lively blooms of California wild flowers in the Spring. Tri-colored blackbirds are a frequent site near these waterways. The smaller blocks of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Verdejo are found along the northern edge of the property, planted on north-facing, steep terrain.
These soils are the most nutritionally depleted sites, and are perfectly suited to tame the inherent vigor found in these Iberian varieties. The corner where we source our Malbec is the “sweet spot” for this variety. Its flavors and sugar develop early, giving the resultant wines plenty of color and depth.
Planted: | 2012 |
Varietal(s): | Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Sirah, Garnacha, Tempranillo, Verdejo |
Soil Type: | Redding Gravelly Clay Loam |
Appelation: | Lodi |
Acres: | 246 |
Certification: | Certified Green by “Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing Practices” |
Bokisch Wines: | Tizona by Bokisch, Malbec -Linden Ridge Vineyard |
Liberty Oaks Vineyard
The Liberty Oaks Vineyard holds a special place in our hearts. It is the second vineyard of Tempranillo that we planted in Lodi and soon became our prize! The soils of Liberty Oaks are San Joaquin Clay Loam, which is California's official state soil. They were deposited along ancient riverways that changed courses along the valley floor over a period of 250,000 years.
Our Tempranillo, planted in 1999, loves the clay in this soil, and has found its most concentrated expression in this vineyard. The large Blue Oaks interspersed amongst the vines, are home to families of Swainsons Hawks.
Planted: | 1999 |
Varietal(s): | Tempranillo and Pinot Gris |
Soil Type: | San Joaquin Clay Loam |
Appelation: | Jahant-Lodi |
Acres: | 63 |
Certification: | Certified Green by “Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing Practices” |
Bokisch Wines: | Tempranillo- Liberty Oaks Vineyard |
Clay Station Vineyard
The steep rolling hills of Clay Station, the most ancient soils that Bokisch Vineyards farms, are over 450,000 years old! The earth here is depleted of nutrients and organic matter, which serves well to control the inherit vigor of Verdejo. We found this is a perfect location for whites and reds. Our Verdejo and Garnacha Blanca thrive in the soils along with Malbec and Petit Sirah.
The southern boundary of this vineyard is a beautiful riparian area known as Dry Creek. However, don’t let the name fool you. It’s teaming with wildlife which include herons, hawks, bobcats, tree squirrels, deer as well as many gaggles of turkeys lording over the vines.
Planted: | 2011 |
Varietal(s): | Verdejo, Garnacha Blanca, Graciano, Malbec, Petit Sirah |
Soil Type: | Redding Gravelly Clay Loam |
Appelation: | Borden Ranch-Lodi |
Acres: | 144 |
Certification: | Certified Green by “Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing Practices” |
Bokisch Wines: | Verdejo-Clay Station |
Vista Luna Vineyard
Vista Luna Vineyards is nestled within the gently rolling hills of Borden Ranch, located at the eastern extreme of Lodi. This vineyard is defined by its 450,000 year-old soils that hug the Sierra Nevada foothills. These volcanic, ancient, cobbly soils help to concentrate, and define the aromatic profile and structure of the resultant wines. Our vineyard also benefits from the Delta breezes that serve to cool the landscape at night, allowing the vines to retain their high, natural acidity. Each block is organically farmed, with an eye to improving soil health and ecosystem diversity. Come visit our vineyard soon to see Red Tailed Hawks, Barn Owls, Wild Turkeys, Cottontails and Tri-colored Blackbirds live amongst our Albarino, Garnacha Blanca and Graciano vines!
Most recently, our Garnacha Blanca won a gold medal at the International Grenaches of the World Competition! The Zinfandel goes to some of the most highly respected wineries in the Napa Valley. The Chardonnay and Petite Sirah are sold to the largest organic winery in the United States.
Planted: | 2006 |
Varietal(s): | Garnacha Blanca, Albariño, Verdelho, Chardonnay, Zinfandel (Primativo), Petit Sirah, Graciano |
Soil Type: | Volcanic Gravelly Clay Loam |
Appelation: | Borden Ranch-Lodi |
Acres: | 140 |
Certification: | Certified Green by “Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing Practices” Certified Organic by “California Certified Organic Farmers” (CCOF) |
Bokisch Wines: | Garnacha Blanca and Verdelho- Vista Luna Vineyard |
Terra Alta Vineyard
This is the first parcel of land Markus and Liz Bokisch purchased and developed into a vineyard. Markus chose this parcel because its climate and soil were almost identical to the vineyards he farmed in the Vaca Mountains of Napa Valley. Those vineyards, just like Terra Alta, were perfect for Mediterranean varieties.
He chose to call it "Terra Alta" because it harks back to the wine region near his home town in Catalunya, Spain. This is also the site they chose to build their winery.
Planted: | 1996-1998 |
Varietal(s): | Albariño, Garnacha, Graciano, Picpoul Blanc, Syrah, Chardonnay, Merlot, Viognier, Rasteau Row |
Soil Type: | Redding Gravelly Clay Loam |
Appelation: | Clements Hills-Lodi |
Acres: | 80 |
Certification: | Certified Green by “Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing Practices” Certified Organic by “California Certified Organic Farmers” (CCOF) |
Bokisch Wines: | Albariño, Garnacha, Graciano, Rasteau Row-Terra Alta Vineyard |
Las Cerezas Vineyard
In 1998, Markus and Liz purchased the Las Cerezas property as their home and they developed the vineyard in 1999. This small 3-acre organic vineyard is the “Motherblock" for the Bokisch Spanish varieties. Markus selected these varieties from unique blocks in Spain.
This is the first Graciano planting in the new world. The sandy loams of the Mokelumne River area is the birthplace of Lodi's wine history dating from the 1880's. They now produce a Bokisch Family Estate label from these exclusive grapes.
Planted: | 1999 |
Varietal(s): | Albariño, Tempranillo, Graciano |
Soil Type: | Tokay Fine Silt Loam |
Appelation: | Mokelumne River-Lodi |
Acres: | 3 |
Certification: | Certified Green by “Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing Practices” Certified Organic by “California Certified Organic Farmers” (CCOF) |
Bokisch Wines: | Bokisch Family Estate Albariño, Tempranillo and Graciano-Las Cerezas Vineyard |
Patriot Oaks Vineyard
Brian and Beth Colburn found their perfect piece of heaven on a hilly outcrop at the eastern edge of the Clements Hills - Lodi AVA. This sandy location was ideally suited for Petit Verdot. This variety grows extremely long canes with brilliant, yellow tendrils.
The sandy soils drive the vine roots deep into the ground in search of moisture. This variety is so successful for us that we not only bottle it under Tizona by Bokisch, but we also use it in several of our blended wines.
Planted: | 2011 |
Varietal(s): | Petit Verdot |
Soil Type: | Sandy Loam |
Appelation: | Clements Hills-Lodi |
Acres: | 15 |
Certification: | Certified Green by “Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing Practices” |
Bokisch Wines: | Tizona by Bokisch Petit Verdot |
Andrus Island Vineyard
Warren & Noel Gomes wanted to plant a Portuguese variety in honor of their origins. We were interested in seeing how Albariño would fare in the California Delta. A perfect match was born. The Gomes’ Andrus Island Albariño is reminiscent of the wines made along Iberia’s Atlantic Coast. The vineyard is nestled up against the Georgiana Slough levee.
On one side of the level are lush, whispy vines. On the other side is the Delta’s fresh water, on its way to the California Aqueduct. The ancient fig trees, planted by Chinese immigrants, which now adorn the levee, infused the air with the smells of Summer.
Planted: | 2011 |
Varietal(s): | Albarino |
Soil Type: | Sailboat Silt Loam |
Appelation: | Sacramento County |
Acres: | 18 |
Certification: | Certified Green by “Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing Practices” |
Bokisch Wines: | Albariño-Andrus Island Vineyard |
Sheldon Hills Vineyard
Sheldon Hills Vineyards is about as far north and east as you can get, and still be in the Sloughhouse and Lodi AVA’s! We chose this site to plant our Monastrell because this variety loves heat. The site is furthest away from the delta breezes that cool Lodi, making it a good match for this variety. The hot days and the soil’s gravel content help ripen these Monastrell’s plump, purple clusters in late September.
The vineyard contains three old cattle ponds, which we restored and keep full year round. Now, those old, previously trampled, ponds are teaming with bird life. Also, Where there once were no trees, we’ve planted over 300 oaks along all the open spaces, along the edges of the various vineyard blocks.
Planted: | 2013 |
Varietal(s): | Monastrell, Garnacha, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Petit Sirah, Cabernet, Teroldego |
Soil Type: | Redding Gravelly Clay Loam |
Appelation: | Sloughhouse-Lodi |
Acres: | 308 |
Certification: | Certified Green by “Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing Practices” |
Bokisch Wines: | Monastrell-Sheldon Hills Vineyard |