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Markus and Liz Bokisch have been producing award-winning Spanish varietals since the early 2000s, inspired by their Spanish heritage and love for the country’s wines. They founded Bokisch Vineyards in the Clements Hills of the Lodi, where they specialize in Spanish varietal wines.
The couple met at UC Davis and moved to Spain in 1992 where Markus worked in the renowned Cava-producing town of Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, while Liz taught English classes. Their love for Spanish food and wine inspired them to produce domestic Spanish varieties upon their return to California.
In 1995, they purchased their Terra Alta Vineyards property in the Clements Hills and imported budwood from select Spanish vineyards in 1998. They planted Las Cerezas Vineyard with Albariño, Tempranillo, and Graciano, each occupying one acre.
In 2000, they began making wine from their estate-grown, organically farmed fruit. Bokisch Vineyards now produces nine Spanish varietals, including Garnacha Blanca, Verdejo, Garnacha, and Monastrell.
In 2012, they launched the Tizona label to experiment with unique French varieties, featuring Malbec, Picpoul Blanc, Petit Verdot, and Syrah among others.
Bokisch Vineyards is thriving as Markus and Liz champion Spanish grape varieties grown in California. They are pioneers, being among the first to produce a Gran Reserva Tempranillo and to cultivate and vinify the Catalan varieties Xarel·lo, Macabeo, and Parellada. Excitingly, they are preparing for the release of their first Cava, the traditional Catalan sparkling wine, in early 2025.
1964
Markus Bokisch was born in Mainz, German. His father, Viktor Bokisch was Czech/German and his mother, Pilar Canicio Albacar is Catalan/Spanish.
1965
Liz (Tahti) Bokisch was born in Roseville, California, with pioneering roots from her mother, Jane Fleming, and Finnish roots from her father, Alvar Tahti.
1966
Markus and his family immigrate to La Jolla, California. He spends his childhood summers in La Rapita, Spain with his Catalan family.
1983
Markus and Liz meet at UC Davis, studying agriculture and languages. They start making home wine with Liz’s parents.
1989
They move to Napa where Markus works at Joseph Phelps Vineyards and Liz teaches at Napa High School. Markus discovers Lodi in search of Rhone varieties.
1992
The newlywed couple relocates to Spain in their 1967 VW Bus. They live in Sant Sadurni d’Anoia, and plan to bring Spanish varietals to California.
1995
Markus and Liz purchase land in Lodi’s Clements Hills, called the Terra Alta Vineyard. They begin farming and their journey to becoming vignerons.
1998
They relocate from Napa to Lodi with their two sons, Anton and Stefan. They plant their first Spanish varieties, Albariño, Tempranillo and Graciano.
2000
Bokisch Vineyards brand is established with the release of Syrah from Terra Alta Vineyards and Spanish varieties in 2001, including Tempranillo, Graciano, and Albariño.
2014
Grand opening of the winery on site at Terra Alta Vineyard in the Clements Hills Lodi. They realize their dream with an inaugural vintage of Gran Reserva Tempranillo.
2018
Markus and Liz begin wine club tours to Spain, merging their American and Spanish wine worlds.
2019
Bokisch Vineyards wins Lodi Winery of the year in recognition of their premier hospitality experience and innovative winemaking industry wide.
2025
Markus and Liz celebrate their 25th vintage of Bokisch Vineyards by making their first Cava using three Catalan varieties: Xarel.lo, Macabeo, and Parellada marking a significant milestone in their winemaking journey.
