Wine from Van Ruiten Vineyards

The Van Ruiten Winery Estate
Mid-way between the Sierra Foothills and San Francisco Bay Delta, vineyards such as those owned by the Van Ruiten Family profit from the ideal delta influenced climate (cool afternoon breeze) that produce ripe full-flavored Zinfandels. Before settlement, the San Joaquin Valley was often an inland sea after winter rains and spring snow melt. The resulting flood drainage and soil deposits surrounding Lodi left a rich soil that drains easily, producing one-of-a-kind harvests.

For 50 years, the grapes grown in the Van Ruiten vineyards were harvested and shipped to other wineries every summer. The family wanted to branch out into winemaking, and in 1999 the first varieties of the Van Ruiten wines went into production. Among the most memorable and lasting first wines was a Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz blend that remains one of the families most popular today, along with the famous Old Vine Zinfandel, and the exceptional Chardonnay.

In 2000, less than a year after kicking off its first season of winemaking, the Van Ruiten family opened a state-of-the-art winery among their vineyards along Highway 12. The following year saw an addition of a tasting room, which allowed thirsty travelers to sample the winery's growing list of award winning wines. Soon a growing number of local boutique wineries were knocking at the door, seeking custom crush and winemaking services.

World class wine collectors, as well as leading vintners, entrepreneurs, consumers and wine lovers have quickly discovered the distinctiveness and quality available through the old family vineyards in Lodi. They now look for the Lodi and specifically the Van Ruiten Family name when patronizing exclusive establishments presenting the best wines for the world to their customers.

Three generations of the Van Ruiten family now work together tending the vineyards, managing the winery and bringing the finest wines to market. The Van Ruitens believe that hard work and an uncompromising commitment to excellence are the cornerstones of success today, and for their sixteen grandchildren and the generations to come.

The Vineyard
The Van Ruiten Family has been growing grapes in the Lodi area for more than 50 years.  What started out as a table grape community slowly transitioned into the growing of wine grapes in the early 1900’s.  Among the flourishing vines was the legendary Lodi Zinfandel.  John’s first acres of Zinfandel still remain as part of the estate today.  These Zinfandel vines are among the oldest, most historic and shyest bearing vines.  Our newest addition in 2007 was the planting of our 40 acre Primitivo vineyard.  This red varietal, also known as Zingarello, is genetically related to California’s Zinfandel.  It originated and is still mainly grown in Southern Italy, but it is starting to make its way around the world.

Throughout the last five decades the farming practices have changed with the introduction of new technology and eco-friendly farming techniques.  In an effort to move in the direction of Sustainable Farming Practices we erected nesting boxes for owls throughout our vineyards.  The owls that reside in these boxes help keep the rodent population down without the use of poisons in the soil.  Over the course of the last few years, thanks to the owls, the rodent population is under control without the use of pesticides.  Though farming practices have changed, the motto has stayed the same.  The family has prided itself in the uncompromising commitment to producing top quality grapes and passing knowledge down from generation to generation, while sharing newly learned growing practices.

After five decades the family farms an estimated 1000 acres of wine grapes, with only their best fruit destined to carry the family name.  All of the fruit that enters the winery for Van Ruiten Vineyards has been picked by hand at its perfect ripeness and gently pressed to preserve the delicacy and purity of the fruits rich flavors.  Three generations of the Van Ruiten family now work together tending the vineyards, managing the winery and envisioning a future for their ever growing cellar and tasting room.