Tucked into the heart of Lodi’s wine country, Oak Farm Vineyards blends family tradition with world-class terroir on its 70-acre estate at 23627 N. Devries Road—where Mediterranean breezes and sandy soils set the stage for exceptional vintages.
The proof is in the pudding for Oak Farm, which recently celebrated several of their wines earning top honors from the American Fine Wine Competition. The 2023 Fiano and the 2023 Gewurztraminer earned Double Gold while the 2021 Malbec, the 2021 Zinfandel (Hohenrieder Vinyard), the 2023 Corset, the 2022 Barbera, and the 2021 Sangiovese were all awarded Gold.
Oak Farm was no stranger to those of us in the cycling community. It was a quaint winery that consisted of an old historic barnyard some 13 years ago. We would ride on our road bikes to the end of DeVries Road for a glass of wine to go along with our packed lunch, and sit back on the Adirondak chairs alongside the pond that featured ducks and geese. All that was accessible to all back then.
But in 2014 that changed with the opening of the current winery and hospitality center, including a main tasting room with a high ceiling and a private tasting room for that exclusive experience – architecturally, it’s a blend of rustic and sleek design with cedar walls, pitched roof while still mimicking the barn-like feel.
Another feature was the expansive open-air area with an infinity reflection pool coupled with an outdoor fireplace.
Some of the old still remains, including the original home of William DeVries and his wife Cornelia Crowe, acquired in 1860. The colonial-style home that was built by William DeVries in 1876 continues to overlook the estate.
The name Oak Farm gets its name from the oak trees that still grace the property.
The Panella family arrived in the region in 1936 and began an agricultural journey that ultimately led to the purchase of Oak Farm in 2004. Dan Panella – he and his wife Heather are co-owners and operator of Oak Farm Vineyards – a third- generation farmer, undertook the task of replanting the property’s 60 acres of vineyards in 2012, in turn, fulfilling the vast potential of Lodi.
Panella and his team managed to build a diverse portfolio of wines made from estate fruit, including 14 different grape varieties as well as selectively sourced grapes.
Besides its many fine award-winning wines, Oak Farm Vineyards offers plenty of amenities, including a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and Sunday dinners, along with a gift shop and outdoor seating areas featuring patios and garden.
Guests can also enjoy live music on Thursday nights (5 to 8 p.m.), purchase bottles of wines and other items from the gift shop or join the Circle of Friends wine club.
Oak Farm is open to those age 21 and older. No outside food, coolers, and picnic baskets are allowed.
For more information visit oakfarmvineyards.com.
