San Joaquin County could be considered the essential element of much California appellated wine. At its core is the massive Lodi AVA where roughly 20% of all California wine grapes are grown, extending south to Stockton. Every varietal can find a home in San Joaquin with famed Delta breezes blowing in the western regions benefiting cooler climate grapes to the warmer terrior of the initial up slopes of the Sierra Nevada range to the east benefiting heat seeking reds. Deep and fertile soils characterize the western edges while leaner soils of decomposed granite can often typify the eastern edges. From the largest wineries on earth to small upscale boutiques, San Joaquin has been a supplier of magnitude. When you see California on the label, it very well might have a portion of the fruit sourced from this unique county appellation Never intimidated to try a new varietal, growers in San Joaquin County and related AVA have turned to many a non- traditional vinifera in exploration of potential.