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Markus Wine Co.

@markuswine.bsky.social
25 followers 58 following 44 posts

With Markus Wine Co. of Lodi, winemaker Markus Niggli faithfully expresses unique vineyard character to make ageless fruit-driven balanced wines.

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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Nearing the finish line. This morning’s pick: the field blend of Lodi Carignane, Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet from the ancient vines in Steve Borra’s Church Block. Fermented all together, this is going to make a mighty nice wine! @Visit_Lodi for @Lodi_Wine #LodiHarvest2026
Harvest workers cut off clusters of blue-purple grapes from tree-like old vines with lots of scraggly leaves in the bright light just after sunrise.Harvest workers cut off clusters of blue-purple grapes from tree-like old vines with lots of scraggly leaves in the bright light just after sunrise.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
The sign of a vineyard that is properly cared for: an active bird nest. Berghold Lodi Petite Sirah just before picking yesterday. @Visit_Lodi for @Lodi_Wine #LodiHarvest2026
Two baby birds in a nest built on the arm of a vine surrounded by purple clusters of grapes and leaves.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
One of the most important parts of harvesting winegrapes: getting the crew to the right rows! Markus ties blue tape this morning marking the Berghold Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon. @Visit_Lodi for @Lodi_Wine #LodiHarvest2026
Vine rows under a blue morning sky with Markus standing next to one of the end posts tying a blue ribbon to it.Markus stands pointing to vines while a grower with a hat on listens with a vineyard picking crew grabbing red plastic totes from the back of a flatbed truck.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Just another early day at the office. @Visit_Lodi for @Lodi_Wine #LodiHarvest2026
A large winery patio with bins and kegs around the perimeter a building on the right with its door open and light spilling out as Cellarmaster Mike walks toward the door.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
At Steve Borra’s Church Block squeezing ancient vine grapes to see how ripe they are. This field blend of Lodi Alicante Bouschet, Carignane and Petite Sirah should be ready to pick in a couple of weeks – still very early. @Visit_Lodi for @Lodi_Wine #LodiHarvest2026
A gnarly old grapevine with many clusters of purple grapes next to a road with Markus walking away in the background.Markus squats down as he puts his left hand into a white 5 gallon bucket to squeeze grapes with an owl box above him and vine rows in the background.Markus squats down behind his white pickup truck on the ground squeezing grapes into a white 5 gallon bucket with olive trees and grapevines behind him.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
If you haven't been to our hometown of Lodi, this is a good way to get acquainted...
aliciatenise.com
Lodi Wine Tasting: A WSET-Certified Guide to the Underrated Lodi Wine Region - Alicia Tenise
A sommelier-trained guide to Lodi wine tasting — the underrated California wine region for old-vine Zinfandel, Spanish & Rhône varieties, and seriously fair prices. Where to taste, stay & eat.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
First checklist items for today’s harvest morning: 1) Bring bills of lading into office; 2) Wash a bunch of barrels to make room in tanks before sunrise; 3) Admire newly-arrived laser-printed new oak. @Visit_Lodi for @Lodi_Wine #LodiHarvest2026
An alley between two tan buildings with barrels being washed during sunrise and two palm trees in the background.4 wine barrels sitting upright with a Markus Wine Co. logo on the barrel heads.Markus walks briskly across the road toward the open door of his office in the center.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Our first pick of Lodi 2026 reds was this beautiful morning! Berghold Syrah coming in at 60F and more than 2 weeks earlier than last year. Also sampled Shiraz and Zin. Don’t miss the happy hummingbird near the tasting room. @Visit_Lodi for @Lodi_Wine #LodiHarvest2026
Dirt road in foreground with rows of grapevines to the left and a partly cloudy sky just after sunrise with a blue tractor and crew picking grapes.Cardboard bins about 4 feet square holding purple clusters of grapes and two crew members putting an empty cardboard bin onto a trailer attached to a blue tractor.Markus stands looking at a grape next to a row of vines holding many purple clusters.Sunrise over rows of grapevines with the winery on the right side.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Another beautiful morning in Lodi! This is Ancient Vine Carignane planted at the Nicolini Ranch in 1936. Flavors just starting to emerge. Acids high at pH 3.2. Brix has room to rise at 23.1B. @Visit_Lodi for @Lodi_Wine #LodiHarvest2026
Sunrise over rows of grapevines.An old vine with clusters of purple grapes.Markus stands near a gnarly old vine supporting many purple grape clusters while he holds a white 5-gallon bucket and has his hand up to his mouth tasting a grape.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Lodi Berghold Shiraz looking mighty pretty on the old vines this morning. Flavors are developing nicely. Seeds still have quite a bit of green. Earliest we might pick is end of next week. That would be about 3.5 weeks earlier than last year. @Visit_Lodi for @Lodi_Wine #LodiHarvest2026
An old vine with many clusters of purple grapes.Open palm with squished purple grapes and seeds above a white 5 gallon bucket.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
We start pressing Lodi Chardonnay this Sunday night, August 2nd. We picked that Chardonnay last year on August 21. The photos show Ancient Vine Carignane that needs more time and Viognier that we will probably pick second week of August.
Markus is smiling as he looks at a small bunch of grapes that are mostly purple in the upper foreground.Two bunches of green grapes still hanging on the vine.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Calm before the storm...
Dark barrel room with many barrels on barrel racks and cross beams above on ceiling.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Join us for our final two nights at Americana House in Lodi this Sunday (June 28) and Monday for their popular Neighborhood Nights. Markus will be there both nights. If you're looking just to grab a bottle, ask them, or go to the nearby Visitor Center. Photo: @jillmeansdesign
Markus pouring wine into a glass with the restaurant in the background.The menu from this weekend for Americana House.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Father's Day, June 21, and the next night we will be back at Americana House for their popular Neighborhood Nights. We’d love to have you join us! And if you're looking just to grab a bottle, ask them, or go to the nearby Visitor Center. Photo of Markus by @jillmeansdesign
Markus pouring wine into a glass. Photo by @jillmeansdesignAmericana House Neighborhood Night menu
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
We're back! Tonight, June 14, and tomorrow night Markus, himself, will be at Americana House in Lodi, CA for their popular Neighborhood Nights We’d love to have you join us! And if you're looking just to grab a bottle, ask them or go to the nearby Visitor Center.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
Tonight, June 7, and tomorrow night we are partnering with Americana House for their popular Neighborhood Nights! We’d love to have you join us! Please visit Americana House for reservations. And if you're looking just to grab a bottle, ask them or go to the nearby Visitor Center.
Americana House Menu for Neighborhood Night
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
Always appreciate your fine eye for our work in the fields! Thank you, Randy!
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Morning meditation. By himself with only music and podcasts, Markus thins shoots in Steve Borra's Church Block Lodi Carignane planted in 1938. #Lodi #Wine #Carignane
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Join us alongside Chef Charlie Palmer at American Fare – Made in Lodi on Saturday, May 2, 2026 — a celebration of 10 incredible chefs, 10 winemakers, 10 growers, and 10 artisans that make Lodi so special. Tickets available now at american-fare.com #AmericanFare #MadeInLodi #LodiWine #LodiCA
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
Two winemakers named Markus have brought a lot of energy and diversity to Lodi wines... Markus Niggli, a Swiss-born winemaker who settled in Lodi and has made it his specialty to revive and care for old-vine vineyards owned by local families.
jamessuckling.com
Lodi 2026 Wine Tasting Report
Wine reports from the internationally acclaimed wine critic and journalist
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
"In Napa Valley, wine tastings cost $80 on average. In Lodi, you can visit four wineries for that price. Lodi embodies a long lost era of rustic wine tasting in Napa in the 1980s and ‘90s. Tastings are laid back and unfussy — no caviar pairings or Michelin-trained chefs on staff."
sfchronicle.com
The best tasting rooms in one of California’s most overlooked wine regions
You can visit four tasting rooms here for the price of one in Napa.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
Jess Lander's story on Team Lodi made today's front page!
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 02/01/2026
"Wine drinkers may not know it yet, but Lodi has what many of them are seeking: affordability and accessibility. Tastings cost $80 on average in Napa Valley and $55 in Sonoma County, but just $16 in Lodi." Gift link: www.sfchronicle.com/food/wine/ar...
sfchronicle.com
When will the most diverse wine-growing region in California finally get its moment?
The most overlooked wine region in California is still waiting for its moment in the sun. Here’s why.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
That time when you run into the cellar to get something without wanting to wait for the lights to warm up. Freshly barreled 2025 Lodi Petite Sirah.
Dark winery interior with a beam of light coming from the background to light the edges of a row of wine barrels.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
Another Lodi vintage in the bins before the end of September! We’re finished picking and what we’re tasting so far is very fresh with nice acidity and lower sugars – more old world from this cooler growing season. Looking forward to tasting these. @Visit_Lodi for @Lodi_Wine #Wine #Grapes #Lodi
A long partially paved road heads off into the distance with rows of vines going off in either direction, hedges to the left and a man with a gray shirt walking away from camera in the distance.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
A fun retelling of the history of the Mokelumne Glen Vineyard in Lodi told by Jess Lander. This is our grower for a couple of our whites and we're mentioned. Should be a gift link through the paywall. Cheers!
sfchronicle.com
‘Everyone thought he was crazy’: Now, this eccentric California vineyard has a waiting list
One highly unusual acre of land in Northern California features 52 grape varieties rarely found in the U.S.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
Crush is in full swing in Lodi this morning! Markus and Mike prep bins full of Berghold Cabernet Sauvignon to be trucked back east. Tomorrow we pick Zinfandel. Despite the cooler weather, timing of picking continues similar to last year. @Visit_Lodi for @Lodi_Wine #Cabernet #Wine #Grapes #Lodi
8 plastic bag lined cardboard shipping boxes filled with dark crushed grapes with one man twisting up the bags and fastening them closed while the other walks nearby with a clipboard.A hand tilts up one of many light blueish purple grape bunches still hanging on a vine that looks like a small tree.Cellarmaster Mike sits in a forklift talking with Markus standing nearby and the Berghold tasting room in the background.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
Cellarmaster Mike loading fresh-chilled and destemmed Berghold Lodi Merlot into this morning’s truck bound for Minnesota. @Visit_Lodi for @Lodi_Wine #Merlot #Wine #Grapes #Lodi
Hand holding up a grayish blue bunch of grapes with a full bin of grapes underneath and the Berghold tasting room in the background.Sun rises in the distance over vineyard with a white tractor trailer and mostly empty parking lot in the foreground.Cellarmaster Mike drives a forklift lifting two strapped shut cardboard shipping boxes on wooden pallets.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
Happening now: picking Lodi Nicolini Ranch Ancient Vine Carignane planted in 1936. Last year we picked these rows on September 3, so we’re back on track after ripening slowed during a cool July. Mighty tasty fruit this year! @Visit_Lodi for @Lodi_Wine #Carignane #Wine #Grapes #Lodi
Two vineyard workers wearing bright red hoodies cutting off light purple grape bunches from tree-like vines and dropping them into bright yellow bins on the ground.Many light purple grape bunches still hanging on a vine that looks like a small tree.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
The 2025 growing season so far based on data from Victor Station just east of the City of Lodi. Not as cool as 2023, but very nice for quality grapes.
Line chart showing growing degree days for the Victor North weather station starting with May 2 on the left going to November 13 on the right. Four plotted curves represent growing degree day accumulations for the growing seasons 2023, 2024, 2025 and the 2020-2024 average. Through 7/16 average and 2025 curves were very close together as they move up and to the right showing heat values. Since 7/16, 2025 curve deflected downward toward 2023 curve.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
Scenes from this morning’s pick of Lodi Mokelumne Glen Vineyard Kerner. Cellarmaster Mike in the Giants hat removes leaves with vineyard owner Brett Koth. Markus inspects the fresh Kerner. @Visit_Lodi for @Lodi_Wine #Kerner #Wine #Grapes #Lodi
A white bin full of light green grape bunches with two men picking out leaves and laughing.In a vineyard row, a man dumps a yellow bin of light green grape bunches into a large white bin partially full of bunches with other workers nearby.Markus stands behind a full white bin of grape bunches touching the bunches while inspecting them.Many light green grape bunches still hanging on the vine as the morning sun begins to shine on them.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 25/08/2025
Another beautiful morning as we picked Berghold Vineyards Viognier in Lodi. Lots of nice fresh flavors and good acidity. @Visit_Lodi for @Lodi_Wine #Viognier #Wine #Grapes #Lodi
Front entrance sign along the road reading Berghold Vineyards with the sun rising on the right side of the photo.A few light green bunches of grapes hanging on a woody vine with many green leaves all around.Bunches of light green grapes in a white bin sitting in a parking lot with a tasting room building in the background.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
Very much looking forward to this after crush!
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
Sampling. Markus collects Berghold Vineyards Viognier & Zinfandel clusters to test for sugar, acidity and flavor this morning. We might pick the Viognier later this week. (22.9 Brix & pH 3.2 for fellow numbers nerds.) @Visit_Lodi for @Lodi_Wine #Viognier #Zinfandel #Wine #Grapes #Lodi
Markus stands next to a grapevine holding a light green bunch of grapes in his right hand while he uses pruning shears in the left hand to cut off the bunch.Markus stands next to a grapevines with several blackish blue bunches of grapes still hanging while he cuts a bunch off to fall into a white plastic five gallon bucket he holds.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
Winemaker’s best friends. Grape sampling break at Berghold Vineyards. @Visit_Lodi for @Lodi_Wine #Wine #Lodi
Markus kneeling down to pet two friendly dogs on the heads.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
Tasting and sampling Lodi Syrah at Berghold Vineyards this morning. Flavors just starting to develop, but still aways off from picking. The cooler weather we have had since mid-July is making for a very high-quality vintage, thankfully! @Visit_Lodi for @Lodi_Wine #Wine #Grapes #Syrah #Lodi
Markus pinches off a grape from a few bunches still hanging on the vine behind him.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
Great story by Jess Lander of SF Chronicle on what's been going on over here in Lodi lately... "This California wine region is secretly a treasure trove for rare white grapes." and "Lodi has quietly transformed into a white wine gold mine." bit.ly/JessLodiWhites
bit.ly
This California wine region is secretly a treasure trove for rare white grapes
It may be known for big reds like Zinfandel, but this California wine region has recently become a hub for obscure whites, like Kerner and Assyrtiko.
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Markus Wine Co. @markuswine.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
Veraison just starting this morning on Lodi Petite Sirah at Steve Borra's Church Block planted in 1938. Markus had to look around to find these first clusters coloring up. Timing is very close to last year.
A couple of grape clusters hanging under leaves on a grapevine in dappled light with most berries light green but some light purple.
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