Van Ruiten Family Winery — Attraction in Lodi

Had only what could be called a afternoon of informal graciousness. Due to Covid, coupled with certain family members being highly susceptible to it, our outings have been severely curtailed. After so many months of Covid-imposed near isolation, van Ruiten was just the Rx to begin rebuilding some semblance of our previous life.

Better Half and I decided to take advantage of the sun breaking through Sunday's clouds, and take his 94-year-old, wheelchair-bound Mom w/us to to sit under the winery's arbor and listen to music. Prior to going, checked w/winery (Kelly) as to its ADA accommodations. She couldn't have been more reassuring, and given my MIL's ADA status made an exception and reserved a table for us. Kelly said to check w/Julie upon arrival, and that she would take care of us--and that she did. In an unobtrusive, yet attentive way, she, and the other staff couldn't have been kinder or provided better service. They are definitely an asset to van Ruiten.

We ordered a Pinot Noir to sip w/our picnic, all while accompanied by Dave Atencio's musicianship. My MIL reveled in the day, and never stopped tapping her feet to the beat. Everyone else there was quite mellow--and treated it as the welcomed refuge we all seem to need and crave these days.

The Pinot was smooth, with hints of cherry and vanilla. A good choice that appealed to multiple palates. The winery's charcuterie plate looked quite appetizing, but our picnic lunch was already quite calorie laden, so we had to pass However, we did take one of the Boysenberry pies home to enjoy another day. In the meantime, hats of and our sincere thanks to...

We were looking forward to wine tasting today and I called this morning, since the website said reservations were required. I spoke to a pleasant woman who said we didn't need reservations and that we could bring a picnic lunch and have a wine flight on the patio. So we packed lunch and drove 40 minutes, only to be told upon arrival "We aren't hosting children at this time". It was my mother and I and my 8 year old daughter who had also brought a magazine to keep her occupied. I'm accustomed to wineries where families are welcomed, so this was a big disappointment. If the policy is no kids, that's fine and I am more than happy to spend my money elsewhere. But at least put that information on the website and make sure to tell people when they call! I just double checked online and found no mention anywhere that kids are...

Van Ruitan Winery is one of my favorite places. They are a small family owned winery and always treat you as part of their family. The wines are excellent as well. I am part of a group of 5 women, and we take turns hostessing lunch once a month . It was my turn to make lunch, and I decided to pic nic it at Van Ruitans. What a great decision! We had a blast! Our host today was Billie, and he went above and beyond in his service to us. Thank you to all the Van Ruitan family and a special shout...