Lodi’s Fourth Annual Bridal Event
Sunday, Feb. 23
Lodi Grape Festival Grounds
Chardonnay & Zinfandel Halls
Registration: 1 p.m.
Fashion Show: 3 p.m.

INDEX OF STORIES

» Brides still take stock in traditional invitations
» Discovering where wedding customs originate
» Say 'I do' to dress desingers' latest trend of corsets
» Always in fashion, diamond rings are a centuries-old trend
» Custom-made dresses affordable option to designer gowns
» New ways to top off your wedding-day ensemble
» Ethnic weddings mix traditional and modern customs
» Simple ideas for creative wedding favors
» Flowers create sweet-smelling nuptials for wedding party
» Grooms wanting something with a different ring to it
» Honeymoons put final fun, touch on weddings
» Creative ideas help savvy brides cut costs, not corners
» Take time to indulge yourself before you walk down aisle
» Here comes the bride, there goes the budget
» Don't be left singing the blues when it comes to wedding music
» Planning a wedding can be just as fun for the groom
» Lodi area offers many options for wedding reception sites
» Special ways to say thank you to the bridal party
» Personalized vows are unique celebrations of a couple's love
» Family grape growers open romantic wedding winery

Family grape growers open romantic wedding winery

By Ryan Campbell
News-Sentinel Staff Writer

A family of wine grape growers has created an agricultural oasis for weddings and wine in the Sacramento River Basin.

The Wilson’s roots run deep in the delta after four generations and more than 80 years of farming just outside of Clarksburg.

Sandra Wilson, who maintains the farm’s office, said that the family is trying to branch out their operation to bring a little bit of the country to people with special events and marriages.

She along with her brother, Ken Wilson, operate the farm and own an events center located on the vineyard grounds.

The farm was established in 1922 when the founders George and Isabelle Wilson bought 53 acres just west of Clarksburg.

Though their business is expanding, the Wilson’s plan to keep the farm in the family for years to come. Sandra Wilson’s twin sons are both studying viticulture in college and one plans to become a minister as well to perform wedding ceremonies.

The vineyard is located near the Sacramento River and the barn is flanked by a small waterway lined with summer wildflowers. The winery itself is located on the original property purchased by the farm’s patriarch in the 20s.

The entertainment area was built to accommodate everything from weddings to fund raisers to corporate retreats.

On the third Sunday of every month, the winery holds an open house when visitors can view a historic barn. The old milkbarn recently renovated and converted into a spot to hold special events.

“The new barn has just exploded with interest,” Wilson said.

Gusts are given a chance to sip the winery’s home grown wines and relax in the shade and serenity of the country.

The area is well known for its rich soils, abundant water ways, unique micro climate and multi generational farming families. For more than a century, the region has been known for its production of fine fruits, vegetables and grains, according to Wilson.

Since 1970, the family changed its primary crops to wine grapes and alfalfa, and also began producing wine of their own. Their vineyards have grown to 12 varieties on 750 acres of lush delta soil.

Their wines include chenin blanc, Petite Sirah and a late harvest chenin blanc called “Isabella” in honor of Isabella Wilson, who recently turned 100. Wilson Vineyards grows grapes for many wineries in Napa, Sonoma and Paso Robles as well.

“There is a beautiful ambiance in the evening,” she said.

Wilson Vineyards can be visited during their open houses and is located nine miles north of Clarksburg on Jefferson Road.

For more information, call (916) 744-1456 or write to sandra@wilsonvineyards.com.

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