The line-up of minimal intervention, small, independent winemakers working out of Lodi Crush: from left, Adam Saake (Perch Wine Co.), Adam Sabelli-Frisch (Sabelli-Frisch), Rose Nemet (Kareen Wine), Terah Bajjalieh (Terah Wine Co.), Greg Nemet (Kareen Wine) and Gerardo Espinosa (Lodi Crush and Anaya Vineyards).
Lodi Crush has become a magnet for small, independent wine brands⏤primarily one- or two-person operations⏤who, almost as a rule, prefer minimal intervention, alternative style wines appealing to the growing minority of oenophiles who prefer less commercialized, almost raw tasting wines.
For the most part, this subset of handcraft artisans also look for grapes that are farmed in organic fashion. This approach to viticulture is all part of this growing culture⏤low intervention farming, after all, goes hand in hand with low intervention winemaking⏤which is also becoming increasingly important to consumers who specifically seek out products produced with some sense of environmental responsibility.
Wine Enthusiast photo of Gerardo Espinosa in the magazine’s article on their 2024 “Future 40 Tastemakers.” Wine Enthusiast.
The mind behind Lodi Crush is a local winemaker named Gerardo Espinosa, who was recently named by Wine Enthusiast as one of the magazine’s 2024 “Future 40 Tastemakers.” Citing Espinosa’s work at Lodi Crush, which he operates as managing partner, the magazine wrote: “Espinosa has become a key figure in supporting Lodi‘s wine community and a push towards sustainable practices.”
Lodi Crush was first established by Espinosa in 2016 as a custom crush winery⏤a place where small, independent wine brands without winemaking facilities of
