Top white wine winery in Lodi: Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards

Nothing compares to an escape to Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards, Lodi Wine Country for a mystery winemaker dinner. Such was my experience last August in Lodi. Instead of the usual bus that typically picked wine bloggers at previous conferences this year at #WBC16 our group was whisked away in a limo. The limo took us to Acquiesce Winery. Acquiesce, a premier winery in the Lodi Appellation is the only Central Valley winery producing all white wines. No, am not just a white wine fan however, these are excellent white wines.

Sue Tipton and Cancan Dancers, Acquiesce Winery © Spaswinefood

The Acquiesce Story

After we arrived at the winery we were greeted by winemaker Sue Tipton and her husband, Rodney. Later we were entertained by cancan dancers. First up however was a brief tour of the vineyard and winery.

#Winelovers, Acquiesce Winery © Spaswinefood

Off to Acquiesce Winery Vineyard © Spaswinefood

The vineyard is planted with grapes sourced from Chateau Beaucastel, Chateauneuf du Pape, France. 

Acquiesce Winery Vineyard © Spaswinefood

When the Tipton’s moved to Lodi in 1999 they bought the vineyard. At that time they were seeking a country life. Later, when Sue fell in love with Chateauneuf du Pape's white wines, it became her mission to plant white Rhone varietals and make wines.

Granache Blanc Vines, Acquiesce Winery © Spaswinefood

August Grapevines, Acquiesce Winery © Spaswinefood

More Grapevines, Acquiesce Winery © Spaswinefood

Sue's new passion resulted in the birth of Acquiesce Winery. Just in case you are wondering about the meaning of Acquiesce, here it is:

The Meaning of Acquiesce © Spaswinefood

Wine and Cheese

After a quick check on the vineyards on a hot August evening, we returned to the winery to learn more about the wines.

Acquiesce Winery © Spaswinefood

This time we were greeted by the cancan dancers.

Cancan Dancers, Acquiesce Winery © Spaswinefood


First on the agenda was a wine and cheese pairing.

Picpoul Blanc 2015

Acquiesce Winery, Picpoul Blanc 2015 © Spaswinefood

Picpoul Blanc 2015 © Spaswinefood

Hopefully, I get the cheese pairings matched with the wines.

Goat Cheese with Meyer Lemon, Acquiesce Winery © Spaswinefood

Grenache Blanc 2015

Acquiesce Winery, Grenache Blanc 2015 © Spaswinefood

Sue is very welcoming winemaker. It was a pleasure to interact with her and her staff.

Sue Tipton & Acquiesce Winery Staff  © Spaswinefood

Yes, more delicious cheese.

Irish Cheddar, Acquiesce Winery © Spaswinefood

Belle Blanc 2015

Acquiesce Winery, Belle Blanc 2015 © Spaswinefood

Roussane 2015
Next, one of my favorite cheeses, Manchego.

Manchego with Tomato and Rosemary, Acquiesce Winery © Spaswinefood

Acquiesce Winery, Roussane 2015 © Spaswinefood

Viognier 2015

Acquiesce Winery, Viognier 2015  © Spaswinefood

French Mango Chutney, Acquiesce Winery © Spaswinefood

The wines served that evening were awesome indeed.

Acquiesce Winery Wines Served © Spaswinefood

If you have not tried these Rhone varietals, then put the top white wine winery in Lodi on your list.

Rhone Inspired Winemaker Dinner

Dinner was served in the front yard of the winemaker’s home, with stunning views of the vineyard. Chef Jennifer Kupka used locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to prepare a fabulous dinner for us. 

Table Ready, Acquiesce Winery © Spaswinefood

The table was ready so I chose a space near the end of the table.

Dining at Acquiesce Winery © Spaswinefood

There overlooking the vineyard, this special Lodi wine and food event, captured perfectly the essence of the stunning wine country setting. 

Wine Bloggers, Acquiesce Winery © Spaswinefood

Just in case you are wondering about the menu that evening, here it is:

The Menu

Reception

2015 Picpoul Blanc

Prosciutto Wrapped Melon With Mint Basil Pesto

Caramelized Corn & Cherry Tomato Bruschetta With Goat Cheese

Reception Awaits, Acquiesce Winery © Spaswinefood

Reception, Acquiesce Winery © Spaswinefood

Wine Time, Acquiesce Winery © Spaswinefood

 Now let's check the wines.

Acquiesce Winery, 2015 Picpoul Blanc © Spaswinefood

Dinner Menu

2013 Belle Blanc

House Curried Salmon With Crème Fraiche, Capers, Shaved Fennel, Avocado, Pickled Onion, Rice Wine Vingarette

 No Salmon for this vegetarian but it certainly was a delicious salad.

Salad, Acquiesce Winery © Spaswinefood

2013 Grenache Blanc

Heirloom Tomato Panzanella Salad

Point Reyes Blue Cheese, Caramelized Onions, Arugula, Balsamic Vinaigrette

Acquiesce Winery, 2013 Grenache Blanc © Spaswinefood

Heirloom Tomato Panzanella Salad, Acquiesce Winery © Spaswinefood

Menu, Acquiesce Winery © Spaswinefood

2014 Roussanne

Crisp Duck Confit

Roasted Purple Potatoes

Sugar Snap Peas, English Peas

Crisp Duck Confit, Acquiesce Winery © Spaswinefood

The vegetarian dish was equally awesome.

Vegetarian Entree, Acquiesce Winery © Spaswinefood

Cauliflower and Mushrooms, Acquiesce Winery © Spaswinefood

Dessert

2013 Viognier

Individual Peach Galettes

Vanilla Bean Gelato

Dessert, Acquiesce Winery © Spaswinefood

 It was a great evening for wine conversations and more.

Dinner, Acquiesce Winery © Spaswinefood

Let me not forget there was a little dancing with the cancan dancers.

Let's Dance, Acquiesce Winery © Spaswinefood

Overall what impressed me most during the Wine Bloggers Conference #WBC16 in Lodi, California were the opportunities to visit local wineries and vineyards, like Acquiesce. An opportunity to spend an evening with winemaker Sue Tipton was amazing for this #Spaswinefood enthusiast.

As we left that evening darkness arrived at Acquiesce Winery and Vineyards.

Late Evening, Acquiesce Winery © Spaswinefood

Later at the #WBC16 gala dinner I would get another opportunity to explore Acquiesce wines at our table. Did I know where to sit for good wines! YES.

#WBC16 Gala Dinner © Spaswinefood

Spending time with Sue Tipton at Acquiesce Winery was awesome.  This top white wine winery in Lodi is the ideal place to just relax a peaceful wine country setting. You can check out my travels in California and elsewhere at Spaswinefood.

Sharon

August 2016

Lodi, California

© Spaswinefood

Winemaker's Dinner, Acquiesce Winery © Spaswinefood


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Note: This trip was sponsored by #wbc16 and Lodi Wine.