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Published: 1 years 196 days ago
Grower: Brad Goehring
Growing Region: Lodi
Can a kindergartener grow grapes? If your dad is Brad Goehring, the answer is yes. Brad and his wife, Kristin, are already grooming the next generation of grape growers on their Lodi vineyard.
“All of our kids each have their own row of grapes that they’ve planted. They put up the wire, run the drip hose and maintain their row every year,” explains the proud father. “If they do all the work on the row, they get all the money from the sale of the grapes.”
The kids—Lexus, Bryson and Brielle—even enjoy an occasional sip of the final product. “For a lot of Europeans—and we’re of European decent—wine is a part of every meal,” says Brad.
It must be in the genes. Brad represents the fourth generation to farm winegrapes on the idyllic property. In 2008, the oldest vines turned 100 years old. That’s a century of nurturing and hard work.
Brad loves a good challenge, and he found it in the sangiovese variety.
“I like it because it’s a very difficult grape to grow,” he explains. “Most growers and winemakers don’t understand it. It does very well in Lodi because the climate is very similar to Tuscany, where the grapes originated.” It’s also a great wine to drink, as Brad will attest.
Brad’s also a tree lover, having planted 700 oaks throughout the vineyard. “We did it to make the property look nicer and we’ll eventually have shade all over the ranch for our employees. It makes a better environment for them.”
Brad loves what he does for a living, and who wouldn’t? “I get to be outside. And at the end of every day I get to look back and see the progress that we’ve made.”
Hidden talent: Professional water skier for 12 years.
Favorite season in the vineyard: Fall. “I just really like the calm weather.”
Business philosophy: “What my parents taught me: To be honest.”
Favorite food-wine pairing: Pasta carbonara with sangiovese (what else?)
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