"One day I'm going to have a place, and I'm going to call it Acquiesce....it's going to have land, it's going to be pretty and we're just going to relax there." When Sue Tipton's husband, Rodney spoke those words to her in Portland, Oregon, she had no idea how prophetic they would be. Sort of.
With no plans of opening a winery or tasting room the Tiptons moved to California 12 years ago. The property that would eventually become Acquiesce, was already home to 12 acres of Zinfandel and a run-down, century old barn.
Two years later, Sue, Acquiece Winery Founder and Winemaker began making Zins and Rosés as a hobby. It wasn't long after that the hobby became an obsession, and eventually the old barn became a bold tasting room.
Today, Acquiesce is Lodi's only white wine winery. In a region famous for big zins, Sue is converting and changing locals vision of what defines a white wine. Nothing about her wines are what most would expect from a typical California white. Light, aromatic, fresh and easy on the palate, Acquiesce wines challenge every notion of how a white wine is defined.
Whether it's her use of grapes from the Chateauneuf-du-Pape region of France or just her keen ability to capture the perfect blend of aroma and taste in a bottle, Sue is clearly on to something.
They opened in January and were completely sold out of their 300 cases by November, which forced the temporary closing of the tasting room. Fortunately, last weekend the tasting room, reopened for eager customers after tripling their production.
Acquiesce fans will be treated to five wines this season including newcomer Picoul Blanc, and Sue is predicting another sell out season! With wines that are as beautiful as they are delicous it's easy to see why they can't keep up with demand. Not bad for a couple who just had plans of relaxing at a pretty place with a lot of land.
Be sure to stop by for a tasting this Spring and Summer, rest assured you'll stay for the wonderful hospitality, conversation and laughs, and don't forget to add your contribution to their "Before I Die Board!"
This season's line up At Acquiesce Winery:
- 2012 Grenache Blanc: A delicious mineral driven wine, fresh and full-bodied, but lively and vibrant. Aromas of pear, green apple, and stone fruit. Pairs well with spicy Asian and Mexican foods, chicken dishes, salads, seafood and is an awesome sushi wine. Retail: $22
- 2012 Roussanne: This wine has the most diverse characteristics of all of their varietals. The mouth is juicy yet still restrained, with flavors of apricots and cream. It stands up to rich shellfish, salmon, spicy foods, garlic stir fries and confit of violet flowers (sold at the winery). Retail: $24
- 2012 Picpoul Blanc: Literally translating to "lip stinger," this high acid varietal has aromas of pineapple, lemon and jasmine. The perfect summer, by the pool, wine! Retail: $22
- 2012 Viognier: Crisp and dry, yet round on the palate, with bright fruit reminiscent of honeyed tangerine and peach, aroma of violets and followed by a long, dry finish. Pairs well with fish, Asian dishes and citrus salads, and was a hit with Lamb Tagine at their winemaker dinner. Retail: $22
- 2012 Grenache Rosé: Long, rich finish that is both fresh and spicy. This rosé has aromas of cherry, pomegranate, plum and lime and goes well with any food especially Mediterranean cuisine or Spanish tapas for a special treat. Retail: $18
Winery Info: Website: www.whitewinewinery.com 22353 N. Tretheway Roadway, Acampo, CA, 209-333-6102.
Tasting Room Hours: Friday-Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tasting Fee $5 (refundable with purchase of wine). All tasting fees collected are donated to RE-OPEN Galt School Libraries.
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