The 127 Year Old Cinsault Vines
Location: Woodbridge Road, Lodi, CA
Created: 04/06/2013 3:09:25pm
Camera: EOS Canon 7D
Lens: 10-20mm
Exposure Compensation: +2 stops
Aperture: f/7.1 1/40 sec.; Single exposure; ISO 100
This is confirmed to be the infamous Bechthold Vineyard, “a magical vineyard” planted to Cinsault grapes and the oldest continuously farmed vineyard in the Lodi AVA, consisting of 25 acres of gnarled head trained vines. Originally planted in 1886 by Joseph Spenker, this venerated vineyard is not only alive and well, it is highly productive and lovingly cared for. The owners renamed Spenker’s Ranch “Jessie’s Grove,” in honor of Spenker’s daughter, who refused to cut down the trees that still remain on the property. This near-forgotten treasure is in the very heart of Lodi area, virtually hidden under everyone’s eyes.
I was initially struck by the intense energy and uniqueness radiating from the vineyard. Caught just as their spring buds began to emerge, this illustrates the resilience of new life and intense maturity. This shot was taken in 2013, at which time I believe the age to be 127 years old, thus the title. In 2017, the vines are now 131 years old. They are the oldest vineyard in the Lodi area and has been named Best in State in 2014 by the California State Fair. The inherent vigor and health of the vines, and the quality of the grapes have been recognized as the equal to any Cinsault plantings in France.
