Mokelumne River AVA: Terroir | The Heart of Lodi’s Historic Vineyards

L.A. Delta Investments' vineyards are located in the Mokelumne River sub-AVA of Lodi, the historical heart of the Lodi Appellation. This terroir* is home to some of California’s oldest vines, deep sandy soils, and a climate that allows grapes to ripen beautifully while maintaining balance and elegance.

For wineries seeking premium, sustainably farmed grapes, Mokelumne River offers a distinct advantage over other Lodi sub-AVAs.

*Terroir is the complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced, including factors such as the soil, topography, and climate.

Where is the Mokelumne sub-AVA located? Click on the video.

Why the Mokelumne River sub-AVA's Terroir is Special

1. Sandy Loam Soils: The Key to Old Vines

   • The Mokelumne River AVA is characterized by deep, well-draining Tokay fine sandy loam soil.

   • This soil type naturally resists phylloxera, allowing for ungrafted old-vine plantings, particularly Zinfandel, some of which date back over 100 years.

   • The low-vigor soil leads to smaller yields and highly concentrated fruit, perfect for premium winemaking.

2. Moderate Climate with Delta Influence

   • Mokelumne River’s proximity to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta brings in cooling breezes, moderating the warm summer days.

   • The strong diurnal temperature swing (hot days, cool nights) helps grapes develop full ripeness while retaining acidity—a critical factor for well-balanced wines.

   • Compared to the inland Lodi AVAs (like Borden Ranch or Clements Hills), Mokelumne River experiences less extreme heat, allowing for more finesse and elegance in the wines.

1. Signature Varieties: Old Vine Zinfandel & Balanced Merlot

   • Old Vine Zinfandel: Known for its lush fruit flavors, soft tannins, and spice-driven complexity, Mokelumne River Zinfandel is renowned among winemakers and collectors.

   • Merlot: The region’s moderate climate and well-draining soils allow for full-bodied yet smooth Merlot, with deep cherry and plum flavors and elegant tannins.

   • Other notable varietals include Cinsaut, Chardonnay, and Petite Sirah, each benefiting from the AVA’s balanced growing conditions.

How does the Mokelume River sub-AVA's Terroir compare to the other sub-AVAs in Lodi?

Sub-AVA	Climate	Soils	Grape Characteristics
Mokelumne River	Moderate, with strong Delta breezes	Deep, sandy loam	Old-vine Zinfandel, smooth Merlot, bright fruit flavors
Jahant	Cooler, windier	Clay-heavy loam	More structured wines with firm tannins
Clements Hills	Warmer, rolling hills	Gravelly, red volcanic soils	Rich, intense reds (Cabernet, Syrah)
Borden Ranch	Hotter days, lower elevation	Rocky, well-drained soils	High-tannin, structured reds
Cosumnes River	Coolest, strong Delta winds	Silty loam	Crisp whites and lighter reds
Alta Mesa	Warmer, inland	Loamy, rocky soils	Bold reds with deep color
Sloughhouse	Hottest, furthest inland	Clay and rocky loam	Dense, full-bodied reds