I have discussed Lucca Winery on this thread before. The “other” Lucchesi brother operates this winery in Ripon, but the fruit is almost exclusively from old-vine sites in the Oakley area, farmed by Alan Lucchesi.
Manteca Bulletin
“Red Tie Concerts in Ripon: Lucca Winery Hosting Three More Summer Concerts”
June 10, 2017
"…Red Tie Arts is a Modesto based non-profit organization dedicated to presenting quality entertainment and helping underprivileged talented children achieve their artistic goals There are three evening concerts left that will be hosted by Mark and Lynette Lucchesi. It includes tastings of award winning wines from the Grande blend to the Mourverde varietal.
"…The winery is open for tasting and sales Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 209.761.5553 to visit the winery Monday through Thursday.
"Dionisio Lucchesi immigrated from Italy, and landed in Oakley, a small farming community in the Delta. He purchased land along O’Hara Avenue and planted grapes, almonds, and apricots. His love of the land and his passion for farming were passed to his son, Guido, who continued as caretaker for the trees, vines, and the sandy soil in which they grew. During Guido’s tenure, the apricots and almonds were harvested and sold, but a small portion of each grape harvest was retained for his own venture into homemade wine. Without any formal training, Guido created wines from his zinfandel grapes that he shared with his family and friends.
"In 1990 Guido’s son, Alan, took over stewardship of Lucchesi Family Farms. He expanded the operation to include over 400 acres of vines. Alan shared grapes harvested from his Oakley properties with his brother, Mark, an almond and peach farmer in Ripon. Mark began making small batches of wine to share. After a number of years, his production increased, and he began experimenting with blends. Mark’s interest in crafting and perfecting his homemade wine culminated in Lucca Winery.
“Grape vines grown in the sandy soil in and around Oakley have the advantage of being of forced to reach deep into the earth for water and nutrients, thereby creating grapes that are deep in flavor. The climate in Oakley fluctuates between the warm days of summer, and the cool Delta breezes. The soil and climate coalesce to produce the fine wines of Lucca Winery.”
209 Magazine
“Whenever the Door is Open, Come On In,’ says Mark Lucchesi of Lucca Winery”
by Melissa Hutsell
"…‘I grew up making homemade wine,’ says Lucchesi, who remembers making it with his father on their family farm in Oakley, Calif. Lucchesi’s grandfather emigrated from Italy to the Delta region where he bought land and planted grapes, almonds and apricots. After each harvest, the Lucchesis would make their own wine from the remaining grapes. The Lucchesi Family Farm has since expanded to include more than 400 acres of vines, and provides Lucca Winery with the selection of Rhône grapes for red varietals such as Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache, Carignane, and Mourvèdre.
"Mark has since brought his family’s tradition from Oakley to Ripon. After years of making small batches to share with friends and family, and experimenting with different blends, Lucchesi officially established his winery in 2011. He describes the winery as a retirement career, crafting the types of wine he has always enjoyed.
“‘The community has been very supportive,’ he adds, ‘people are excited.’
"…The selections at Lucca Winery are for those with a taste for dry/bitter red wines, rich with tannin, and high in alcohol content. However, he recently released a Sauvignon Blanc, described as silky and slightly toasted. ‘Old Vine’ Mourvèdre is Lucchesi’s personal favorite, which he and his guests describe as being very drinkable with anything from meat to sweets.
"Lucchesi says what makes his wine so soft and smooth is the grapes he uses.
“‘Wine is a character of the grapes you make it with,’ he adds, ‘you can make [bad] wine with good grapes, but you can’t make good wine from bad grapes.’
"…Bottles range from $14 - $20. Discounts are available for bulk orders.
"Contact Info:
For a complete tasting menu, and to schedule and appointment, contact Mark Lucchesi at
(209) 761-5553
LuccaWinery.com
LuccaWinery@gmail.com
16265 E. River Rd
Ripon, CA, 95366 "