In 2019 Markus and Liz Bokisch celebrated 20 years of making award winning Spanish wines at Bokisch Vineyards. Markus pioneered the planting of Spanish varieties in California by bringing over budwood from Spain and planting it in Lodi soil in 1999. Inspired by his Catalan heritage and driven by a passion for organic and sustainable farming, he became one the most prominent grape growers and authorities on Spanish grapes in all of the United States.
Markus Bokisch has also drawn attention to the diversity and uniqueness of Lodi wine country by spearheading the committee to create the 7 Lodi sub AVA’s. Bokisch Vineyards produces wine from 5 of those 7 AVA’s, continuing Markus’s passion to showcase the uniqueness of the Lodi growing regions.
In 2000 they made their first vintage of Bokisch wine and have continued to grow their Spanish wine portfolio ever since. Bokisch Vineyards is now producing 11 bottlings of 7 different Spanish varieties across 6 different vineyards. Featuring Albariño, Garnacha Blanca, Verdejo, Garnacha, Tempranillo, Monastrell, and Graciano.
Since its inception in 2000, Bokisch Vineyards has been featured in numerous wine publications including Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and Sunset Magazine. In April, 2018 Bokisch Vineyards was the first American winery to win a gold medal for their Garnacha Blanca in the International Grenaches du Monde Competition held in Gandesa, Spain. In December of 2018, Markus and Bokisch Vineyards was featured in Wine Spectator, highlighting Markus’s vision for Spanish wines and wines made in Lodi. In 2014 they moved into a brand new winery facility located in the rolling hills of Lodi, and hired their winemaker Elyse Perry, giving them full control - grape to glass. For all of these reasons and more, Bokisch Vineyards has been a leading force in establishing Lodi as a destination for wine lovers. Their tasting room is located in the oak studded rolling hills of eastern Lodi and is known for the fantastic views, delicious wines, picnic areas and fire pits. Wine Club members are treated to 4 exclusive events per year which are themed to match each new wine release. Liz Bokisch uses her exquisite culinary skills to create specific recipes to pair with the wines. Bokisch Vineyards is also making hand crafted, small lot wines from other varieties under their Tizona label. Showcasing the skills of their winemaker Elyse Perry, they produce an additional 8 vineyard designated wines including Malbec, Old Vine Carignane, Syrah, and Picpoul.