Turning off Woodbridge road into an industrial complex with a long paved driveway, you drive back to a little wood-sided gray-blue building at the end of the parking lot. To the left is a cluster of picnic tables under wooden trellises, complete with a large fountain. Now head up the short flight of stairs and enter the home of one of Lodi’s newest and most popular tasting rooms: that of Jewel Collection Fine Wines. This ambitious operation has expanded both nationwide and overseas, selling high-quality value-priced wines.

An attractive interior and friendly staff greet you in the very un-stuffy tasting center. There are wine accessories, logo clothing, olive oils, unique gift items, Italian-style pottery, sauces and cookbooks for sale. The wines range from non-oaked Chardonnay to Old Vine Zinfandel, Merlot, Petite Sirah, White Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Port. The winery also produces upwards of 40,000 cases of Viognier, making it the largest producer of this dry white wine in California.

Grapes are sourced from Monterey, Lodi, and the North Coast. All Jewel wines retail for $9.99. Their high-end Raffaele Estate series offers a Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo & Grenache blend, a Bordeaux blend and a Century-Old-Vine Zinfandel.