This large-production facility has a small down-home feel to it. It has operated continuously since the end of Prohibition and has been a mainstay on the east side of Lodi, serving visitors “right out of the barrel”. In 2002 it was purchased by two grape-growing families, both of which had been in the winemaking business for several generations.

Oak Ridge makes a wide range of wines under five different labels that includes two sparkling wines, two pink wines, eight white wines, nine reds and three dessert wines. The five labels are their Oak Ridge brand, White Tail, Gnarled Vine, Simply White (and Red) Silks Oak, and - for their dessert wines - Conti Royale.

But don’t be confused; just enjoy the variety and have a one-of-a-kind experience of tasting wine while standing inside a giant redwood wine barrel. The 49,000-gallon-barrel is home to the oldest tasting room in Lodi. As you stand inside the circular cask it is hard to imagine how much wine could be stored here-- considering there is an ample-size tasting counter, a stocked deli case, gift items spread around, and still plenty of room for a couple of dozen visitors. The tasting staff is attentive, and the mood is casual and fun.

Adjacent to the “Barrel Room” is a separate gift cottage with country store items, home decorations and nice gift items. The facility itself is a bit drab, with its utilitarian chain link fence and brick buildings, but the “barrel” easily makes up for it. Prices range from $5 to $15 per bottle for their wines, and up to $30 for their premium Solera Zinfandel Port.