It all began with the Schatz family in the early 1950’s, whose passion for farming has been passed along to each generation with the love for the land and vineyards. As third generation grape growers, Rodney and Gayla Schatz carry on the same traditions today as their parents and great-grandparents did many years ago, growing superior grapes that are sold to numerous wineries throughout the country. They purchased their first vineyard in 1985 and built a winery in 2001 as a custom crush facility producing premium wines to wineries both large and small. With a drive to create their own label to share from the vineyards that have captured their hearts, came the desire to make outstanding wines with a commitment to quality and excellence creating individuality in each bottle.

Their Name - WHY PELTIER?

In 1985 Rodney and Gayla Schatz bought their first Vineyard and in that same location built a winery and custom crush facility in 2001. That vineyard was located on the corner of Peltier Road and Kennefick Road along the old rusted railroad tracks laid in the early 1900's. In days past this was a frequent stop for locomotives pulling boxcars strung like pearls across the lodi appellation tracks, filled with crates of red and white grapes to be delivered to wineries and home winemakers. To honour the heritage and the history or their location, in the heart of the Lodi Appellation, Rodney and Gayla have aptly titled their innovative, cutting edge winery and custom crush facility, Peltier Winery and Vineyards.

WINEMAKER, SUSANA RODRIGUEZ VASQUEZ

Susana Rodriguez Vasquez was born and raised in the town of Cochabamba, located in the valley region of Bolivia. The daughter of professors, she was raised in the countryside where her love of agriculture was sparked. This lead her to Universidad Mayor de San Simon to receive her B.S. in Agriculture.

Susy made her way to the US on an internship at Cal Poly in organic crops; she then later became a liaison between the winemakers and vineyards for Gallo and soon after discovered her passion for winemaking. After receiving her Winemaker Certificate from UC Davis Viticulture Department, Susy has spent the last 10 years making her mark as an exceptional winemaker, both at Gallo and Constellation. In 2016 she joined Peltier Winery  where she has quickly become a bright and shining star. Susy has an impeccable palate for choosing the right grapes and revels each step of the way in the winemaking process, from crush to glass. Her love for what she does creates a passion that is infectious; making everyone strive to be better.

In her free time, Susy enjoys running, especially during harvest! But more importantly than that, she loves RV’ing near the beach with her husband David and two children Faviola and Lukas.

Peltier Winery Vineyards

 Farmed with attention to detail, over 40 unique blocks are nurtured with the care of the vines in mind to ensure the best grapes depicting the vast diversity of the region in site, location and soil.

Lodi’s classic Mediterranean climate of warm sunny days combined with cool evening breezes from the San Francisco Delta contribute to the perfect balance of acidic and full flavors of the wines.

LODI RULES - CERTIFIED GREEN

 All of Peltier Winery's 1,200+ acres are farmed sustainably according to LODI RULES,  a third party certified program created for the Lodi Appellation by a committee of scientists, growers, a wildlife biologist, and farm advisors. These are stringent rules that we currently farm by and have been farming since our great-grandparents began growing wine grapes. It is the care for the land, air, water, habitat, and worker with a long-term vision focusing on farming for the future of the land. We were one of the first growers to receive certification for this program.

Wines Of Peltier Winery

2017 BLACK DIAMOND - SAUVIGNON BLANC

TASTING NOTES

Exceptionally aromatic with a perfect balance of grassy notes, melon, passionfruit and a touch of minerality. This 2017 Sauvignon Blanc is full bodied and fruit driven with wonderfully balanced acidity and herbaceousness for a refreshing finish.

 

2017 BLACK DIAMOND – VERMENTINO

TASTING NOTES

This Italian varietal boasts lively aromas of pear, lime and green apple. Bursts of citrus lead to a slightly mineral mouthfeel and into an elegant, yet, ever so slightly bitter finish and is reminiscent of almonds.

2016 BLACK DIAMOND - ROUGE ROSÉ

TASTING NOTES

A vibrant color of cran-raspberry is followed by aromas of soft rose petals and cranberries with rich earthy undertones. Crisp bursts of citrus flavors round out a medium body and give way to a dry, semi-tart but crisp, lingering finish.

PAIRING

Rouge Rosé pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, a California avocado burger or a picnic full of cheeses, cured meats and a crispy baguette!

2015 BLACK DIAMOND – ZINFANDEL

TASTING NOTES

The perfect balance of jammy flavors of luscious berries, white pepper, and exotic spices. Well balanced tannins end with a silky finish.

 AWARDS & ACCOLADES

SILVER MEDAL - 2017 Intl. Women’s Wine Competition

 PAIRING

Black Diamond Zinfandel is the perfect table mate, whether it be blue cheese or brie with sweet fig jam, to our signature special Rod’s Recipes Zinfandel Short Ribs.