A Wine Lover’s Guide to Stockton, California

February 12, 2020

There’s a lot more to wine tasting than sipping ancient elixirs from a stemmed glass.

The truth is you can drink wine anywhere, but to dig deeper into how a wine region develops its culture from nearby appellations is an entirely different story. While most people look for answers in places like Napa and Sonoma, Stockton looks closer to home.

Stockton has incredible resources to help answer these questions—without the pricey Napa tastings or the intimidation of overzealous sommeliers. Stockton is located just south of one of California’s best-kept wine secrets. In addition, with easy access to fresh ingredients from the Central Valley, Stockton knows a thing or two about wine pairing.

Here are some unexpected ways to sip, learn, explore and celebrate wine in Stockton, California:

Sorelle Winery - A Historical Perspective

Sorelle Winery was founded in 2007, new owners of the historic Dodge House replanted the vineyard, which had been a source of income for the Dodge family as far back as 1866.

Today the estate is a beautiful reminder of days gone by, a sentiment to the bountiful farmlands that helped shape the Central Valley. While the Dodge House and Sorelle Winery are often used for private events and weddings, visitors can explore these gorgeous grounds most days and can experience wine tasting at the family’s tasting room Thursday through Monday. Bring your own picnic and enjoy classic Italian varietals like Sangiovese, Muscat and more.

Plus, you’ll get to peer back in time and gain a historical perspective of Stockton only a few places can offer.

Click here for hours and directions.

Mile Wine Company - Find Your Happy Place

Located along Stockton’s bustling Miracle Mile shopping district, Mile Wine Company is a wine bar and restaurant with a specially curated wine selection.

This swanky restaurant and bar has a contemporary vibe with rustic finishes inside and on the all-embracing patio. There are many ways to enjoy wine and food at this local favorite, featuring newly expanded lunch and dinner menus; but the real party goes down every Tuesday through Friday for happy hour, when you can enjoy $5 house wines and $5 draft beers.

Whether you are looking for a bit of wine education or simply a good time, Mile Wine Company has what you need to get happy with a glass of wine in Stockton.

Gnekow Family Winery - Old Vines

Gnekow Family Winery (pronounced “nee-ko”) founded in August 1996, is one of Stockton’s earliest wineries. Take a short drive east of Stockton, where you will be met with Old and New Age winemaking techniques.

This family and their team have been producing excellent, quality, easy-to-drink wines for years. Experience their signature wine, the Campus Oaks "Old Vine" Zinfandel, which is selectively chosen from their 80+-year-old vineyards and has consistently won Gold Medals year-after-year since its initial harvest in 1997.

Do not miss your chance to taste these historic grapes and learn more about how they help create "Great Wines at Great Prices.” Gnekow Family Winery’s tasting room is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wine Wizards - Fine wine and dinner pairings

Wine Wizards is an intimate neighborhood location that offers a no-fuss menu, plus a charming retreat for your circle of friends, and has been a Stockton favorite for over 30 years.

This bistro and wine bar offers an eclectic mix of wines so you will be met with many hard-to-find varietals, many of which are French and Italian wines. In addition to the fine wine that can be enjoyed, Wine Wizards offers freshly made soups, sandwiches, salads, quiche, and specialty teas. You will appreciate Friday nights, as the owner will pair dinner with a unique selection of wine flights.

This place will help satiate wine geeks and amateur enthusiasts alike.

Click here for hours and directions.

Enjoy the San Joaquin Valley wine culture through a different lens the next time you’re making moves in and around the Stockton area.

Looking for more? Explore our Stockton area Winery Listings. You can message us 7 days a week for assistance on shopping, dining, and things to do in Stockton.