Gnarly Head Cellars

Gnarly Head wines began with a vision and a vine. In 2004, on a mission to make a serious Zinfandel, our winemakers journeyed to Lodi in central California in search of the famed old vine Zinfandel vineyards. Grown in the head-trained, spur-pruned method for over a century, these vigorous gnarled vines produced more ripened red fruit than they had ever seen. They took it as a challenge to create the biggest, boldest Zinfandel they had ever made. The result was authentic, structured wines with a hint of something unexpected. Something Gnarly. 
 

But Zinfandel is not the only grape that can be Gnarly. Our winemakers select grapes from some of the best vineyards in Northern California to produce wines in our Gnarly house style--big and juicy. These wines are the perfect complement to life's bold moments.

Kramer Vineyard – Home to Gnarly Head Old Zinfandel Vines

Old Zinfandel Vines date back to the early 1900s when Italian immigrants settled on the west side of Lodi and planted Zinfandel. The best vineyards are still owned and managed by these families, some going on their fourth generation as farmers. Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin is sourced from these family owned and managed vineyards with long term contracts; many that began with a handshake years ago.

Clay Station Vineyard

Clay Station is the historic Old Borden Ranch purchased by Delicato Family Vineyards in 1995. It currently has 1,300 acres planted to vines. This exceptional vineyard is sustainably farmed based on the Lodi Rules and is certified by Protected Harvest, an environmental non-profit organization that endorses farmers’ use of stringent environmental farming standards (Lodi Rules Certified since 2006). Clay Station is a source for Gnarly Head’s portfolio of wine.

Bud Bradle – Viticulturist, Gnarly Head

At Gnarly Head, Bud ensures that our sustainably-farmed vines flourish in some of the oldest, most respected vineyards in Lodi. The Zinfandel vines, some of the oldest in California, are grown in the traditional freestanding “head-trained” way and provide inspiration for Bud. He ensures that all of the Gnarly Head vines produce fruit for the collection in the signature Gnarly House Style.

Scott Jones – Winemaker, Gnarly Head

In 2008, Scott joined the Gnarly Head team as the Winemaker, continuing to build his expertise in the Lodi growing region; a crucial attribute for Gnarly Head. Each day, he spends hours in our sustainably-farmed vineyards inspecting the vineyard blocks, tasting the grapes and maintaining relationships with growers that have lasted several generations. In the cellar, Scott ensures his winemaking techniques support Gnarly Head’s signature bold style.