Calivines Tasting Room: It’s the Best of Both Worlds, Wine and Olive Oil!

Olive oil and wine have been a part of civilization since the dawn of time, and olive oil consumption has been rising steadily with the interest in healthy living and the use of extra-virgin olive oil. The Coldani family, four generations of farmers, have been the driving force of Calivirgin Olive Oil Company, transitioning from growing the perfect olive crop to producing their own brand and first bottle of Calivirgin oil in 2007.

But another idea had been fermenting in the minds of the Coldanis for a number of years, and in June 2021, the fruits of their labors were evident with the opening of the expansive, beautiful new Calivines Tasting Room. Gina Coldani Sans and Julie Coldani, along with the family matriarch, Jeanne Coldani, hinted about the future in the November 2017 HERLIFE Magazine cover feature. “One of our tag lines is that our olive oil is so good that it should be on the wine list,” laughed Gina, the company’s co-CEO. And now it is!

The Venture
But how do you transition from olive oil to wine? “We wanted to be more than a retail store, as we were at the Coldani Olive Ranch tasting room,” Julie, marketing director, noted. “Wines have a public presence in Lodi, and our evolving business plan included wine. With our olive oil, our family set out to produce an ultra-premium olive oil, and we do all we can to provide quality control, from harvesting at the perfect moment to bottling. When we began co-milling with fresh produce to make flavored olive oils, it changed the dynamics of the business and helped us grow.”

“We learned so much from the process of creating an exceptional olive oil with superior taste that we were able to translate that experience into producing wines,” said Gina. “We took a lot of time to make sure our wines are at the same high level of quality and flavor for our visitors and customers.” The process is similar to that of bringing a child into the world. “Our children are around eight years to nine years old; when we looked back at the time line for this venture, it was eight years ago that we obtained our first permit for expansion. Now that baby is growing into its own place in the family business!”

Adventure
The new winery and olive mill, an expansive modern building, features 14 wine varietals along with the olive oils. It is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The first wine tasting is at 10:00 a.m., the last wine tasting is at 3:30 p.m., and the last bottle or glass purchase to enjoy on the property is 4:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Table service is available with an olive oil and/or wine tasting flight, and wines may be purchased by the glass or bottle as well as delicious food bites. Children are welcome under adult supervision and should be included in reservation party size. 

Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., visitors can enjoy live music on the patio performed by a variety of local musicians. “We’re exceptionally kid friendly and pet friendly,” Julie affirmed. “Our outdoor spaces have tables with umbrellas for shade. We have a lot to offer travelers as well as locals. I can confidently say that today, we have such a variety of wines and olive oils that anyone can find something they will enjoy.”

Club members receive special member benefits. “Club members have exclusive access to our club lounge or patio for a more intimate and private experience,” Gina affirmed. “Members can enjoy a complimentary tasting flight along with up to 3 guests. We also have wines available to purchase by the glass or bottle as well as delicious food bites! It’s free to join and members receive a 20 percent discount and more.”

Visitors will find a wide selection of wines, flavored olive oils, bread dips, tasting sets and more, for their own use and for gifts. “The white bottle of Calivirgin extra virgin olive oil appeals to everyone. Add some dipping spices, some balsamic and a bottle of Calivines chardonnay and you have the perfect gift for any special occasion,” Gina said.

The Passion
Gina and Julie may have olive oil and wine in their veins, but each has a personal favorite. “I love the lemon and jalapeno olive oils, and I’m leaning toward the Malbec wine today,” shared Julie. “I like the basil, and the viognier wine is very good; it’s different as a white wine, light-bodied with aromas of honeysuckle, honeydew, pear and white peach. In addition, I like our cabernet for a change to red.”

“We find huge satisfaction in providing such a healthy product, and we’re both so fortunate to work in an industry that we have so much passion for,” they concluded.

Visit the Calivines, Calivirgin and Lodi Olive Company Winery and Olive Mill at 13950 Thornton Road, Lodi California, calivirgin.com or call 209-210-3162 for information.