Wines of Lodi
Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards Visit – A Tasting & Conversation with Christina Lopez
Acquiesce Winery in Acampo at 22353 N. Tretheway Road in Acampo (just north of Lodi) has been a phenomenal success under the watchful eye of Sue Tipton. Met Sue many years ago and have watched her rise to fame, even as Winemaker of the Year in 2022. The awards are too many and are staggering to list. Her wines are always kept in my cellar, like her exquisite white wines like Bourboulenc, Picpoul Blanc, Roussanne, etc.
Photo from Acquiesce Winery
On my last visit to California, I contacted Sue and during the time frame she was traveling but had arranged for me to meet with Christina Lopez, winemaker and vineyard manager at Acquiesce. While having met Christina a few years back in passing had never spent any time with her and what a delight. She is extremely knowledgeable, witty and engaging. Here is a summary of our visit.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We first just started off talking and “informally introducing ourselves” to each other while sipping wonderful wines. First was their inaugural 2025 Grenache Gris which was light and elegant with citrus notes. It possesses a medium heavy body. This wine is listed at $35/bottle. This won Double Gold at the California State Fair Wine Competition and scored 97 points. It also received a Gold Medal at the International Women’s Wine Competition.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Next up was their new 2025 “Sirens” a blend of Grenache Blanc, Gris and Noir. In Greek mythology, siren mermaids were dangerous and alluring hybrid creatures with the head of a woman and the body of a bird who lured passing sailors to their deaths with hypnotic songs. Don’t worry, you will be drawn to this wine without bodily harm! The wine is aromatic, silky and unique in their lineup. Flavors of peach and tropical fruits were dominant. Christina described it as “a pin ball wizard in the mouth” with so much going on. This won the highest accolades at the International Women’s Wine Competition of Best of the Best, Best White and Double Gold. Additionally at the California State Fair Wine Competition it won Double Gold. Impressive for a “new wine”. This wine sells for $44/bottle.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Moving right along was their 2024 “Lucinda” a blend of Roussanne and Clairette Blanc that recently received 93 points from Wine Enthusiast and named a Hidden Gem. It is listed at $44/bottle. Of the various wines tasted this day, this got my highest rating.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We then partook of one of my favorites that Acquiesce produces, Roussanne. This was their current release the 2023. This wine burst forth with honeysuckle and counterbalanced with white tea notes. It was rated at 92 points by Wine Enthusiast and also noted as a Hidden Gem. It sells for $41/bottle. I was so enjoying the wine, I forgot to take a picture
The last wine that we tasted was again one that is always in the cellar, their Picpoul Blanc. The vineyard is now planted in the Beaucastel Clone. We tasted their 2025 vintage which possessed a mouth full filling and ended with a tart flavor. Picpoul translation from the original Occitan language means “lip stinger”. Acquiesce describes it as “light on its feet and lively on the finish”. The wine has a briny finish. This wine won Double Gold and was rated at 96 points at the California State Fair Wine Competition. It also won Gold at the International Women’s Wine Competition. It is listed at $37/bottle.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
During the discussion we spoke on various topics. One of the questions I asked at each of fifteen wineries I visited was how their business levels were from 2024 to 2025 and expected in 2026. This was only for reference in understanding how the “downturn” in the wine business was affecting their business. While not going into detail, Acquiesce business has remained basically flat from 24 to 25 and expected to be at the same level in 2026. That is, in the scope of today’s economic climate, great news. One of the key reasons is their unique wine varietal line up essentially producing all white wines in an area (Central Valley) that is known for their red wines. Sue made this conscious decision when she started the winery amidst many naysayers. She has grown and is outpacing many wineries today.
Their current production is roughly 3,500 to 4,000 cases a year. Their wine club is strong with steadfast and loyal members keeping it at the same number. Christina mentioned that reservations seem less and yet more walk-ins are showing up at the tasting room.
That led to the next question of how they were doing with what I call the “alphabet generations”, the next wave of younger wine drinkers. They have a blend of events scheduled at the winery to both their existing wine club members and introducing unique and creative activities to draw in new folks. Here is a list of just some of their formal events for 2026.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Sunset Socials, Oysters, Smash Burgers and Sushi pairing events are filled up and capped out!
What a great afternoon spent with Christina and tasting some new wines. While I have been a supporter of Acquiesce for years, it was wonderful to see their evolving lineup.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly