History

It was the dream of a young Dutch immigrant to grow quality grapes and produce truly outstanding wines.

After his arrival in the United States shortly after World War II, John Van Ruiten settled in the Lodi area. His desire to have his own land was quickly realized when in the early 1950's and with his personal "sweat equity", John bought his first vineyard property. He then planted Zinfandel vines and began growing wine grapes in the Lodi Appellation.

Five decades later, the Van Ruitens farm over 800 acres of wine grapes, with only their very best fruit destined to carry the family name. After more than fifty years, their ambition became a reality as the Van Ruiten Family Winery was built just prior to the 2000 harvest. Three generations of the Van Ruiten family now work together to tend the vineyards and manage their new winery. The Van Ruitens believe that hard work and an uncompromising commitment to top quality are the cornerstones of their business.

The Vision of John Sr.

The Van Ruiten story began with an American dream-hard work in the face of adversity and a drive to make something special.

Shortly after World War II, John Van Ruiten Sr. arrived in the United States and settled in the rich farmlands of the Lodi area. As a young Dutch immigrant, he had a dream of growing quality grapes and producing truly outstanding wines. His desire to have his own land was realized in the early 1950's when, prodded by a friend and local banker, John bought on a handshake the "Happy Holmes Dairy." He then made a sharp-eyed purchase of an old Zinfandel vineyard. With large amounts of "sweat equity", he planted additional Zinfandel vines and began growing wine grapes in the Lodi Appellation. Five decades later, the Van Ruitens farm approximately 1,000 acres, with only their very best fruit destined to carry the family name.

John's first fields of Zinfandel vines remain part of the estate to this day; however the surrounding landscape is quite different. Once known strictly as a grape growing district serving the major Napa Valley Winemakers. Lodi has become a world-class winemaking region in its own right. Large wineries and intimate tasting rooms are now found along Lodi's country roads, and are known among cognizant oenophiles the world over as the secret home of some of California's best wine-especially Old Vine Zinfandels, and in Lodi, Zinfandel is King.

Van Ruiten Winery

Mid-way between the Sierra Foothills and San Francisco Bay Delta, vineyards such as those owned by the Van Ruiten Family profit from the ideal delta influenced climate (cool afternoon breeze) that produce ripe full-flavored Zinfandels. Before settlement, the San Joaquin Valley was often an inland sea after winter rains and spring snow melt. The resulting flood drainage and soil deposits surrounding Lodi left a rich soil that drains easily, producing one-of-a-kind harvests.

For 50 years, the grapes grown in the Van Ruiten vineyards were harvested and shipped to other wineries every summer. The family wanted to branch out into winemaking, and in 1999 the first varieties of the Van Ruiten wines went into production. Among the most memorable and lasting first wines was a Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz blend that remains one of the families most popular today, along with the famous Old Vine Zinfandel, and the exceptional Chardonnay.

In 2000, less than a year after kicking off its first season of winemaking, the Van Ruiten family opened a state-of-the-art winery among their vineyards along Highway 12. The following year saw an addition of a tasting room, which allowed thirsty travelers to sample the winery's growing list of award winning wines. Soon a growing number of local boutique wineries were knocking at the door, seeking custom crush and winemaking services.

World class wine collectors, as well as leading vintners, entrepreneurs, consumers and wine lovers have quickly discovered the distinctiveness and quality available through the old family vineyards in Lodi. They now look for the Lodi and specifically the Van Ruiten Family name when patronizing exclusive establishments presenting the best wines for the world to their customers.

Three generations of the Van Ruiten family now work together tending the vineyards, managing the winery and bringing the finest wines to market. The Van Ruitens believe that hard work and an uncompromising commitment to excellence are the cornerstones of success today, and for their sixteen grandchildren and the generations to come.