At Gnarly Head it all starts in the vineyard. Our quest for outstanding Zinfandel led us down a country road into the heart of Lodi, California revealing a sea of gnarled, 35-80 year-old vines pruned in a special, mop-topped way called “head trained.” True gnarly heads, these old vines yield fewer grape clusters with smaller berries than trellised vines. These mighty little berries produce intense, bold wines that are deep in color with concentrated dark fruit flavors.

Mac got into food and wine during his early twenties via his friends and coworkers at Trader Joe's in Southern California. He soon began taking trips up to the Central Coast to just to taste, but quickly found himself volunteering his time on his days off to help out at a number of wineries. After learning the process for a few years and spending more and more time on the Central Coast, Mac was ready to start making wine for himself.

Husband and wife team, Tim and Lani Holdener, who started the operation in the Lodi Appellation in 2001, have scoured California's premium vineyards to find the best grapes for over seven Zinfandels bottled and a handful of promising Italian varietals offered by Macchia.

Best place for a very relaxing, tranquil, and private atmosphere. We arrived during low season so that may be a key reason why it was so relaxing and quiet. MUST TRY: Napa Cellars Pinot Noir. Affordable: REALLY reasonably priced for the budget wino. The Menage a Trois bottles range from $7.50 to $12.00 a bottle if you sign up for wine club membership. They carry the newer vintages/types of wines that you wont find at the grocery stores.

Did a tasting and they were all very good for the prices. The Menage a Trois Cabernet is $10.50 and a very good table wine for everyday meals. I am not a fan of Mascato's generally but theirs was not overly sweet and it was more of a undertone verses dominating.