When I arrived at Stonum Vineyards in Lodi, California, I immediately felt at ease—the kind of comfort you feel when pulling into the driveway of a dear friend’s home. The vineyard stretched out in perfect rows, each vine heavy with clusters of deep purple grapes, their skins catching the sunlight like muted jewels. The air hummed softly with life as insects danced between blossoms, weaving their quiet chorus through the garden. At the heart of the property, a tranquil pond shimmered, embraced by native flora that seemed to sway in welcome. Rising around it all stood the modern winery buildings—clean, strong lines sheltering the alchemy of winemaking—while the two-story tasting room offered a view that promised both beauty and belonging.
What began as a family dream in 1979 has evolved into a flourishing winery that not only honors its roots but continues to reinvent itself for future generations. The story of Stonum Vineyards begins with siblings Mike and Kathy Stonum, who purchased 16 acres of agricultural land in Lodi at the close of the 1970s. At the time, the property bore eight acres of Bing cherries and seven acres of Tokay table grapes. But the vision was always bigger. Francesca Stonum, co-owner of the winery and vineyard and daughter of Mike, fondly recalled, “Mike and Kathy replanted the acreage to Zinfandel wine grapes, and there was no looking back after that.”
The journey was not without sacrifice. Both Mike and Kathy balanced full-time careers while nurturing the vineyard—Mike as a Battalion Chief with CalFire and Kathy in education. Over the decades, their dedication never wavered. “The family worked tirelessly to build the business and a wine brand,” Francesca shares. That effort eventually led to the creation of a state-of-the-art winery, a rustic tasting room, a magical event space, and even an organic flower and vegetable garden. The dream was one of constant growth, fueled by hard work and a deep love for both land and wine.
In 2019, tragedy struck with the passing of founder Mike Stonum. Yet, the vineyard carries on his legacy with strength and grace. Today, Stonum is run by his sister Kathy, his daughter Francesca, and his wife Maridel—women who honor his vision while bringing their own innovation and energy to the vineyard. In fact, one of the most unique aspects of the winery today is that it is entirely women-led. “Stonum is an all-female-run business—we are female business owners, winemakers, & farmers,” Francesca proudly notes.
A Boutique, Boutique Approach to Wine
What makes Stonum wines stand out in a region as acclaimed as Lodi? The answer lies in both terroir and craftsmanship. “Lodi is a wine growing region that specializes in Mediterranean grape varieties which do especially well in our unique terroir,” Francesca explains. Terroir—soil, climate, topography, and even the surrounding plant and animal life—creates a signature flavor that makes each vineyard unique.
Stonum’s philosophy is simple yet profound: let the vineyard speak. Their wines are handcrafted, artisan, and single-vineyard designated, with minimal intervention. “Our wines are small-batch—so small batch we call ourselves boutique, boutique,” Francesca explains. This attention to detail means each bottle reflects the character of its origin, with authenticity at the heart of every pour.
Of course, their signature wine remains the Estate Zinfandel, a nod to both their beginnings and to Lodi’s reputation as a Zinfandel powerhouse. The Stonum style, however, has its own flair. “Lodi is known for Zinfandel, and we have a unique style of our own; retrained & clean yet rich,” they say. Beyond Zinfandel, their lineup includes customer favorites like Petite Sirah, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc—wines that offer something for every palate.
A Tasting Experience Like No Other
A visit to Stonum Vineyards is not just about sipping wine—it’s about being welcomed into the family. “When people visit Stonum Vineyards, they can expect a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and top-notch customer service. We pride ourselves on making people feel comfortable and welcome, like they could stay all day if they wanted to!”…