Stonum Vineyards in California Surprised Me With Its Story and Flavors—And It Felt Like Discovering a Hometown Gem

Stonum is an all-female-run business—we are female business owners, winemakers, & farmers.

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.

“Our wines are small-batch—so small batch we call ourselves boutique, boutique.”

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.

Until this day, customers remember the warm welcome, and the lumpia!

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!”

That hospitality is woven deep into the winery’s story. Before the tasting room was ever built, guests would sit in the family’s yard to sample wines, often joined by Mike and Maridel, who would invite them into their home. Maridel, honoring her Filipino heritage, often prepared homemade lumpia for guests. “Until this day, customers remember the warm welcome and the lumpia!”

This spirit of generosity continues today, making Stonum Vineyards not just a tasting destination but a place where visitors feel like part of something larger—a family tradition carried forward with love.

In fact, during my visit to Stonum, I was lucky enough to have a platter of fresh lumpia made by Maridel to complement my wine tasting. The homemade lumpia arrived golden and crisp, a delicate wrapper hugging the hand-stuffed ingredients. The gentleness of the oil had already begun to soak into the paper towel beneath it—a humble, comforting sign that it had been made with care rather than pretense. It wasn’t a pairing designed in some formal tasting room, but one born of heritage, heart, and the simple joy of sharing food and wine around a family table. I'll never forget this moment.

Rooted in Community

The Lodi wine community is known for its collaborative, inclusive nature, and Stonum is proud to be an active part of that. “The Lodi wine community is a very down-to-earth, inclusive, and supportive community that works together for the benefit of all,” Francesa notes. In an industry that can often feel competitive, the cooperative atmosphere of Lodi helps sustain the spirit of winemaking for everyone.

That sense of community also shines through in the events Stonum hosts. Their annual Winemaker’s Dinner, scheduled for August 30th this year, is a beloved tradition. Set right in the vineyard, the dinner pairs farm-to-table dishes crafted from produce grown in their regenerative garden with their newest wine releases. Guests not only savor a meal but also connect deeply with the land that produced it.

Stonum also embraces music and fun with monthly family-friendly concerts and their largest celebration of the year, the Alpine Block Party. In collaboration with neighboring wineries Klinker Brick and Price Vineyards, the event features live bands, food trucks, and transportation via the Lodi Wine Trolley. Looking ahead, they’re planning something even bigger: “In 2026, we will be adding a theme to the Block Party, so guests, prepare to dress up!”

The creativity doesn’t stop there. Each year, under their KMS Collection (named for winemaker Kathleen Margaret Stonum), they experiment with new varietals. “This fluid collection showcases unique varieties…and changes based on what peaks Kathy’s interest in a given year.” In 2026, the collection will feature their first-ever Barbera, an Italian variety that thrives in Lodi’s soil.

Overcoming Challenges

As with many small businesses, Stonum has faced its share of hurdles. “The biggest challenge we’ve faced in the forty-six years we’ve been in business is the current state of the wine industry in California,” Francesca admits. With vineyards being pulled out, generational family vineyards going up for sale, and wine sales and tasting room traffic slowing, the market has grown increasingly tough. Yet their philosophy is one of perseverance: “If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s to keep doing what you love and move with the ebbs and flows.”

Building a Legacy

Through every season of change, Stonum Vineyards remains grounded in the legacy of its founders and the dedication of the family that carries it forward. When asked what accomplishment they’re most proud of, the answer comes without hesitation: “Our greatest accomplishment is building Stonum Vineyards, small and family owned, into a successful business in one generation through hard work, tenacity, and unwavering dedication to fulfilling a dream.”

That dream is alive and well today, bottled up in every Zinfandel and poured into every story shared in their tasting room.