Gnekow Family Winery

Located just 20 miles south of Lodi, Gnekow Family Winery (nee-ko) was founded with two essential principles: first, to handcraft quality wines from the region’s distinctive grapes by applying old and New World winemaking techniques; and second, to create wines that are fun, exciting, and exceptional values.

Founded in 1996, Gnekow Family Winery proudly produces the Campus Oaks label, a portfolio of varietal wines that have, to date, received more than 100 awards in national and international competitions. Winemaker Cris Legrandjacques came to Gnekow with more than 16 years of global winemaking experience. He was trained at the prestigious G.H. Mumm in Reims-champagne, and also at Château de Chantegrive in the Graves district of Bordeaux, France. Cris and his supporting crew of veteran cellar workers have formed a unique bond that allows them to pursue new levels of excellence and exhilaration in the wines they create. Besides campus oaks, they also craft wines for Gnekow’s Yn label— great value-priced wines for everyday drinking.

Chateau Meroux, Gnekow’s estate vineyard, was the inspiration for its exceptional signature line of Chateau Meroux wines. The brand Chateau Meroux was featured in the movie The Chateau Meroux and is an integral part of the plot. Both Yn and campus oaks are featured in the film, which stars Christopher Lloyd, Amanda Righetti, and Marla Sokoloff. The movie will be released on television in the spring of 2012. In addition, the estate vineyard is making another kind of debut in 2012—as a venue for intimate weddings, corporate retreats, and other events.

Ever vigilant in striving for fresh, new product to appeal to its loyal following, the winery has new labels in the works and hopes to release them soon. Gnekow Family Winery is proud of its wines, its people, and the region it represents. The commitment to produce quality, value-oriented, easy-to-drink, and interesting wines while maintaining a friendly, professional approach to doing business never waivers.