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Fruits of the Vine B Y L A R RY H A R L A N D 172 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • H O L I D A Y 2 0 1 7 wine notes Owners of Lodi based winery Twisted Roots, Matt and Laura Brem, Whitney Pridey (wine club manager), Julie Ruiz and Josh Ruiz (winemaker) enjoy a warm fall evening on the patio of their Carmel Valley Tasting room. Photo: Kelli Uldall A t a time when Twisted Roots Vineyards pays homage to its histor y—with gnarled, 99-year-old family-planted Zinfandel vines a storied symbol of longevity—it's still a newcomer in many respects. The winery's roots reach deep into the soil of Lodi, site of the family owned vineyards that always produced wine grapes for others. It wasn't until 2005 that Twisted Roots decided to keep some of the grapes for its own production. In 2013, co-owners Josh and Julie Ruiz made headlines by opening a tasting room in Carmel Valley, pouring gold-medal-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Old Vine Zinfandel and flagship Petite Syrah. "At first, some of the other winemakers were leery about having a Lodi winery here," says Josh Ruiz,"but they've accepted us." Ruiz is actually a local boy who works in the Salinas produce business as vice president of agricultural operations for Church Brothers Farms. Twisted Roots has been in his wife's family for a century, and moving south was a huge decision. "Customers have responded, and our reputation now speaks for itself," Ruiz says. Next year, Twisted Roots plans an ongoing celebration to honor "100 years since the first vines were planted," he adds. This includes special events, wine deals and exclusive wine club member giveaways—with hand etched bottles of the "1918" Old Vine Zin. It culminates with a black-tie, 1920s Hollywood style par ty at the tasting room inside LyonsHead Galler y, which will be expanded, remodeled and updated. It shows how Twisted Roots has evolved from a mom-and-pop opera- tion to a well organized LLC. "It's very exciting to watch the growth," says Ruiz, who remembers sell- ing wine out of his car. "Part of my day job is innovation," Ruiz says. "I'm a customer at heart. I'm always interested in keeping it fresh, launching different projects." It's been 100 years in the making, but that innovative approach has given Twisted Roots the chance to crush it—both here and there. Twisted Roots Vineyard is located at 12 Del Fino Place, Carmel Valley. 831/594-8282 or www.twistedrootsvineyard.com.