Each week, I like to spotlight a wine that has truly stood out—whether for its unique character, the story behind its creation, or simply the pure joy it brings. This week’s pick – the 2023 Fields Family Wines Estate Vermentino, is a captivating, harmonious and nuanced wine that is refreshingly low in alcohol.
Nuanced, effortlessly balanced, and refreshingly low in alcohol—yet every bit as captivating.
Fields Family Wines: A Passion Project Rooted in Lodi
Fields Family Wines is a labor of love, built on friendship, hard work, and a deep respect for the land. Founded by Russ Fields, an attorney by day, and his wife Melinda, the winery took shape when Fields set out to purchase a vineyard in 2004. That’s when he met Ryan Sherman, a realtor with a passion for wine. The two clicked instantly. A year later, Fields acquired a certified organic Syrah vineyard, and together, they began the painstaking work of restoring the property and building what would become Fields Family Wines. Today, the estate vineyard is home to Syrah, Mourvèdre, Tempranillo, Grenache Blanc, and Vermentino.
Sherman, now the winemaker and a partner in the winery alongside his wife, Jalynn, is entirely self-taught. But growing up in Lodi gave him a front-row seat to some of the region’s best growers and winemakers—mentors who helped shape his approach. His philosophy is clear: let the vineyards speak. With a minimalist approach to winemaking, Sherman believes in crafting wines that are a pure reflection of place. More importantly, Fields and Sherman make wines they truly love to drink—balanced, expressive, and driven by freshness rather than power.
Fields Family Wines debuted with just 350 cases from the 2008 vintage. By 2013, production had grown to 1,600 cases—a level Sherman jokes is “just about the max we can do while keeping our day jobs and avoiding divorce papers.”
Their focus remains on small-lot, high-quality wines, primarily sourced from vineyards on the east side of the Mokelumne River AVA. With production limited to 125-200 case lots, Sherman stays hands-on, ensuring every bottle reflects their commitment to excellence.
Vermentino
Vermentino, a white grape with deep Mediterranean roots, thrives along the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy, France, and beyond. Most famously cultivated in Sardinia, Liguria, and Corsica, it also flourishes in Provence, where it’s known as Rolle. Prized for its bright acidity and citrus-driven vibrancy, Vermentino is remarkably versatile in the cellar—capable of being vinified in stainless steel for purity, aged in oak for added texture, or even skin-fermented for deeper complexity. Yet, no matter the approach, it consistently retains a signature freshness, even in the heat of its sun-drenched growing regions.
Lately, winemakers have been embracing Vermentino not just for its character but for its resilience. Naturally drought-tolerant and remarkably adaptable to extreme temperatures, it has become an increasingly popular choice in regions contending with climate change. As sustainability takes center stage, Vermentino offers a compelling solution—producing wines that are not only expressive and refreshing but also well-suited to the realities of a warming world.
2023 Fields Family Wines Estate Vermentino
Tasting Note: Pale straw with a greenish hue, with enticing aromas of crisp green apple, lemon verbena, acacia, citrus zest, and a delicate hint of crushed rock. On the palate, it’s light-bodied with zesty, mouthwatering acidity. Flavors of green apple, underripe stone fruit and mixed citrus zest—lemon, lime, and a touch of grapefruit—are seamlessly layered with a subtle note of green almond. A refined, appetizing bitterness adds depth and a savory edge, enhancing its complexity and lingering finish. 12.2% abv | SRP – $25
We paired this wine with a NYT Shrimp Pasta recipe—a shrimp twist on vongole rosso, the classic Italian dish of clams, pasta, tomatoes, garlic, and white wine. I used this very wine in the recipe itself, creating a seamless bridge from the pan to the glass. The bright citrus, zesty acidity, and savory undertones intertwined beautifully with the dish, making for a fantastic match that elevated every bite.
The 2023 Fields Family Wines Estate Vermentino is a testament to how beautifully this Mediterranean grape thrives in Lodi’s sun-soaked vineyards. With its vibrant acidity, nuanced flavors, and refreshing balance, it’s a wine that invites both casual sipping and thoughtful appreciation. Whether you’re a longtime Vermentino fan or just discovering its charm, this bottle is well worth seeking out.
Have you tried Vermentino before? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! And if you’re looking for a fresh, food-friendly white to add to your rotation, check out Fields Family Wines and support small, passionate producers making wines they love to drink.