Chill With Cabana Winery Wines
High-summer afternoons in California’s Central Valley can make even the most devoted wine lover think twice about a tasting tour. From early June through late September, Lodi averages daily highs above 85 °F, peaking near 93 °F in July and occasionally spiking past 100 °F. The asphalt shimmers, vineyard rows bake, and shaded patios don’t always cBeat the Valley Heat: Cabana Winery’s Crisp Whites & Rosés for Endless-Summer Sipping
When the Central Valley thermometer flirts with triple digits, locals know the coolest refuge isn’t always a swimming pool—it’s Cabana Winery’s air-conditioned urban cellar on Beckman Road. The Boston-to-Newport heritage behind Cabana shows up in the laid-back hospitality, but the refreshment comes straight from Lodi vines: zesty whites and chilled pinks that taste like an ocean breeze bottled for inland afternoons. Slip inside, grab a frosted stem, and discover four crowd-pleasing bottles ready to out-shine the sun.
Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Lodi
Sauvignon Blanc, Lodi 2022
A clean crisp wine, with a lovely aromas, hints of papaya with soft aromatics and nice smooth finish. Silver, SB Summit
Start with the cleanest cut of summer in the lineup. The Sauvignon Blanc 2022 opens with brisk aromas of papaya and citrus blossom before diving into a lime-flecked palate that finishes silky and dry. A quick 20-minute chill in the fridge is all it needs; pair it with Baja-style shrimp tacos or a simple goat-cheese salad and watch the heat recede like low tide.
RISK 2024 Sauvignon Blanc
RISK 2024 Sauvignon Blanc Lodi
This wine is bright with aromas of citrus blossom, stone fruit and lemon zest. The midpalate has flavors of cucumber, lime zest and papaya wrapped around minerality, dried herbs and long mouthwatering finish. Pair with fresh Oysters.
Craving a little more coastal swagger? The Smerling family’s premium RISK label turns the dial up on minerality. The 2024 release layers cucumber, lemon zest, and a whisper of dried herbs over a mouth-watering core—proof that 37 years of cellar know-how still leaves room for surprise. Fresh oysters or a tower of ceviche will make the citrus pop, but it also elevates a humble charcuterie board when the patio grill is still heating.
Rosé of Grenache 2021, Lodi
Rosé of Grenache 2021, Lodi
A semi dry style of Rose, hint fresh raspberries, just a touch of sweetness on the finish. Perfect with any meal. 92 Points AWS
No summer flight is complete without something pink, and Cabana’s Rosé of Grenache 2021 answers with a semi-dry style kissed by fresh raspberry. A touch of sweetness on the finish keeps palates refreshed long after the ice in your water glass melts. Serve it alongside watermelon-feta skewers or a caprese sandwich and let the crisp acidity cut through creamy textures. If you’re planning a sunset picnic at nearby Lodi Lake, this is the bottle to tuck into the cooler.
Smerlino Moscato 2021
Smerlino Moscato, Lodi 2021
Italian breakfast wine, light low alcohol, 12%. Semi Sweet. Natural sparkle with hints of citrus, Gold SF Chronicle
When the afternoon finally slides into evening, reach for the Smerlino Moscato 2021—a light, semi-sweet charmer with natural sparkle, floral aromatics, and tropical-fruit lift. Poured ice-cold, it doubles as dessert, but you can also turn it into an instant party by topping it with a splash of sparkling water for a low-ABV spritz. Brunch-goers swear by a Moscato mimosa, too; the wine’s bright fruit keeps orange juice from taking over the glass.
A Side Note for Chardonnay Fans
Prefer a touch of buttery comfort when the Delta breeze kicks up? Cabana keeps a chilled RISK 2021 Chardonnay on deck, rich with baked apple and vanilla but balanced enough for seafood linguine or grilled corn. One sip reminds you that “refreshing” doesn’t have to mean razor-sharp acid alone.
Plan Your Tasting
Flights start at just $10, and Saturdays (1 p.m.–5 p.m.) require no reservation. If you’d rather beat the crowds, book a Monday or Friday appointment for near-private barrel-room access. The lot offers plenty of free parking, and well-behaved pups on six-foot leashes are welcome to lounge at your feet—water bowls included. After tasting, swing by the online shop (cabanawinery.com/shop) to restock the fridge; most summer favorites ship statewide in lightweight, patio-ready cases.
Final Sip
Summer in Lodi may be relentless, but the cure is as easy as a chilled glass at Cabana Winery. Whether you’re chasing the citrus snap of Sauvignon Blanc, the berry-bright allure of rosé, or the effervescent charm of Moscato, Cabana pours a liquid vacation that lasts well beyond Labor Day. Reserve your spot, rally your crew (dog included), and toast to staying cool the most delicious way possible.
Cheers to endless summer, one perfectly frosty pour at a time.