Discover RISK by Cabana Winery: Lodi’s Premium Wines
Cabana Winery burst onto Lodi’s urban-winery scene in 2011, founded by Robert Smerling—a veteran winemaker who spent nearly two decades building Renwood Winery in Amador County. From the outset, the Smerlings set out to merge Old‑World craftsmanship with New‑World creativity, producing wines that are both affordable and world‑class. Housed in a modern industrial warehouse at 710 S. Beckman Road, Cabana offers a warm, dog‑friendly tasting room where guests can explore a diverse portfolio of wines spanning Lodi, Napa, Sonoma, and Amador AVAs.
Central to Cabana’s identity is the RISK label—an acronym honoring Robert, Irene, Sarah, Kelly, and son‑in‑law Sam Smerling. RISK represents the family’s boldest endeavors: small‑lot, French‑oak‑aged wines that showcase premium grapes from Lodi and beyond. Since its debut, RISK Cabernet has become the pinnacle of 37 years of Smerling winemaking, consistently winning double‑gold medals and critical acclaim. While Cabana’s core portfolio focuses on crowd‑pleasing Lodi varietals, RISK pushes the envelope, sourcing from premier sites like Napa’s Oakville AVA and experimenting with non‑alcoholic expressions. Together, Cabana and RISK demonstrate that an urban winery can rival traditional estates in both quality and innovation.
Origins of RISK
Robert Smerling’s passion for Zinfandel in the early ’90s catalyzed his founding of Renwood Winery, where he earned a reputation for rich, balanced reds. In 2011, driven by a desire to create a modern, approachable tasting‑room experience, he and his family launched Cabana Winery in downtown Lodi. Almost immediately, Cabana’s production model—small‑lot fermentations, meticulous barrel selections, and minimal intervention—garnered attention. As demand grew for an elevated tier of wines, the Smerlings introduced RISK, concentrating limited production on ultra‑premium varietals and single‑vineyard bottlings. The very name “RISK” reflects their willingness to innovate: sourcing Malbec grapes for a non‑alcoholic release, procuring Chardonnay from cooler Lodi sites, and investing in 100‑percent new French oak barrels for their flagship Cabernet. These calculated “risks” would pay off in the form of medals and high scores from Wine Enthusiast and other critics.
RISK 2024 Sauvignon Blanc (Lodi)
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.
One of RISK’s most anticipated annual releases, the 2024 Sauvignon Blanc offers a textbook demonstration of Lodi’s cooler microclimates. Bright and invigorating, it opens with aromas of citrus blossom, stone fruit, and lemon zest. On the palate, layers of cucumber, lime zest, and papaya are woven around a mineral backbone, with dried herb notes lingering through a long, mouthwatering finish. Though priced at $20, it drinks with the precision of a higher‑end bottling, thanks to small‑lot stainless‑steel fermentation and sur‑lie aging. This is the perfect wine for pairing with fresh oysters, ceviche, or goat‑cheese salad on a sun‑splashed patio.
RISK 2021 Chardonnay (Lodi)
RISK 2021 Lodi Chardonnay
This wine is rich and concentrated, with aromas of baked stone fruit and vanilla. The midpalate has flavors of baked buttery apple, pear and orange blossom honey joined with vanilla, spiced almond and a dry finish. Pair with cream sauces.
Crafted from grapes harvested in cooler pockets of Lodi, the 2021 Chardonnay delivers a balanced, refined experience. It’s rich and concentrated without tipping into overblown butteriness: expect aromas of baked stone fruit (think ripe peach and apricot) lifted by subtle vanilla from French oak aging. The midpalate offers baked apple, pear, and a touch of orange‑blossom honey, finishing with toasted almond and a dry, lingering conclusion. At $20 per bottle and a 90‑point Wine Enthusiast rating, this Chardonnay holds its own among pricier California counterparts. Pair it with creamy pasta dishes, lobster bisque, or herb‑roasted chicken to accentuate its layered texture and bright acidity.
RISK 2022 Pinot Noir (Lodi)
RISK 2022 Pinot Noir Lodi
This wine is fresh, bright with aromas of red berries, red plums, florals and cinnamon spice. The midpalate has flavors of baked red plums, blood orange and cinnamon stick sliding into cracked black pepper and a silky finish. Pair with weekday takeout.
Pinot Noir is notoriously fickle in the Central Valley, but the 2022 vintage proves Lodi can craft an expressive, Burgundian‑style red when the fruit comes off the right site. Aromas of red berries, red plums, florals, and a hint of cinnamon spice greet the nose. On the palate, baked red plums and blood‑orange notes transition into cinnamon stick, all framed by cracked black pepper and a silky, moderate tannin structure. At $25, this Pinot Noir exemplifies small‑lot barrel selection (10 months in French oak) and meticulous sorting of wild‑yeast ferments. Pair it with weekday takeout—think margherita pizza or chicken‑poblano enchiladas—to enjoy its approachable nature without overthinking the pairing.
RISK 2022 Non‑Alcoholic Malbec (Lodi)
RISK 2022 NON-ALCOHOLIC Malbec
Our non-alcoholic Malbec, vintage 2022. Barrel-aged for depth, it showcases the classic flavors of Malbec.
SHIPPING NOTE: This wine can be shipped to all 48 contiguous states, excluding Hawaii and Alaska.
Innovation extends beyond alcohol thresholds: the 2022 Non‑Alcoholic Malbec addresses a growing demand for complex, zero‑proof options. Aged briefly in French oak for added depth, this Malbec offers varietal markers—notes of blackberry, plum, and dark chocolate—while maintaining a velvety mouthfeel. Priced at $30 and vegan‑friendly, it ships to all 48 contiguous states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii). This release confirms Cabana’s commitment to exploring every facet of modern consumer preferences without sacrificing flavor or structure. Serve it chilled or at cellar temperature alongside mushroom risotto, hearty salads with blue cheese, or aromatic non‑alcoholic pairings like grilled portobello tacos.
RISK 2022 Petite Sirah (Lodi)
RISK 2022 Petite Sirah Lodi
This wine is opulent, with rich aromas of dried black currant, turmeric and molasses. The palate has flavors of boysenberry, black cherry, dried bay leaf and orange zest wrapped around black-tea leaves and mineral, with a dry, mouthwatering finish. Decant and enjoy.
Lodi’s Petite Sirah thrives on concentrated fruit, and the 2022 RISK Petite Sirah delivers a powerful, opulent wine that begs to be decanted. Aromas of dried black currant, turmeric, and molasses set the stage for a palate rich with boysenberry, black cherry, dried bay leaf, and orange zest. Underneath, black‑tea notes and a chalky mineral core lead into a dry, mouthwatering finish. At $30, this small‑lot bottling spent 18 months in new French oak, ensuring a plush, structured profile that pairs spectacularly with grilled meats, osso buco, or cassoulet in cooler months.
RISK 2022 Napa Valley Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon
RISK 2022 Napa Valley Oakville Cabernet
Our biggest cabernet. Very ripe fruit.Big tannin, rich complex flavors, blackberries, dark chocolate with hints of cedar. This wine needs to be open for an hour or laid down for a few years. 24 months in French. Double Gold AWS; Gold, 91 pts Sunset Int
Stepping outside Lodi’s boundaries, RISK taps one of Napa’s most prestigious AVAs: Oakville. The 2022 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon clocks in at $150, reflecting its status as Cabana’s “biggest Cabernet.” Sourced from hillside vineyards in the heart of Oakville, this wine offers concentrated layers of blackberry, cassis, and dark chocolate, underscored by notes of graphite and dried herbs. Rich tannins and a dense midpalate suggest 24–30 months of new French oak aging, followed by ample bottle age. Critics have awarded this bottling 94+ points, lauding its complexity and cellar potential. Pair with dry‑rubbed prime rib, beef Wellington, or A5 wagyu for a truly memorable experience.
Cabana’s Core Lodi Portfolio
While RISK shines in the spotlight, Cabana’s main label delivers exceptional value through classic Lodi varietals. The 2023 Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon (Cabana label) blends 6 % Merlot and 2 % Petite Verdot, aged 18 months in French oak: expect full‑bodied, lush berry flavors with mocha hints, all at $25 per bottle and a 92‑point Wine Enthusiast score. The 2021 Old Vine Zinfandel—harvested from 105‑year‑old vines—offers bold aromatics of dried cherry and strawberry cream, backed by mocha and sage on the finish; Wine Enthusiast awarded it 90 points, and it lists at $25. For lovers of rosé, the 2021 Rosé of Grenache delivers fresh raspberry aromatics and a whisper of sweetness at $20—ideal with charcuterie or spicy prawns. Meanwhile, the 2021 Smerlino Moscato (12 % ABV) serves as an “Italian breakfast wine,” offering natural sparkle, citrus hints, and a gold medal from the San Francisco Chronicle at $20. Finally, Grenache Lodi 2023 ($25) offers ripe strawberry and pomegranate notes, perfect for grilled pork or pizza nights.
Visiting the Urban Tasting Room
Cabana’s tasting room embodies the family’s warm hospitality: open Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (walk‑ins welcome) and by appointment on Mondays and Fridays. Tasting fees start at $10 per person (waived with a three‑bottle purchase), and well‑behaved dogs on six‑foot leashes are always welcome. The climate‑controlled cellar sits just beyond the public area, ensuring barrel integrity and a comfortable guest environment—proof that meticulous attention to production also enhances hospitality. On a busy weekend, plan for a 30‑minute tasting flight that highlights Cabana’s Lodi classics alongside RISK’s premium selections; during the week, appointments allow deeper barrel and blending tours. Plenty of free parking and easy access from Highway 99 make Cabana a must‑visit stop on any Lodi Wine Country itinerary.
Shop Online & Wine Club
For those unable to visit in person, Cabana’s online shop (cabanawinery.com/shop) offers direct shipping of both Cabana and RISK wines, with discounts on three‑bottle purchases and flat‑rate case shipping across most U.S. states. Club members enjoy waived tasting fees, exclusive access to limited releases (such as RISK Oakville Cabernet), and invitations to member‑only events—like the annual harvest dinner and barrel‑sample nights. To join, simply select a membership tier on the “Shop” page; payments are processed quarterly or annually, with shipping configured based on your location. Club perks include 20 % off all Cabana wines, complimentary shipping on mixed cases (12 bottles), and early purchase windows for holiday specials like the Old Vine Zinfandel case at a 40 % discount.
From its East Coast heritage and Old‑World techniques to RISK’s boundary‑pushing releases, Cabana Winery exemplifies what an urban winery can achieve: high‑quality wines that honor tradition while embracing innovation. Whether you’re drawn to RISK’s premium Sauvignon Blanc, robust Petite Sirah, or Napa Valley Oakville Cabernet, or you prefer Cabana’s core Lodi portfolio—Old Vine Zinfandel, Rosé of Grenache, or Smerlino Moscato—there’s a wine for every palate and occasion. Visit Cabana’s tasting room, explore the online shop, or join the wine club to experience firsthand the Smerling family’s dedication to crafting extraordinary wines “worth the RISK.”
Book Your Experience
To experience the full range of Cabana and RISK wines firsthand, visit the Cabana Winery tasting room in Lodi or schedule an appointment. For more information or to order online, explore Cabana Winery’s Shop and consider joining the wine club for exclusive perks.