A winery set apart, alive with history and heart.
Bear Creek Winery is located in Lodi, California and focuses on the production of sustainable Lodi wines. Founded in 1934 as a grower cooperative, it was later acquired by the Kautz family in 1997. Under Kautz ownership, the winery was completely renovated into a state-of-the-art wine production facility to meet contemporary demand. Since its acquisition, Bear Creek Winery has grown to become the 6th largest family-owned U.S. grape grower and winery operation.
From grape supply to wine processing services, Bear Creek Winery is recognized as the preferred outsourcing partner for many of the world’s leading beverage alcohol companies and brand owners. It has earned a reputation as one of the premier custom wine producers in California.
With a rich history in winegrape growing and diverse microclimates, Lodi is one of the most unique appellations in all of California. Lodi is quickly gaining worldwide recognition for producing complex, high quality, award winning wines.
Proud to be Family Owned and Operated
With over 7,000 acres of vineyards in the Lodi and Sierra Foothills appellations, Kautz Family Farms is a major supplier of wine grapes to the California wine industry. Kautz Farms started in the hands of John Kautz, a young row crop farmer from Lodi who saw a future in growing wine grapes in the region. Starting with just 12 acres in 1948, John quickly built an excellent reputation as a dedicated farmer. In 1968, he decided to plant wine grapes knowing the special qualities and unique micro-climate of the up-and-coming Lodi Appellation. With the help of his family, they were able to grow the business by selling grapes, bulk wines, and branded goods to become the California Association of Winegrape Growers 2012 Grower of the Year.
Lodi Appellation
The Lodi AVA was designated an America Viticultural Area in 1986.
Located in the Central Valley of California, at the northern edge of the San Joaquin Valley, it is 90 mins from San Francisco and only 60 mins from Napa. Due to this close proximity, Lodi enjoys similar climate and growing conditions to its coastal neighbors. Lodi’s Mediterranean climate includes warm days, and cool nights that are courtesy of the Delta breeze. You may be surprised to find out that Lodi produces more wine each year than Napa and Sonoma combined!
Certified Sustainable Custom Wine Production Facility
In an era marked by environmental challenges, sustainability has emerged as a crucial concept that offers hope for a brighter and greener future. It is no longer a buzzword but a way of life that is becoming increasingly important. We understand that sustainability is a journey and not a destination. With this knowledge, we believe in promoting an equitable and sustainable world we are all fighting for, one action at a time. Bear Creek was officially certified sustainable in 2021, but had implemented sustainable processes long before then. We continually strive to keep improvements on the forefront as we grow. Our team of professionals believes that in doing our part towards becoming a more sustainable company, we are helping the planet become a healthier place for all who call it home. With continued collaboration, initiative and investment we are convinced we can meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In essence, it’s about finding a harmonious balance between economic, social and environmental considerations.
