House of Brown Wine Tasting: Discover Lodi Class at Back Alley Wine Bar (Monday, January 5, 2026)

Lodi comes to Whiskey Row this winter with a special California wine pop-up at Back Alley Wine Bar on Monday, January 5, 2026, from 4–7pm, featuring a vibrant flight from House of Brown. This tasting showcases Lodi’s historic vineyards, modern sustainable winemaking, and the trailblazing spirit of one of California’s most important Black‑owned wine families.
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Lodi: roots, rails, and Zinfandel

Long before Lodi became shorthand for juicy Old Vine Zinfandel, this region was a quiet agricultural hub anchored by the Mokelumne River and cooled by breezes funneled in from the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta. Grapevines first took hold in the mid‑19th century as settlers planted hardy varieties that could withstand hot days, cool nights, and sandy loam soils, with early plantings of Zinfandel and other mixed black grapes destined for table wine and bulk blends.
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By the early 1900s, Lodi was already shipping significant volumes of fruit by rail to wineries across California and beyond, cementing its reputation as a workhorse region even if its name rarely appeared on labels. Prohibition disrupted formal winemaking but not grape growing—families shipped fresh grapes to home winemakers nationwide, preserving both vineyards and viticultural know‑how for the post‑Repeal era.

From bulk wine to serious terroir

The late 20th century brought a turning point as producers began bottling Lodi‑designated wines that highlighted old‑vine character and site‑specific nuance rather than anonymous blends. Deep‑rooted Zinfandel vines, some over 80 years old, became ambassadors for the region, offering concentrated red fruit, spice, and a signature supple texture that contrasted with more muscular coastal styles.
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Lodi’s official AVA recognition and subsequent subdivision into districts like Clements Hills and Mokelumne River helped articulate the diversity of its terroirs. As interest in Mediterranean and Iberian varieties grew, growers experimented with grapes like Tempranillo, Grenache, and Verdelho, proving that Lodi could deliver both classic California richness and surprisingly bright, food‑friendly profiles.

Sustainability and stewardship

In recent decades Lodi has become a national leader in vineyard sustainability, driven in part by the Lodi Rules certification program, which emphasizes environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability. Many growers now champion integrated pest management, cover crops, and water‑conserving practices, ensuring that old vines and younger plantings alike can thrive for future generations.
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This shift from bulk volume to quality‑driven, sustainably farmed wines has attracted a new wave of producers who see Lodi as a canvas for expressive, value‑oriented bottlings. House of Brown, sourcing from Lodi and greater California, taps into this movement with wines that are approachable, regenerative, and designed for everyday enjoyment without compromising craft.​

House of Brown: legacy and mission

House of Brown is the second label of Brown Estate, Napa Valley’s first Black‑owned estate winery, created to offer “anytime‑anywhere” wines that are both palate‑driven and planet‑conscious. The wines are made from regeneratively farmed, certified sustainable vineyards in California and are vegan‑friendly, reflecting a holistic approach to stewardship and accessibility.
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While Brown Estate is best known for its Napa Zinfandel, Cabernet‑based blends, and the Chaos Theory proprietary red, House of Brown focuses on vibrant, fruit‑forward bottlings like Rosé, Red Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a recently added Sauvignon Blanc. With label art and branding that celebrate inclusivity and joy, this collection plays a key role in expanding who sees themselves reflected in the world of premium wine.

Vineyards, regions, and key wines

House of Brown draws heavily on Lodi’s strengths, working with sites that produce expressive fruit at moderate alcohol levels, ideal for chillable reds and refreshing rosé styles. Additional sourcing from other sustainable California vineyards gives the team flexibility to craft consistent, crowd‑pleasing wines that still carry a distinct sense of place.
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Beyond the three wines in this tasting, the broader House of Brown portfolio includes a bright, savory Sauvignon Blanc and evolving seasonal releases that highlight different varieties and subregions. These wines sit alongside Brown Estate’s Napa bottlings, creating a continuum from serious, cellar‑worthy reds to playful, ready‑to‑pour companions for weeknight dinners and gatherings.

Wine Flight Preview: Tasting Notes & Accolades

Wine 1: House of Brown Rosé 2023

Eye: Pale pink blush with brilliant clarity that invites a first sip.
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Aroma: Star jasmine, watermelon, raspberry, wild strawberry, blood orange, and a touch of Yuzu, with subtle honeycomb and gentle baking spice lifting the nose.
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Taste: Light‑bodied, crisp, and refreshing, this rosé is lithe and vibrant, with silky texture and a delicately lingering, mouthwatering finish that keeps each sip feeling electric.
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Encepagement: Primarily a rosé blend from Lodi‑grown red grapes (commonly Zinfandel and related varieties) pressed delicately to preserve freshness and aromatics, resulting in a dry, modern California style.
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Elevage: Fermented and aged in temperature‑controlled stainless steel to lock in bright fruit, floral notes, and a clean finish, with no new oak influence.
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Food pairing: Serve well‑chilled with shellfish, spicy appetizers, fresh salads, and fruity desserts—think shrimp tacos, watermelon‑feta salad, or goat cheese crostini.

Wine 2: House of Brown Red Blend 2022

Eye: Brilliant translucent ruby from rim to core, signaling a fresh, juicy profile.
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Aroma: Hibiscus, tea rose, pomegranate, and Maraschino cherry, with subtle cinnamon, clove, and English lavender lending a gently spiced, floral complexity.
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Taste: Fresh, juicy, and happily chillable, this medium‑light red shows bright red fruit, soft tannins, and a smooth, gliding texture that makes it dangerously easy to drink slightly cool.
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Encepagement: A Lodi‑sourced blend of red varieties assembled for aromatic lift, crunchy red fruit, and soft structure; the exact proportions vary by vintage, but emphasize drinkability and brightness.
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Elevage: Vinified in stainless steel with minimal or neutral oak to preserve floral top‑notes and keep tannins supple, making it ideal as a “red for white‑wine drinkers.”
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Food pairing: Pair with charcuterie, roast chicken, burgers, pizza, or herb‑driven pasta; it shines with weeknight comfort foods and can be lightly chilled for backyard grilling.
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Wine 3: House of Brown Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Eye: Deep garnet core with a translucent ruby rim that hints at both concentration and lift.
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Aroma: Gardenia, lilac, lavender, violet, black cherry, dried rose petals, spicy cedar, and a whisper of cigar box, giving a floral‑meets‑classic Cabernet nose.
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Taste: A floral, bright Cabernet packed with peony, violets, and orange blossom over cherry‑pie fruit and red tea, framed by fine tannins and a shining mid‑palate that feels more graceful than heavy.
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Encepagement: Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon from Lodi, crafted to emphasize aromatic lift, red‑toned fruit, and moderate structure rather than dense, high‑oak power.
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Elevage: Aged in a mix of stainless steel and older oak to add subtle cedar and spice while keeping the profile fresh, energetic, and ready to drink upon release.
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Food pairing: Excellent with ribeye, grilled tri‑tip, mushroom burgers, roasted root vegetables, and aged cheddar or Gouda, making it a natural centerpiece for hearty winter plates.

Visiting House of Brown / Brown Estate

While House of Brown itself is a broader California label, the wines are made under the Brown Estate umbrella, whose home base is in Napa Valley. Tastings focus on Brown Estate’s estate wines, with House of Brown often featured in flights, releases, or by‑the‑glass offerings, especially for guests interested in the family’s full range.​

General contact: info@houseofbrown.wine 

Website: https://www.houseofbrown.wine​

Brown Estate tasting appointments: https://www.brownestate.com/visit (reservations required for Napa Valley visits).​

Join this Lodi‑meets‑Napa story at Back Alley Wine Bar, and taste how House of Brown turns sustainable California fruit into expressive, everyday‑luxury wines—perfect for a Prescott winter evening.

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Space is limited—early arrival recommended for best seating and flight availability!

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House of Brown Winery at Back Alley Wine Bar

Event Details

Date: Monday, January 5, 2026

Time: 4:00pm–7:00pm

Location: Back Alley Wine Bar, 156 S. Montezuma St., Prescott, AZ (just off Whiskey Row)
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Format: Guided three‑wine flight from House of Brown with pairing suggestions

Vibe: Relaxed, cozy, and perfect for a post‑holiday Lodi getaway in a glass