David Akiyoshi
USA
David's Wines
- USA
- 21 wines
- 6 styles
The leader of Lodi
- "Best of California" in 2012, David was Director of Winemaking for Robert Mondavi's Woodbridge for 25 years.
- He was at the helm of Lodi's largest winery and is a fastidious and dedicated winemaker, the kind you expect to find in the world's most competitive and prestigious wine regions.
- David is a master in an undiscovered region. If you like to taste the next big thing while it's still totally underground, he is your winemaker.
David Akiyoshi's Story
Before joining Naked, David was at the helm of Lodi’s largest winery – Director of Winemaking for Robert Mondavi’s Woodbridge – for 25 years. There he championed the Lodi region, which was considered an underdog. As such, David endured slight regard from the wine media. But, that didn’t stop him.
David was convinced of Lodi’s greatness. Its climate is in the ‘Three Bears’ sweet spot of just right for wine grapes. The cooling Delta breeze creates a climate well suited for raising varietally distinct wines. “The best reference is not wine publications or bloggers,” said David. “Open up the Sunset Western Gardening book and look up the map that defines California by climatic regions, a less biased source of information.”
Fortunately, David’s rooted for the less favored opponent all of his life. The Lodi appellation is one of the oldest – with vineyards dating back to the late 1800s! – and best winegrowing regions in California. His focus is making wines that help better define and showcase the appellation. With Angel support, he is doing just that.
The craft of winemaking requires an almost meditative state because it requires focusing all of one’s senses to fully experience wine. “Elementally, wines speak with a soft voice and one’s mind has to be willing to listen,” shared David. The most difficult part of winemaking is blending. It is only the winemaker, the glass and the wine. It can be a game of minute details where small changes to a blend will dramatically alter a wine's style and character. It can be a puzzle where all of the pieces need to fit, but the picture can change, too.
For David, winemaking is a profession that requires using both sides of his brain – artistry mixed with science. It also relates well to some of his favorite past times, cooking and eating. "Wine is part of our human history, emblematic of our pursuit of happiness and good health. A glass of wine unites and brings people closer together for a common good.”
David's Archangels
A glass of wine a good book and a great dog on a warm summer day. That is pure heaven.
It's amazing how your tastebuds mature! I've gone from Boone's Farm to the best there is here at Naked Wines - all in less than 5 decades! During that time period, I've been a professional rider & trainer, an English/Social Studies teacher, a travel agent, a coordinator for a national business barter organization, a support staff and a trainer for a NYS government agency - and the owner of an equine video & photo company. I've lived/worked in NY, KY, TX, SC, OR - and back to NY. I've also started two groups: 1. Northeast State of Wine, so we in this area can share the fun! Please come join in - our wineries create deliciousness from grapes, apples, pears, berries...you name it! - and 2. Sharing Made Easy - LINKS.. - where wine-related info, either links or copied & pasted info (with credit, if appropriate) can be shared. This is to help others find info that is frequently discussed - until our techies (or NW corp) set up an efficient Search feature. No comments - just links/info.
Live each day as if it were your last and enhance every dinner with a glass of wine. Cheers!
