During the 1870's our Great-Grandparents, Johann and Maria Lange, emigrated from Germany to Lodi, California and rented a small country home with a few acres that would sit near the corner of Kettleman Lane and Hutchins Street today.
Melons were the choice crop in Lodi, and Great-Grandpa Johann took up growing non-irrigated watermelons on the small plot of land surrounding the home. Like most farm families, his son, our Grandpa Albert, helped in the watermelon patch and before he knew it he was working hand-in-hand with Great-Grandpa building the family farm.
In 1916 Grandpa expanded the farm by purchasing our family's first grape-ranch on Davis Road - it was our initial step into the wine industry! But just as important, it was on this ranch where Grandpa built the family home for his sweetheart and wife Grandma Nella, and four years later our dad, Harold, was born in 1920. Just like his father, it was natural for Dad to work with Grandpa, gaining experience to carry on our family's agricultural roots.
Within a few years of working with Dad and our older brother, we made the decision to take advantage of our experience and farm on our own. Together we purchased 80 acres in addition to Dad gifting us the River Ranch. As we continued to grow our business we also grew our family. By 1974 we were both married (Randall to Charlene and Brad to Susan) and by 1982 the fifth generation was here! Between our families we have five kids - Marissa, Aaron, Philip, Kendra and Joe.
As the kids grew up on the River Ranch they helped in the vineyards as we did. On some weekends they gave a hand with our habitat restoration program by helping clean wood duck, owl, and songbird boxes. During summer and fall the kids worked grape harvest, developing an appreciation for farming as their responsibilities grew. In 2003, with the kids now adults, the entire family made the decision to expand the farm to include our winery. We would not have taken this leap if the five kids were not committed and dedicated to build the family business. By 2007, we are proud to say, all the kids are back working at the winery and vineyards. Not only are we fifth generation farmers, we are a multi-generational company where both our families are involved.
- Randall and Brad Lange