Small Town Pride, Pool Days, and Father’s Day Under the Oaks

If you’ve taken a walk through the estate over the last couple of days, you’ve likely noticed a welcome shift in the breeze. The valley weather is treating us to a beautifully cool reprieve this week, making the mornings under our grand oak trees feel just a little crisper and the afternoon sun feel entirely effortless.

While the human guests are enjoying the cooler temperatures, our favorite estate residents, Tucker and Gracie, are celebrating summer in their own personal way. For them, the June sunshine means their favorite backyard fixture is officially open: they’ve been spending their afternoons happily splashing around in the pool, mastering the art of the summer cooldown.

There is an incredible energy humming across the property right now, and it’s not just because the weekend is near.

Stuck in Lodi? We Wouldn't Want to Be Anywhere Else

We have some monumental news to toast to this week! Our very own home, Lodi, California, has officially been named America’s Favorite Small Town of 2026 by Parade and Steller!

Read it here!

Decades ago, Creedence Clearwater Revival famously sang about being "stuck in Lodi". But looking out at our historic vines, our vibrant community, and our beautiful downtown, we think there is absolutely no better place in the country to be "stuck". We are so proud to be a part of this incredible, award-winning winegrowing region, and we can't wait to celebrate our small-town pride with you all summer long.

From the Kitchen: The Weekend Menu

Chef Bernard and the kitchen crew have designed a spectacular lineup for your weekend table. Whether you are joining us on the patio or under the shade of the trees, here are the absolute must-try highlights from this week's wood-fired oven and kitchen:

• Elote & Chorizo Wood-Fired Pizza ($29): A spectacular summer feature using Dewley Farms sweet yellow corn, house chorizo, sliced serrano peppers, and a cilantro lime crema. Pairs perfectly with our Barbera Rosé.

• The Father's Day Tri-Tip Sandwich ($29): Thick-cut, oak-smoked tri-tip piled high on a toasted artisan roll, topped with crispy fried onion rings, roasted-garlic aioli, and a brush of our house-made Apricot BBQ glaze. Served alongside a mountain of golden French fries. Available all weekend!

• Chef's Soppressata Salad ($22 - Serves 2): Perfect for sharing, this crisp plate features soppressata, avocado, cheddar, red onion, cucumber, tomatoes, house croutons, and a fresh boiled egg. Pairs perfectly with our Greco Bianco.

• Chef April’s Summer Berry Cobbler À La Mode ($13): A warm blend of seasonal berries topped with vanilla ice cream. Pairs perfectly with our Sparkling Demi-Sec.

This Friday: Father’s Day Celebration

Whether you are honoring Dad, Grandpa, or the exceptional father figures in your life, skip the traditional tie this year and join us for a memorable Friday evening at The Durst House. Our official Father's Day Friday event kicks off at 3:00 PM, giving you the perfect excuse to clock out early and head straight to the estate. Chef is firing up the wood smoke for a legendary holiday special:

To set the perfect backyard vibe, we have the phenomenal Gary Bohanan & The Bad Habits taking the stage from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Spots are filling up fast for this one, so head over to our website to secure a table for your family.

The Extended Weekend Rhythm

The music keeps rolling all weekend long, offering the perfect soundtrack to match your mood as you relax in the shade:

Saturday Afternoon (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Bring your friends, spread out a blanket on the grass, and enjoy the great energy of Dave & The Box.

Sip Back Sunday (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Unwind from the week and stretch out the weekend with a chilled bottle of rosé and the soulful, smooth acoustic sounds of Shane Q.

The Guest Book: Leave Your Mark

Lodi’s big win as America's Favorite Small Town has us feeling incredibly sentimental about our roots. A town—and an estate social club—is only as beautiful as the people who fill it.

What is your absolute favorite thing about our Lodi community? Is it a specific spot, a memory, or the small-town hospitality?

Please sign The Guest Book by leaving a comment below to share your favorite Lodi moments with us. We love reading your stories!

Until we raise a glass together,

The Durst House Team