You don't need excuses to enjoy great wines, but sometimes it can be handy to have them ready. At Jessie's Grove Winery in Lodi, wine drinkers are reminded that it must be 5 p.m. somewhere in the world, so let the fun begin.

One of the oldest family ranches and vineyards in the Lodi region, this winery has over 100 years of history to draw from. But where others seem stifled by tradition or unwilling to grow or change, Jessie's Grove exudes youthful energy and a deft hand at staying ahead of the trends. Don't let the antique farm equipment on display or the old family photos fool you. This place is happening.

Working through their wine list is a joy and a fantastic way to get your summer wine tasting into gear. The beauty of the property and the wonderful concerts may lure you, but it's the wines that will win you over in the long run.

Starting with the white wines, the playful Blue Moon is a unique blend of Chenin Blanc, Viognier and Chardonnay that comes across with a great hint of sweetness but with a balanced body that won't leave anyone out. This was presented as a "summer wine" but don't limit yourself to picnics. Blue Moon holds its own at any table.

For those that insist that the only white is Chardonnay, Jessie's Grove doesn't disappoint. Cold barrel fermented and aged in 100 percent new American oak, this is not a thin, weak Chardonnay. Instead, it is a big, beautiful baby with hints of peach and apple. If you like buttery Chardonnay, this wine lands squarely in your corner.

Ah, Merlot. Now I know with the movie "Sideways," some people are taking their cues and stepping politely around this varietal, but don't. Jessie's Grove has managed to highlight incredible depth when it comes to the layers of flavor in their Merlot, all without losing that signature frame and soft finish we all look for. There is nothing thin or forgettable here, and nothing you'll want to miss in an effort to look cool.

On to the Zinfandels. Lodi's Zins are generally wonderful and Jessie's Grove is in the elite category when it comes to this group.

With their Earth, Zin & Fire Estate Old Vine Zinfandel, it's hard to imagine a more classic wine. The label is charming beyond words, fashioned after an old rock concert ticket. The wine surpasses the clever marketing though and instead of a concert ticket, you may feel like you're holding a winning lottery ticket. Between 49 and 64 year old vines produce a rich, smooth palate of ripe fruit and smoky spices with a balance that seems to just hang endlessly.

The Westwind Old Vine Zinfandel is described by the winemaker as "gnarly" and I have to agree. If intensity and knock-you-off-your-chair flavors are more to your taste, then make sure you have a firm hold of the tasting room bar. This wine delivers a knock-out punch of bold plums and blackberries and there's no missing the black pepper. This is a "so good it hurts" Zin not for the faint of heart.

Finally in the Zinfandel family, the king sashays in and it's easy to remember why you fell in love with Zins in the first place. Royal Tee Ancient Vine Zinfandel is created from an exclusive source of 115-year old vines and was absolutely knee-weakening. I know the endless praise and prose can wear, but this one was truly elegant. Big without bullying, this Zinfandel is very rich and complex but still manages to stay subtle and non-overwhelming. An exceptional wine, make no mistake, it is full-bodied with a lingering finish that draws out the experience like a great encore.

Sampling another of the Ancient Vines at Jessie's Grove, the Carignane was a real treat. The 115-year old vines produce another amazing balance of rich, smooth fruit with less spice and drama. The Carignane (kar-ing-yawn) is a food-friendly wine and not as commonly known, so it can be an exciting introduction at your next gathering. I loved the cherry finish and the sensation of flavorful discoveries as you progress through the taste.

Ending with the Petite Sirah is perfect. Like the other offerings, there is nothing half-way about this wine. Blackberry ink meets hearty tannins, cinnamon and cassis. What can I say? It's a Petite Sirah with attitude (which is just as it should be). The winemaker described it as a "sun-blocker," and I suppose, on a hot summer day, a bottle of this wine will make its own shade.

This winery has it all, with walking tours of the vineyards, picnic areas and horses, a mini-museum with a history of the vineyard and area, and last but never least, from May through October a concert series in their famous Oak Grove. Unlike other wineries that have expanded offerings only to lose ground with the quality of their wines, Jessie's Grove has kept product quality at the top of the list. These are great wines made all the more enjoyable by the setting and atmosphere of this unique and special place.

So grab your tickets, bring a blanket and settle in to enjoy Jessie's Grove, and whatever you do, don't be afraid to have fun.

After all, it's 5 p.m. somewhere in the world, right?