Phillips Farms

Welcome to Michael David Winery, a family-owned and operated vineyard that has been a staple in Lodi, California for over 150 years. Our roots run deep in this community, and we take pride in our rich history of farming and wine-making. Our founders, Michael and David Phillips, are 5th generation grape growers who have a deep appreciation for the land and a passion for sustainable farming practices. Today, the 6th generation has joined the team, as Mike's daughter Melissa has taken on a leadership role in the business.

Our Family Legacy

At Michael David Winery, we understand the importance of leaving a positive impact for future generations. Our family legacy and love for Lodi drive our focus on sustainability. We have been farming this soil since the 1860s and cultivating wine grapes since the early 20th century. We take pride in our role as stewards of the land, and we are committed to preserving it for generations to come.

Our Winemaking Team

While some may claim that wine can be made by robots, we beg to differ. At Michael David Winery, we believe that the delicate balance of farming, science, and intuition that goes into making our wine requires a human touch. Our winemaking team is comprised of real humans who are skilled in the art of wine-making. From our Co-Owner and Founder Mike Phillips to our Director of Winemaking Jeff Farthing, each member of our team plays a vital role in creating our award-winning wines.

Mike Phillips (aka "Michael")

Mike Phillips, also known as "Michael, " is a lifetime tractor driver, UC Davis grad, 5th generation Lodi grape grower, brother, husband, father, grandfather, jet-setter, and untraditionalist. Raised in Lodi, Mike worked harvests from a young age and opened a small tasting room at his parents' farmstand in 1984. Today, that farmstand is known as Michael David Winery, and it has helped put Lodi on the map as one of the finest wine regions in the world.

Dave Phillips (aka "David")

Dave Phillips, also known as "David, " is an early adopter of farmer's markets, underage winemaker, long-distance runner, UC Davis alum, champion of Lodi Wines, cork dork, brother, husband, father, and outdoor enthusiast. Working the family farm and vineyards from a young age, Dave returned to Lodi in 1989 after graduation, a job in the wine cork industry, and backpacking the world. Since then, he has overseen distribution from just one state to all 50, then onto 32 countries!

Melissa Phillips-Stroud

Melissa Phillips-Stroud is the VP of Sales & Marketing and Director of Awesomeness at Michael David Winery. She is a Lodi philanthropist, eternal optimist, dance enthusiast, sister, wife, mother, wannabe yogi, and secret Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. A recovering overachiever, Melissa graduated from Cal Poly with a double degree in Ag Business and Wine & Viticulture before heading to Sonoma State for her Certificate of Wine Business. With 10+ years in the wine industry, she strives for innovation while leading an empowered team. A seeker of life balance, Melissa enjoys sugary cereal with organic milk, of course.

Jeff Farthing

Jeff Farthing is the Director of Winemaking at Michael David Winery. He is a smartypants wine guy, fermentation enthusiast, knowledge sharer, Fresno State alum, father, watersports devotee, music maker, and award-winning winemaker. Cutting his winemaking teeth in the Napa and Shenandoah Valleys, Jeff joined our team in 2009 and has been making award-winning wines ever since. With a published study and quite a few wine conference presentations under his belt, Jeff still finds every opportunity to surf, dive, ski, hang at the beach with his family and toast special moments with great wine.

Sean Goehring

Sean Goehring is a Winemaker at Michael David Winery. He is a golf wizard, horse whisperer, Bakersfield transplant, seeker of the great outdoors, chef extraordinaire, husband, father, wine buff, and practical joker. Graduating from UC Davis in 2009 with a degree in Viticulture and Enology, Sean started his wine journey working in the foothills of Amador County. He eventually