To mark this year's milestone, Lodi's winemaking community has put together a specially curated, three-day long celebration. Kicking off the weekend on Friday, are Evening Experiences – exclusive events hosted by winery proprietors and winemakers in the intimacy of their cellars and residences. On Saturday, Winery Tours offer guests the familiar, passport-style experience of traveling between wineries. More than 30 wineries will be offering sweet or savory chocolate treats in addition to wine tastings this year.
This weekend wraps up with a special, inaugural Winemaker's Brunch at Wine & Roses Hotel, Restaurant, and Spa. Chefs Ian Bens, Jacob Des Voignes, and Scott Davis of Wine & Roses highlight seasonal produce and locally grown food with brunch bite pairings specific to these Lodi white, rosé, and sparkling wines. Guitarist William Russell and violinist David Holob provide Latin jazz themed acoustics. Event partner CocoTutti Chocolates will also offer an opportunity to sample and purchase.
"Lodi Wine & Chocolate is a special opportunity for guests to connect, one-on-one, with our winemaking community in a fun and festive atmosphere," said Stuart Spencer, Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission. "It's also a wonderful opportunity to discover a diverse selection of unique varietal wines while supporting our family-owned wineries."
Lodi Wine & Chocolate was founded in 1997 with the goal to promote and elevate the region and its wines. In addition to providing marketing value and a fun and welcoming atmosphere for wine enthusiasts, the event serves as an important fundraiser for programs in education, research, and sustainable viticulture which are operated by the Lodi Winegrape Commission to the benefit of Lodi's winemaking community. To date, the event has welcomed more than 100,000 guests and generated over $2 million in support of these programs.
Tickets for all events are now on sale and can be purchased online at lodiwineandchocolate.com. Tickets to Friday Evening Experiences are $125 per person and vary depending on winery host. Tickets to Saturday Winery Tours are $75 per person and include a commemorative wine glass, chocolate treat, wine tastings, and admission to all participating wineries. No ticket is required for designated drivers attending Saturday Winery Tours. Tickets to Sunday Winemaker's Brunch are $95 per person and include wine tastings, food pairings, and entertainment. All attendees, including designated drivers, must be 21 years of age or older to attend weekend events.
About the Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA)
A historic winegrowing region since the 1850s, Lodi is situated 40 miles south of Sacramento and 90 miles east of San Francisco. Lodi's Mediterranean climate and distinct soils allow its growers to cultivate 125 winegrape varieties, making Lodi the most diverse winegrowing region in the United States. The region also serves as home to 85 boutique wineries specializing in small-lot, handmade wines that have garnered major awards at domestic and international wine competitions.