LODI, Calif., January 6, 2022 — Northern California’s beloved Lodi Wine & Chocolate will return to celebrate its 25th anniversary Friday, February 4 through Sunday, February 6, 2022. There’s no better time to fall in love with the winegrowing region all over again than by sampling a diverse selection of renowned Lodi wines and decadent chocolate pairings!
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. New to 2022 is the Sunday Winemaker’s Brunch at Wine & Roses – a showcase of Lodi’s white, rosé, and sparkling wines. Chefs at the hotel will be preparing carefully paired small bites from locally sourced ingredients. Tickets to all weekend events are limited and are expected to sell out.
“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 Winegrape Commission, event organizer
Established in 1991, the Lodi Winegrape Commission represents the common interests of Lodi winegrowers with programs in marketing, education, research, and sustainable viticulture. The Commission collectively and effectively promotes Lodi’s vibrant, multi-generational farming community and California’s most dynamic wine region. Comprised of nine commissioners and nine alternates, the board of directors provides direction and input on behalf of the region’s 750 winegrowers. For more information about the Lodi Winegrape Commission, visit lodigrowers.com.
About the Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA)
A historic winegrowing region since the 1850s, Lodi is perfectly 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.
Lodi is naturally a leader in sustainable viticulture. Created by California farmers and accredited by world-renowned scientists, LODI RULES is America’s original sustainable winegrowing program. Held to a high standard of scientific rigor and excellence, the program emphasizes environmentally and socially responsible practices, while keeping economic feasibility in mind for long-term business success. Today, there are more than 55,000 acres certified throughout California, Washington, and Israel. For more information about the Lodi AVA or LODI RULES, visit lodiwine.com and lodirules.org.
