Enjoy the Lodi Wine Experience, May 19 & 20, 2023
LODI, Calif., Mar. 13, 2023 – The Lodi Winegrape Commission is excited to announce the return of the region’s signature wine event at Lodi Lake this spring. Previously “ZinFest,” the newly reimagined Lodi Wine Experience will feature two days filled with premium Lodi wines, fresh, locally-sourced food, and entertainment.
The weekend kicks off on Friday, May 19, at 6 p.m. with the exclusive Signature Dinner at the Lake – a much-loved experience heavily attended by Lodi’s winegrowing community. Events continue at the lake on Saturday, May 20, with the Grand Tasting from noon to 3 p.m. More than 2,500 wine lovers are expected to attend this year’s celebration of Lodi wines.
“In 2020 and 2021, we were forced to cancel our signature event. After more than a year of planning, we are thrilled to bring back this beloved Lodi wine event to the park,” explained Stuart Spencer, Lodi Winegrape Commission Executive Director. “People who were familiar with and loved ZinFest can look forward to similar activities and a festive atmosphere at the Lodi Wine Experience.”
It’s no surprise that in a region which is home to over 125 varieties of wine grapes, the Lodi Wine Experience Grand Tasting will offer a vast selection of varietal wines from more than 40 wineries including Iberian varietals like Albariño and Tempranillo, and Rhône Valley stunners like Picpoul Blanc and Grenache alongside the region’s flagship old vine Zinfandel.
Serious wine lovers and anyone wanting to learn more should not miss Saturday’s Guided Wine Seminars which will feature presentations from expert educators. The full seminar schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.
In addition to wine tasting and seminars at Saturday’s Grand Tasting, guests will enjoy delicious fare from local food trucks, live music, and more!
Lodi Wine Experience tickets can be purchased beginning today at 10 a.m. PT at lodiwineexperience.com:
- New this year, a VIP Package will be available for $275 per person. Each package includes one ticket to Friday’s Signature Dinner at the Lake and one early entrance ticket to Saturday’s Grand Tasting. Additionally, VIP Package ticket holders will enjoy preferred seating at Saturday’s wine seminars (limited), a swag bag, and an exclusive entrance at the front gate. VIP Package tickets must be purchased in advance and are limited to 100 tickets which are expected to sell out quickly.
- Friday’s Signature Dinner at the Lake tickets are $150 per person or $1,500 for a reserved table of 10, and include a multi-course dinner, wine glass, and entertainment. This event is limited to 500 attendees and is expected to sell out quickly.
- Saturday’s Grand Tasting early entrance admission tickets are $110 per person and allow the ticket holder to enter the event one hour early, at 11 a.m. Early entrance admission tickets must be purchased in advance and are limited to 400 tickets, which are expected to sell out. General admission tickets are $90 per person. Designated driver tickets (no wine tasting) are also available at $30 per person for early entrance and $20 for general admission. Grand Tasting tickets include a wine glass, wine tasting (not included with Designated Driver tickets), and access to food trucks, seminars, and entertainment.
All attendees must be 21 years of age or older, including designated drivers.
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.
