Forty years after federal recognition, Lodi winegrowers reaffirm their commitment to the grower-funded model that has shaped the region’s modern era
June 22, 2026 (Lodi, CA) — As the Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA) marks its 40th anniversary, the region's winegrowers renewed the Lodi Winegrape Commission for another five years in a vote that also marks the 35th anniversary of the organization. The California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) announced on June 3 that the Commission referendum passed with over 75% of the region's growers voting in favor of continuation.
Established in 1991 as the grower-centric force behind the Lodi AVA, the Commission represents over 750 winegrowers farming more than 82,000 acres of winegrapes. Sustained by an annual assessment on the gross value of the winegrape crop, the Commission has provided support for the region through marketing, education, research, and sustainable winegrowing programs.
Over the past 35 years, that grower-funded model has played a central role in shaping the region’s modern era, from the development of LODI RULES, America’s original sustainable winegrowing program, to national marketing campaigns that have elevated Lodi’s reputation as one of California’s most dynamic and diverse winegrowing regions.
“Lodi’s greatest strength has always been its willingness to work together. For generations, our farming families have understood that we can accomplish more together than any of us could alone,” says Stuart Spencer, Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission. “That spirit of collaboration has driven 35 years of investment in marketing, research, education, and sustainability programs that have strengthened not only Lodi, but the broader California wine industry. With this renewal, our growers are once again demonstrating the leadership, confidence, and shared commitment that continue to move this region forward.”
Federally recognized on February 13, 1986, the Lodi AVA became the nation’s 84th appellation and the first in San Joaquin County. Today, the AVA spans across portions of northern San Joaquin and southern Sacramento counties, with more than 82,000 acres planted to over 130 winegrape varieties. More than 85 wineries call Lodi home. In 2006, the appellation was further refined with the establishment of seven nested sub-AVAs: Alta Mesa, Borden Ranch, Clements Hills, Cosumnes River, Jahant, Mokelumne River, and Sloughhouse. Those sub-appellations celebrate their 20th anniversary in 2026.
Forty years on, the benefits of Lodi’s model are evident across the region, including recognition at the highest levels of competition. At the 2026 California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition, Lodi wineries earned 182 medals along with six Best of California honors, the competition’s top distinction. Among the winners, Michael David Winery’s 2023 Inkblot Cabernet Franc was named Best Red Wine of California, and Acquiesce Winery’s 2025 Grenache Blanc was named Best White Wine of California.
“The continued support of our growers is what makes everything else possible,” says Jacylyn Stokes Iniguez, current chair of the Lodi Winegrape Commission board of directors. “The research, the marketing, the sustainability programs – all of it rests on this collective commitment. Voting to renew the Commission is a statement of confidence in each other and in the future of this region.”
Notable Commission Achievements Since 1991:
- 1992 – Launched a comprehensive region-wide Sustainability Program.
- 1996 – Developed “Discover the Zins of Lodi” national advertising campaign.
- 1998 – Partnered with City of Lodi to create Visit Lodi.
- 2000 – Established the Lodi Wine Visitor Center, one of the industry’s original regional wine education and tasting centers.
- 2000 – Published the 1st Lodi Winegrower’s Workbook which became a global benchmark for sustainable viticulture programs.
- 2005 – Launched LODI RULES for Sustainable Winegrowing, the nation’s original sustainable winegrowing program, which was awarded the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) in 2006 and again in 2014.
- 2015 – Lodi named Wine Enthusiast’s Wine Region of the Year.
- 2020 – Launched “Save the Old” a marketing campaign dedicated to the preservation of heritage vineyards.
- 2020 – Published “What Every Winegrower Should Know: Viruses” a comprehensive 138-page guide providing winegrowers with practical tools to identify, prevent, test for, and manage grapevine viruses.
- 2023 – Introduced PEAS 2.0, one of the most sophisticated science-based pesticide risk assessment tools establishing a measurable pesticide-risk threshold for LODI RULES vineyards.
- 2025 – Completed groundbreaking proof-of-concept research demonstrating that detection dogs can identify vine mealybugs and grapevine leafroll virus.
- 2025 – Launched the “No Reservations” campaign, positioning Lodi as a welcoming, accessible wine country experience built on authenticity, hospitality, and farming heritage.
About the Lodi Winegrape Commission
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 more than 130 winegrape varieties, making Lodi the most diverse winegrowing region in the United States. The region also serves as home to more than 85 wineries – from boutique producers to legacy brands – 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 68,500 acres certified throughout California, in Washington, and Israel. For more information about the Lodi AVA or LODI RULES, visit lodiwine.com and lodirules.org.
