Well-being and safety of their guests and community a top priority for Lodi’s winegrowers and makers
Lodi, CA, March 19, 2020 – In an aggressive effort to minimize COVID-19 exposure, the Lodi Winegrape Commission announced today the cancellation of its annual Lodi Row x Row Festival, previously set for May 15 and 16. The decision comes after states of emergency were declared for both the nation and California and follows the most recent guidelines of the White House and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding the cancellation or postponement of events and gatherings of more than 10 people.
“This decision was extraordinarily difficult for our team,” says Stuart Spencer, Executive Director, Lodi Winegrape Commission. “Lodi Row x Row Festival has a dedicated and engaged audience who, no doubt, are going to be disappointed. In addition to serving as an incredible marketing tool for the region, the festival also contributes heavily to our local economy. As such, we are being sensitive to the impact the cancellation may have on our wineries, long-time vendors, and hospitality community and will be doing everything we can in the coming weeks to encourage continued support of these businesses.”
With a 15-year track record as the region’s largest and most successful event, the festival is attended annually by more than 5,000 people from as many as 20 states and three countries. Weeks prior, the Lodi Winegrape Commission had revealed a new brand identity for Lodi Row x Row Festival, formerly known as the ZinFest Wine Festival. Elevated experiences and offerings within the festival were planned to follow suit.
“Our top priority will always be the safety and well-being of our community – our guests, winegrowers and makers, businesses, and staff,” expressed Spencer. “While we are deeply saddened to miss our guests this year, we are looking forward to continuing to build on our festival experience, bringing it back to the community bigger and better than before in 2021. We’re incredibly thankful for the understanding of all as we navigate this time together.”
Ticket purchasers of 2020 festival events will receive a full refund which includes ticket price and convenience fees. Refunds will be processed immediately with funds returning to the original payment method within 5-7 business days.
The 16th annual Lodi Row x Row Festival will return to Lodi Lake Park on May 14 and 15, 2021. For more information on Lodi Row x Row Festival, visit lodirowxrow.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 51,000 acres certified throughout California and Israel. For more information about the Lodi AVA or LODI RULES, visit lodiwine.com and lodirules.org.
