In a Mediterranean-like climate that regularly catches the Pacific breeze, row after row of grapevines line the gentle hillsides and flatlands just 90 miles east of the San Francisco Bay. Here, centuries-old grape varieties flourish in mineral-rich soil and provide the foundation for some of the world’s best wines. This is Lodi – one of California’s oldest wine growing regions. For over a century, Lodi has produced the grapes used to make wine enjoyed by people all over the world. Today, Lodi grows one-fifth of the entire annual yield of California’s wine grapes.

Today, the Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA) is in the middle of a full-blown renaissance, still producing the iconic old vine zinfandels for which the region is famous, even as it becomes a mecca of small batch, sustainably-focused wineries crafting some of California’s most celebrated and unique wines from more than 125 grape varieties. And there’s no better way to discover these exceptional wines and the friendly faces behind them than at the annual Lodi Wine Experience, the region’s signature tasting event and showcase for the largest selection of Lodi-grown wines. 

Scheduled for May 19 and 20, the Lodi Wine Experience is an iconic weekend of world-class wines, craft cuisine from the area’s best food trucks, guided tastings, and live entertainment which annually attracts thousands of wine enthusiasts and novices alike to Lodi, California from across the globe.

The weekend kicks off on Friday, May 19, with the Signature Dinner at the Lake. This exclusive opportunity to mingle with Lodi’s wine growers and makers beneath the oaks and willows of scenic Lodi Lake Park is always one of the highlights of the weekend. The event will celebrate the agricultural bounty grown in the Lodi region with exquisite, freshly prepared cuisine crafted by Sacramento’s Sierra Coast Catering. The al fresco dinner will be paired with the area’s finest wines.

The weekend continues Saturday, May 20, with the Grand Tasting. Beginning at noon (11:00am for those lucky enough to snag an early entrance ticket), the event features exceptional, Lodi-grown wines from 40+ wineries and live music from Big Crush. When hunger strikes, refuel at a collection of food trucks offering delectable cuisine. From the Latin fusion-inspired grilled meat and vegetable bowls of Bangin’ Bowls and the succulent lobster rolls of Cousin’s Maine Lobster to the Mediterranean-style pitas and falafel of Hefty Gyros, the Nashville-style hot chicken of Nash & Proper, and the mouth-watering smoked meats of Parks Barks BBQ, there will be something for every appetite.

Want to take a deep dive into Lodi’s wines? Saturday’s guided wine seminars are a must-visit. Presented by Randy Caparoso – sommelier, editor-at-large of The SOMM Journal, and author of “Lodi! A Definitive Guide and History of America’s Largest Winegrowing Region,” the lineup of topics, producers, and wines includes:

12:00pm | “Everything You Wanted to Know About Old Vines and Why They’re a Big Deal.”

Greg La Follette, Marchelle Wines

Marchelle Bechthold Vineyard Cinsaut, Marchelle Jessie’s Grove Carignan, Marchelle Jessie’s Grove Zinfandel, Marchelle Lodi Family Cuvée

Stuart Spencer, St. Amant Winery with Jerry Fry, Mohr-Fry Vineyards

St. Amant Mohr-Fry Zinfandel, St. Amant Marian’s Vineyard Zinfandel, Lodi Native Marian’s Vineyard Zinfandel

1:00pm | “Rose All Day!”

David Akiyoshi and Susana Vasquez, LangeTwins Family Winery & Vineyards

Aglianico Rosé and Nero d’Avola Rosé

Gianni Abate and Bryce Willingham, Peltier Winery

Pinot Noir Rosé, Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé, Zante White Zinfandel

Sue Tipton and Christina Lopez, Acquiese Winery

Grenache Rosé and Cinsaut Rosé

Melinda Kearney, Lorenza

Rosé (Grenache/Carignan/Cinsaut/Mourvèdre)

2:00pm | “East vs. West Side Zinfandels.”

Layne Montgomery, m2 Wines

Soucie Vineyard, Schmiedt’s 1900 Block

Chris Mora, Christopher Cellars

Cherryhouse Vineyard, Stampede Vineyard

Perlegos Family Wine Co., Jeff and John Perlegos

Stampede Vineyard

McCay Cellars

Bonnotto Vineyard, Lot 13 Vineyard

Tickets to the Friday and Saturday events are currently available at lodiwineexperience.com. New this year, the VIP package includes one Signature Dinner at the Lake ticket; one Grand Tasting Early Entrance ticket (11:00am-3:00pm); preferred seating at wine seminars (Saturday only, limited); swag bag (Saturday only); and exclusive front gate entrance (Saturday only). Most ticket types for Friday and Saturday events are expected to sell out and many are not available at the gate so advance purchase is highly recommended. All attendees, including designated drivers, must be 21+ to attend. No children or animals are allowed.

For travel accommodations and recommendations, the area’s official visitor’s bureau, Visit Lodi, has great suggestions for some of the best resorts, hotels, B&Bs, and vacation homes available. For those flying in from other parts of the world, Lodi is conveniently located less than 45 miles south of Sacramento International Airport (SMF), and within 100 miles of San Jose International Airport (SJC), Oakland International Airport (OAK), and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

This May 19 and 20, discover Lodi’s diverse array of wines in a fun and festive atmosphere at the Lodi Wine Experience. Book now at tickets.lodiwine.com.