LODI, Calif., Dec. 7, 2022 – Northern California’s beloved Lodi Wine & Chocolate returns February 3-5, 2023, for another decadent and delicious weekend. There’s no better time to fall in love with the winegrowing region than by sampling renowned Lodi wines and delectable chocolate pairings during this festive weekend!
Following the success of the 2022 event, the Lodi winemaking community will continue with a specially curated, three-day format for the 2023 celebration and CocoTutti Chocolates will return as the official chocolate partner. The weekend begins on Friday, February 3, with exclusive and intimate Evening Experiences hosted by winery proprietors and winemakers in their cellars. Guests can craft their own adventure at 40 participating wineries on Saturday, February 4, during the familiar, passport-style Winery Tours. Saturday’s lineup includes live music by Whiskey Kiss Band at Intercoastal Vineyards, Retrofitz Band at Peltier Winery, and Phil & da Pinots at Barsetti Vineyards, among others. Food delicacies include grilled tri-tip sliders with port reduction at Estate Crush, chocolate cherry bombs at Scotto’s Wine & Cider, chocolate chili at d’Art Wines, grilled chocolate ganache sandwiches at Drava Wines, and so much more.
The weekend culminates in the Sunday Winemaker’s Toast on February 5 at Wine & Roses with a showcase of Lodi’s white, rosé, and sparkling wines. Chefs at the boutique resort will be preparing carefully crafted small bites from locally sourced ingredients to complement the days’ wine selections. Tickets to all weekend events are limited and expected to sell out.
“Lodi Wine & Chocolate continues to be a popular event for visitors as well as locals,” said Stuart Spencer, Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission. “The event provides multiple opportunities to interact with our winegrowing community and sample a diverse selection of Lodi-grown wines in a fun and festive atmosphere.”
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 the experience varies by winery. Saturday tickets to Winery Tours are $75 per person and includes admission to all participating wineries. There is no cost for designated drivers attending Saturday Winery Tours. Tickets to Sunday’s Winemaker’s Toast are $95 per person and includes small bites and live entertainment. All tickets to weekend events include a commemorative wine glass, chocolate treat from CocoTutti Chocolates, and wine tastings. All attendees, including designated drivers, must be 21 years of age or older to attend.
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 CocoTutti Chocolates, chocolate partner
Since 2010, CocoTutti has been producing delicious and colorful, individual chocolates. Recipes for the majority of CocoTutti’s fine chocolates have been handcrafted from scratch by owner / chocolatier Elyce Zahn and utilize house made jams and marmalades made from organic, locally sourced fruit or house made peanut or hazelnut butter. To learn more about CocoTutti, visit cocotutti.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.
