LODI, Calif. – February 1, 2022 —The silver anniversary of Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend commences this Friday, February 4, and runs through Sunday, February 6, and will be marked by a decadent partnership between the Lodi winemaking community and CocoTutti Chocolates who will serve as the official chocolate partner for this jam-packed weekend.
Woman-owned and operated CocoTutti was founded in 2010 by Elyce Zahn. Today, the Brisbane-based chocolatier utilizes organic, locally sourced fruit and nuts to craft jam and nut butter-filled colorful chocolates. Attendees to all weekend events can expect to receive a special treat of six mini chocolates in the flavors of dark chocolate raspberry, 72% dark chocolate ganache, and liquid vanilla caramel. Attendees to both Saturday Winery Tours on February 5 and the new Sunday Winemaker’s Brunch at Wine & Roses on February 6 will have further opportunity to sample and purchase mini and full-sized chocolates from Zahn who will be stationed at Oak Farm Vineyards on Saturday and the hotel on Sunday.
“We’re thrilled to partner with and support a small, family-owned business who – like our own community – is focused on crafting a sustainable, high-quality product,” says Stuart Spencer, Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission.
Tickets to Saturday Winery Tours and the Sunday Winemaker’s Brunch are available until midnight on Friday, February 4, or until sold out, and can be purchased at lodiwineandchocolate.com. Attendees to all weekend events must be 21 years of age or older.
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 64,000 acres certified throughout California, in Washington, and Israel. For more information about the Lodi AVA or LODI RULES, visit lodiwine.com and lodirules.org.
