During the weekend of May 17-19, 2019 celebrate the Lodi Appellation’s premier event, the 15th annual ZinFest Wine Festival with a weekend full of fabulous Lodi wine, food, and entertainment.

Here’s an overview of the weekend:

Friday, May 17th

There will be a pre-event entitled – 2019 ZinFest Blind Tasting; A Study of Ancient Vine Zinfandels of California.

The event will consist of 12 Zinfandels from all these classic wine regions – all the wines sourced from vines planted an average of over 100 years ago. The objective will be to delineate and discuss terroir related sensory qualities, which will be discussed by three panelists of impeccable credentials: Mike Dunne (Columnist, “Dunne on Wine,” and The Sacramento Bee), Steve Eliot (Editor, Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine), and Catherine Fallis MS (Planet Grape®, Grape Goddess®, author of “10 Grapes to Know”). The panel/tasting will be moderated by Randy Caparoso (editor for lodiwine.com and The SOMM Journal).

The event will be held at the Wine& Roses Ballroom – Cost is $40 per person.

Saturday, May 18th

Although Zinfandel can certainly be considered Lodi’s heritage grape, ZinFest offers so much more. At Saturday’s Grand Tasting, at least 200 wines from more than 40 Lodi wineries will be poured. From Iberian varietals like Albariño and Tempranillo to Rhône Valley stunners like Picpoul Blanc and Grenache, there are wines for every palate.

Other options include taking one or more of the fun and educational three ZinFest wine school sessions, or the ZinFest BBQ Experience Demonstrations.  

In addition to the wine and barbecue schools, guests can enjoy gourmet food from local restaurants, live music, playing  lawn games or checking out unique merchandise from artisan purveyors, such as local olive oils and reclaimed wine barrel furniture.

And of course, it’s a great opportunity to meet the winemakers and taste-makers that have helped shape Lodi into one of California’s top wine country destinations!

Sunday, May 19th

Embark on a self-guided tour of the Lodi Appellation as participating wineries host special activities and tastings in the intimacy of their own cellars. No ticket is required. Individual tasting fees may apply.

The Details

New this year is the ability to purchase an early entrance admission ticket to Saturday’s Grand Tasting. Guests can beat the crowds and enter one hour early at 12:00 noon where they will be granted the exclusive opportunity to taste reserve wines not made available to the general public. The early entrance admission tickets are limited to only 500 and are expected to sell out.

ZinFest tickets can be purchased online at ZinFest.com or by calling the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center at 209.365.0621. Early entrance admission tickets cost $75 and are not available at the gate. General admission tickets cost $55 per person in advance and $65 the day of the event. Designated driver tickets (no wine tasting) are also available at $25 per person for early entrance and $20 in advance for general admission. Tickets include a ZinFest wine glass, wine tasting, and participation in all seminars and entertainment. All attendees must be 21 years of age or older, including designated drivers.

I received complimentary tickets.  I hope to see you there!

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