Seminars and discussions on Zinfandel, California’s “grape”
Lodi, CA, November 5, 2018 – On November 14, 2018, the Lodi Winegrape Commission in partnership with Zinfandel Advocate & Producers (ZAP) will be celebrating National Zinfandel Day with leading growers and vintners from the Lodi appellation.
Zinfandel holds a special place in the hearts and minds of the Lodi winegrowing community. Join Lodi growers and vintners for an educational dive into all things Zinfandel at Oak Farm Vineyards. Attendees will taste through 16 unique Zinfandels while hearing the farming and winemaking stories behind the wines with panels of leading growers and vintners.
In the first panel, four growers will share how they are carving out an identity for their Lodi-appellated Zinfandel vineyards. Listen to our farmers discuss how they craft a sense of place for single vineyard Zinfandels and share insights in how they “brand” their vineyards with their winery partners.
During the second panel, four winemakers will share their most recent experiences sourcing Lodi Zinfandel grapes from multiple vineyards and talk about how they work with their partner growers to produce exceptional wines. During the panel, attendees will enjoy Zinfandel wines that show off the diverse terroirs and sensory qualities of what the Lodi AVA has to offer.
Tickets can be purchased at www.lodiwine.com/Wine-Store/Events. The $25 ticket covers the seminars and tri-tip lunch paired with Lodi Zinfandel.
Schedule of Events:
9:00 am
Introduction
Topic: The State of Zinfandel
Speaker: Rebecca Robinson, Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP)
9:15 am
Panel 1: Growers’ Perspectives
Moderator: Stuart Spencer, Lodi Winegrape Commission
Bruce Fry, Mohr-Fry Ranches (St. Amant Marian’s & St. Amant Mohr-Fry)
Jeff Perlegos, Stampede Vineyard (Lodi Native & Maitre-de-Chai Stampede)
Keith Watts, Keith Watts Vineyards (McCay TruLux & Baron Herzog)
Markus Bokisch, Bokisch Ranches (Neyers & Tizona Suess)
10:45 am
Panel 2: Winemakers’ Perspectives
Mike McCay, McCay Cellars (Lot 13 & Bonnotto)
Tegan Passalacqua, Turley Wine Cellars (Kirschenmann & Dogtown)
Derek DeVries, Michael David Winery (Earthquake & Freakshow)
Chad Joseph, Oak Farm Vineyards and Harney Lane Winery (Oak Farm Hohenreider & Harney Lane Scottsdale)
12 pm
Tri-Tip Lunch paired with Lodi Zinfandels
About Lodi Wine Country:
Located 40 miles south of Sacramento and 90 miles east of San Francisco, the Lodi wine region benefits from a classic Mediterranean climate of warm days and cool evenings. A historic winegrowing region since the 1850’s, Lodi cultivates more than 100 diverse winegrape varieties. From Iberian varietals like Tempranillo and Albariño to classic Rhône varietals such as Grenache and Cinsault, Lodi offers wines for even the most discerning palate.
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. In 2015, Lodi was awarded the prestigious Wine Star Award for “Wine Region of the Year” from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. The recent increase in critic and consumer attention paid to Lodi-designate wines has fueled an astronomical growth in demand for Lodi wines, as well as tourism to the wine region.
Lodi is a leader when it comes to sustainable viticulture. Created in 2005, LODI RULES™ is California’s first 3rd-party-certified sustainable winegrowing program and has received significant recognition over the years, having been awarded the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) in 2006 and again in 2014. For more information about the Lodi wine region, visit lodiwine.com and lodigrowers.com.
About Zinfandel Advocate & Producers (ZAP):
Created for Zin lovers by Zin lovers, Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. ZAP is dedicated to advancing public knowledge and appreciation for American Zinfandel and its unique place in our culture and history. ZAP actively involves hundreds of wineries and thousands of enthusiasts. Together, ZAP is gaining a national and international understanding of Zinfandel as America’s grape, serving as an innovator and industry leader in the world of wine. ZAP members enjoy benefits throughout the year including access to ZAP’s Premier Winery Experience program. ZAP can be found online at Zinfandel.org, on Facebook @ZAP.org and on Twitter @thezinfandelorg.
