Wine & Chocolate: A Match Made In Heaven
Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend
There’s no better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year than to bring a loved one to the Annual Lodi Wine and Chocolate Weekend. This event is a chocolate and wine lovers dream, featuring Lodi area chocolate and wine pairings, live music, barrel tastings, and prize giveaways, including the grand prize of a Wine Country Getaway in Lodi, CA!
Even if you’re flying solo this year, this event is sure to put a smile on your face. With over 50 Lodi wineries participating, visitors can roam from winery to winery and taste different wines that will enhance their chocolate eating experience. The arrival of this event got us thinking about the best ways to pair your favorite chocolates with the right wines. We can all agree that both chocolate and wine are excellent on their own, but what factors should you look for to make these two treats into a truly winning combination?
Below are all of the wineries that will be participating in the Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend this year!
The owner of Barsetti Vineyards is Janis Barsetti Gray. Janis’ grandfather Gottardo Barsetti came to Amercia from the southern part of Switzerland in 1903 and settled in Galt in 1912. In 1941, Janis’ father and grandparents bought the property where the vineyard exists today. Up until 1995, when the vineyard was planted, the land supported dairy, beef cattle, and crop operation. The birth of Barsetti Vineyards as a wine label began in 2001. Janis and her late husband, Richard, retired from Fortune 500 corporate careers before pursuing their passion.
209-744-6062
400 4th St, Suite 150, Galt, CA 95632
The Berghold Family has been growing winegrapes in Lodi since 1986. Today, the estate is an assemblage of three contiguous vineyards totaling 85 acres of Syrah, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel. The family has been selling winegrapes to a number of fine wineries, including some based in Napa and Sonoma counties.
209-333-9291
17343 N. Cherry Rd., Lodi, CA 95240
Markus and Liz Bokisch have a love of Spain due to Markus’s family heritage. Markus spent many a childhood summer watching his water glass go from a light shade of pink to eventually a dark red as the ratio of wine to water matched his age. After graduating from UC Davis, Markus cut his teeth in the wine industry at Joseph Phelps Vineyards as their viticulturist from 1989 to 1992. It wasn’t long before the lure of Spain enticed the newlyweds to move to Catalonia where they gained their inspiration for growing and producing Spanish varietal wines in California.
209-642-8880
18921 Atkins Rd., Lodi, CA 95240
After 19 years of making wine at Renwood, which I founded and named after my wife Rene, we were looking for a new challenge. My daughters wanted to open an urban winery and I wanted a boutique winery where we could produce wines from the best vineyards and control the process. Cabana was born, our first 7 years were in Sacramento, as the focus became on expanding our production, we move to Lodi. At Cabana, we ferment in small lots and barrel age the wine in French oak. Then I used my 30 years of wine making experience to produce the final blend of our award winning wines. We now produce 18 wines for Lodi, Napa and Amador county.
916-476-5492
710 S.Beckman Rd. Suite D. Lodi, CA 95240
We own the land. We grow the grapes. We produce the wine. At CLICHE WINE CO. we believe…YOU deserve delicious wine…EVERYDAY. Our estate-grown, award-winning wines are meant to simply enjoy. And the phenomenal deals on full cases are just a bonus. We keep it simple around here. Stop by our tasting room or order online. Excellent deals on full cases of delicious Lodi Wine.
209-314-9414
710 S. Beckman Rd, Suite C, Lodi, CA 95240
Farming has been our family’s way of life for 4 generations. It has provided our family with years of appreciation of the earth and our sustainable knowledge in the land we farm. Our current wines include Old Vine Zinfandel from our Peltier Ranch, Chardonnay, and Grand Cuvee Sparkling Wine from our Thornton Ranch. Come be a part of our journey in producing and crafting distinctive wines always for your enjoyment. Since 2007 our company producing Bellindora & Delta Barrel balsamic’s, wine vinegars, and olive oil. We are very proud to be a part of the farm to fork movement in our community. Our location is 1 ½ miles South from the Cosumnes River Preserve between Barber Rd and New Hope Rd. Wines are available for purchase by the glass or bottle.
209-334-5544
28305 N Thornton Rd., Thornton, CA 95686
Helen and Dave Dart started their dream as home winemakers with a passion for great wines. After winning several awards in that category, they decided to make small lot commercial wines to share with like-minded enthusiasts.
209-334-9946
13299 Curry Ave., Lodi, CA 95240
“Family Farmed encompasses DFV Wines’ firmly-held belief that we are responsible for tending the earth and protecting its inhabitants,” explains Jay Indelicato. “This responsibility not only includes using environmentally sensitive farming practices, but also maintaining highest ethical standards in our business dealings. My family has relationships with growers, banks, employees and consumers that span decades. By thinking of ourselves as a Family Farmed company, it is a reminder that we have a responsibility to preserve and sustain the things that matter most.”
209-824-3500
12001 South Highway 99, Manteca, CA 95336
Experimenting with various small lot varietals each vintage, Drava focuses on Certified Sustainable Lodi Appellation wines.
209-400-5009
1378 E Turner Road, Ste. D, Lodi, CA 95240
The Ehlers vineyards and E2 Family Winery are solely owned and operated by the Ehlers family who are 6 generations of Californians, rich in history, dating back to the California gold rush. As Ehlers family vineyardists and winemakers for the last 83 years, they are proud to offer traditional California reds… Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, and a rich, velvety Port. The collection is completed with their three white wines… Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, the rare and unique Verdelho and coming soon… Gray Reisling.
209-334-5911
9009 West Highway 12, Lodi, CA 95241
Estate Crush operates a 16,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility with an on-site winemaker and cellar crew to create custom wine for wineries and individuals. Specializing in hand-crafted lots from one-quarter barrel for individuals and up to 20-ton lots for boutique wineries, Estate Crush is focused on custom small lot production.
209-368-7595
2 West Lockeford Street, Lodi, CA 95240
We invite you to join the Goodmills family, take our lead and slow down, relax and enjoy a little piece of our paradise! Our passion is bringing you superb, quality crafted wines from our boutique winery and vineyards. We operate on one simple philosophy…Good Friends, Good Times, For Goodmills Wines!
209-727-0728
17266 Hillside Dr., Lodi, CA 95240
Our start into the world of weddings began with one man’s dream. Twenty years ago Steve Baker established a catering company, Fresh & Quick Catering. His passion for people and excellent food service developed Fresh & Quick Catering, a fruitful and well-known catering company in the Sacramento area. For him, the next step to take was to create a celebration event venue.
Steve dreamed of a peaceful sanctuary where couples could come and exchange their vows. After seven years of searching for the perfect wedding venue, he found a charming southern colonial style mansion. And voila – Grace Vineyards was established.
As the vines began to grow and the flowers started to bloom a beautiful backdrop was created, perfect for guests and events. Today, Steve’s dream has become a reality and he and his family would love to welcome you to their vineyard estate for your romantic getaway on your special day.
916-447-3774
28001 N Nichols Road, Galt, CA 95632
Harmony Wynelands is an 18 acre, family owned boutique winery nestled among lush wine grapes, surrounded by picturesque gardens and grounds. The venue is the perfect place for any special occasion, whether it is a wedding, anniversary, or corporate event. The tasting room features the famous historic San Francisco Castro Theatre pipe organ, played by winery owner Bob Hartzell.
209-369-4184
9291 E Harney Ln., Lodi, CA 95240
Heritage Oak is located along a remote section of Woodbridge Road on 106 acres, nestled up against the Mokelumne River. Customers stop by the tasting room before embarking on a 3/4 mile walk to a secluded private beach for a picnic. River access is also available for kayakers for both taking in and launching. Please check the web page for terms and conditions of property use.
209-986-2763
10112 E. Woodbridge Rd., Acampo, CA 95220
Established in 2000, Housley’s Century Oak Winery has quickly made a name for itself with their family approach to award-winning wines at affordable prices.
Their 37-acre estate vineyard continues to provide highly sought after Cabernet Grapes and a few small Old Vine Zinfandel plots around the Acampo, Lodi and Woodbridge wine-growing areas also provide intense, high-quality fruit that help them make incredible wines.
209-334-3482
22211 N. Lower Sacramento Rd., Acampo, CA 95220
Joseph Spenker arrived in Stockton in 1868 with 27¢ in his pocket. Ten years later he owned over 1500 acres of some of the best ground in the Central Valley including the Ranch now called Jessie’s Grove. In 1870, he went to a wedding in Stockton where met a beautiful girl, Anna Schlieman, and married her the next day. They had two children, Jessie and Otto, who grew up in the home Joseph built for his family in 1906. Joseph planted his first vineyard in 1888 – adding more acres in subsequent years. Many of these vines remain in production today and produce some of our most prized wine.
209-368-0880
1973 W. Turner Rd., Lodi, CA 95242
Klinker Brick is a 6th generation wine grape growers. In 2000, Steve and Lori Felten made the decision to start their own winery with the mission to produce exceptional Zinfandel. They continue to make wine from all of the vineyard blocks, culling only the very best lots for bottling Klinker Brick and designated vineyard wines. They produced their first Syrah in 2001. They have one goal…to produce world-class wine.
209-333-1845
15887 N. Alpine Road, Lodi, CA 95240
LANGETWINS FAMILY WINERY & VINEYARDS
Brad and Randall Lange, twins and fourth-generation Lodi winegrape farmers, grew up and raised their families on the land we still farm to this day. Their respect for the land and passion for preserving it for future generations is our foundation and influences our everyday practices. In 2005 the fifth-generation made a lifelong commitment to the family company, joining the business with roles spanning across both the winery and viticulture teams. It was at this time, we built the winery – a generational decision to ensure our farm, communities, and the agricultural way of life thrives.
209-334-9780
1525 E. Jahant Rd., Acampo, CA 95220
Lodi Vintners is one of Lodi’s newest tasting rooms, located in Lodi’s oldest winery. We have remodeled our elegant little stone cottage at 3750 East Woodbridge Road in Acampo, California with a modern rustic design honoring our roots.
209-368-2019
3750 E Woodbridge Road, Acampo, CA 95220
Lone Grape Winery Tasting Room Open At Tuscan Wine Village. This winery offers wine pairings, as well.
209-727-3232
12470 Locke Road, Lockeford, CA 95237
Traveling cross country learning and refining his technique, winemaker Eric Donaldson settled in Lodi, California. LVVR originated from a small sparkling endeavor for the Vizcarra sisters, since then it has grown into a much larger endeavor. The final stop for Eric is here in Lodi, California. He sought out Lodi due to its warmer climate and reasonable cost to start a business. Eric worked at a large winery, again gaining a wealth of knowledge on new equipment and methods, before starting EMD Winemaking.
209-727-6062
12470 Locke Rd., Suite 700, Lockeford, CA 95237
Since 2004 their focus and purpose has been creating dynamic artisan wines from distinctive vineyards in Lodi, the Sierra Foothills, and Napa Valley.
From stellar examples of Lodi Zinfandel to classic Napa Cabernet to exciting Rhone wines from the Sierra Foothills, m2 wines are created to fully express the character of the vineyard and the fruit of the vine as wine that is true to itself – balanced, complex, approachable and age-worthy.
209-339-1071
2900 E. Peltier Road, Acampo, CA 95220
In Italian, “Macchia” means “the spot”. In the Lodi area, Macchia Winery has been earning a reputation as a spot where discriminating vino buffs can find small lots of high-quality vintages — at some very reasonable prices.
It is a tried-and-true strategy for making exceptional wines that Tim Holdener says is at the heart of his winemaking philosophy.
Well aware of the potential for quality that was long ignored by many winemakers outside the Lodi area; the Holdeners make a variety of different Zinfandels, each sporting its own distinctive qualities.
209-333-2600
7099 E. Peltier Rd., Acampo, CA 95220
Michael McCay and his family have farmed in Lodi for 20 plus years. Michael came to Lodi in the mid 1980s, started making wine in 1994 and launched the McCay Cellars label in 2007. From the beginning, Michael’s winemaking style has involved native fermentation…discovering and exploring the layers and trueness of this “old world style” winemaking. Concentrating on Zinfandel and Rhone varietals has become a passion at McCay Cellars.
209-368-9463
100 S Sacramento St., Lodi, CA 95240
For five generations, the Wackman family has been farming the land just north of the Cosumnes River along Highway 99 in Elk Grove where sustainability is not just something you talk about – it’s a way of life. The beautiful McConnell house, built over 100 years ago, is now a bustling winery and tasting room where you can come to taste their estate grown and produced wines, sing along at a summer outdoor concert, or sit back and relax in the warm valley sun while tasting the locally produced wines.
916-685-5368
10686 W. Stockton Blvd., Elk Grove, CA 95758
For over five generations, the Mettler family has been growing premium wine grapes in California’s famous Lodi appellation. They are stewards of the land with organically farmed winegrowing estate and their ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah which are the signatures of family pride and over 100 years of grape growing excellence.
209-369-3045
7889 East Harney Lane, Lodi, CA 95240
Nostra Vita [Italian for “our life”] Family Winery is a place of community, acceptance, discovery and above all else, family. We invite you to visit with us, join in the discovery of each vintage, and share this exploration with your friends and family. Whether you’re in the Cellar Door raising a glass of our méthode champenoise, or sipping one of our delicious still wines, we strive to provide our customers with a relaxed environment in which to taste, learn and simply enjoy a beautiful glass of wine. Join us and make “our life” a part of yours!
209-334-0274
1150 W. Turner Rd., Lodi, CA 95242
Visiting Oak Farm Vineyards (OF), you will experience our passion for wine and hospitality at our Lodi Destination Winery. We invite you to come, enjoy our wines as you relax within the sweeping vineyard views and under our historic oak trees surrounding our property. This beautiful setting is a perfect place for a picnic lunch!
209-365-6565
23627 N. DeVries Road, Lodi, CA 95242
Oak Ridge Winery is fast becoming a beacon for Lodi’s future. The winery produces small lots of its own hand-crafted wines, including its signature Old Zin Vines (“OZV”), and offers custom winemaking services to a growing list of wineries and custom brands. Each of their wines and all of the relationships reflect their passion, commitment to quality and uncompromising integrity.
209-369-4758
6100 E. Victor Rd., Lodi, CA 95240
Nestled between the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Lodi has an ideal Mediterranean climate with deep, rich, sandy-loam soils and abundant quality water. Lance Randolph, fourth generation Peirano, winemaker, and grower uses the best of Giacomo Peirano’s, Lance’s great grandfather, farming methods and implements new techniques to create the best of “Old World Meets New World” viticulture practices.
209-369-9463
21831 N. Highway 99, Acampo, CA 95220
Peltier Winery is an innovative, cutting-edge winery and custom crush facility. Our mission is to produce and create outstanding wines from our sustainably farmed, certified green, estate-grown vineyards. Our passion is to enhance good food with exceptional wine and share this experience with everyone. Whether it be in our Tasting Room, domestically, or globally, we want all to know our passion for wine, food, family, and friends. So we invite you to taste the passion and experience the lifestyle that is Peltier Winery.
209-367-4882
22150 N. Kennefick Rd., PO Box 225, Acampo, CA 95220
PONDL, from the initials of its two founders Pat O’Neill and David Lujan Jr., is a testament to what happens when an innocent hobby gets out of control! We are situated in the heart of Lodi wine country. We explore many varietals and employ different techniques to showcase the diversity of the region’s viticultural riches.
209-367-3672
665 West Turner Road, Lodi, CA 95242
Enjoy the wine, relax under the shade of the oaks, and enjoy the company of friends and family.
925-784-6197
15628 N Alpine Rd., Lodi, CA 95240
The Ripken family considers themselves an artisan “barnista” winery that is uniquely different, electric, eclectic, quirky, esoteric, even wacky, but never boring or weird.
Ripken Vineyards & Winery appeals to adventuresome wine drinkers with mostly non-traditional varieties producing extraordinary flavored wines.
209-367-9463
2472 W. Sargent Rd., Lodi, CA 95242
This is the Scotto Family 5th generation’s newest milestone, their first tasting room! Located on South School Street in the heart of downtown Lodi, Scotto’s Wine & Cider is one of the newest additions to Lodi’s thriving wine scene. And like many things involving this innovative Lodi based family company, their tasting room offers something unique – in addition to their award winning wines, they also pour their very own, true craft ciders. The Scotto’s know that wine and cider taste best with food, so a rotating assortment of tasty treats are available.
209-224-8590
14 S School Street, Lodi, CA 95240
Sorelle Winery specializes in small lots of Italian varietals. Sorelle produces varietals like Pinot Grigio, Barbera, Sangiovese, Primitivo, Rose and a Super Tuscan blend.
209-931-4350
9599 N Hwy 88, Stockton, CA 95212
St. Jorge Winery is open to a limited number of events such as weddings, per year. Please use our contact information to get in touch with us for more info.
209-365-0202
22769 N. Bender Rd., Acampo, CA 95242
With a wine grape growing heritage that stretches back five generations to the vineyards of Southern Greece, the Kapiniaris family bottled their first vintage in 2005 under their own label, Stama.
209-727-3314
17521 N Davis Rd., Lodi, CA 95242
THE DANCING FOX WINERY & BREWERY
The winery serves a wide variety of award-winning wines from sweet to dry to sparkling. Several unique blends make for a wonderful tasting experience. The Restaurant offers lunch and dinner items made from scratch using fresh local ingredients. The wood-fired pizza is second to none when washed down by wine or a pint of ale. Be sure to enjoy the fantastic Sunday brunch.
209-366-2634
203 S School St., Lodi, CA 95240
For over 50 years, the Lodi grapes grown in the Van Ruiten vineyards were harvested and shipped to other wineries every summer. The family wanted to branch out into winemaking, and in 1999 the first varieties of the Van Ruiten Lodi Wines went into production. Among the most memorable and lasting first wines was a Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz blend that remains one of the families most popular today, along with the now famous Van Ruiten Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel and the exceptional Lodi grown Chardonnay that are all served daily at the Lodi Wineries Tasting Room.
209-334-5722
340 W. Highway 12, Lodi, CA 95242
Viaggio Estate & Winery is located in the middle of one of the most famous wine making regions in California, in the “heart” of Lodi’s Wine Country. Conveniently accessible from both Hwy 99 and I-5, Viaggio is a secluded and private estate with classic elegance nestled among beautiful walnut orchards and the serenity of the river. Viaggio‘s stunning and exquisite backdrop of the Mokelumne River offers plush outside grounds and several venues, each with gorgeous picturesque views.
209-368-1378
100 E. Taddei Rd., Acampo, CA 95220
Through three generations, the Weibel Family has been producing California Champagne and fine wines, (including for many years the popular Green Hungarian) for over 8 decades, first in their native Switzerland, and then since 1938 after moving to California. When Fred E. Weibel, Sr. and his father Rudolf came to California, they brought with them classic, old-world winemaking techniques and traditions, combined with a personal commitment to quality and excellence.
Today, the Weibel Family continues to make California Champagne, and a variety of excellent wines under the Weibel Family label, ranging from Chardonnay to Zinfandel grown in our Estate Vineyard in Mendocino County, and our popular Almond, Peach, Pomegranate, or Raspberry Sparkelle.
209-370-6013
13 North School Street, Lodi, CA 95240
Tasting room in Downtown Lodi featuring Sorelle and Six Hands wines. Wine Social is a fun place to have a glass of wine or one of their famous wine “slushies”. They also offer pairings.
209-224-5740
7 N School St., Lodi, CA 95240
Uncorked Wine & Tap Room is a rustic, charming & comfortable setting for your get together! We work directly with you to create the event you envision and make sure you enjoy the occasion. A custom made {Local} Wine List is created just for your event, and we offer Eight Premium Craft Beers on Tap, offering a well-balanced menu for your guests.
209-333-8463
18911 Lower Sacramento Rd., Woodbridge, CA 95258
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