The Second Annual ``Taste of Lodi'' Set For October 5; A Premier Event for Lodi Features Wine, Food and Music in an Elegant Setting at Wine & Roses Hotel

Business Wire, Sept 8, 2003

News Editors/Food & Wine Editors

LODI, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 8, 2003

The 2nd Annual Taste of Lodi, one of the area's premier food and wine events, will be held on Sunday, Oct. 5, on the beautiful grounds of the historic Wine & Roses Restaurant and Hotel in Lodi.

Participants will be able to taste wine from over 30 wineries and sample savory cuisine from more than a dozen local restaurants and chefs while listening to the sounds of the CRC Jazz Orchestra featuring Ron Cunha and Steven Holman.

The event will be held from Noon to 4 p.m. on Oct. 5 at Wine & Roses, located at 2505 West Turner Road in Lodi. Tickets are $30 in advance and can be purchased by calling 800-798-1810 or visiting www.TasteOfLodi.com. Tickets will be $35 at the door, if available. A portion of the proceeds from the event will support programs of the Lodi Boys & Girls Club.

"The response to last year's Taste of Lodi was incredible," said Nancy Beckman, executive director of the Lodi Conference & Visitor's Bureau. "People came from as far away as San Jose and the Bay Area to taste over 150 of our best wines, and sample mouthwatering dishes from our most sought after restaurants. Event coordinators are building on last year's success to make this year's event even better."

Because of last year's successful event, the Bank of Lodi and Sacramento Magazine requested to again be the lead sponsors for the event, which is organized by the Lodi Conference &Visitors Bureau, Jewel Collection Fine Wines and Wine & Roses.

"We are pleased to host this event, which gives people from all over Northern California and the Central Valley a chance to experience exquisite food and wine from Lodi -- while supporting the Lodi Boys & Girls Club," said Raimon Barnes, Marketing Director for Wine & Roses.

"The Lodi Boys & Girls Club is honored for the second year in a row to be the recipient for the 'Taste of Lodi' event," said Richard J. Jones, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Lodi. "We appreciate the support from Taste of Lodi, which helps us to continue to provide programs and activities for local youth in our area."

"The Lodi Appellation is producing some of the best wines coming out of California," said Jeff Hansen, CEO of the Jewel Collection Fine Wines. "This is a great chance to sample the area's award-winning wines in a perfect setting."

In addition to the wine, food and music, Berberian European Motors of Stockton will have elegant new cars on display.

For more information on the Taste of Lodi, please visit www.TasteOfLodi.com.