''Taste of Lodi'' Showcases California's Other Award-Winning Wine Region

Business Wire, August 31, 2005

LODI, Calif. -- When most people think of wine country, they think of Napa and Sonoma counties. But one of California's leading wine regions is fast becoming California's New Wine Country -- and a major destination for wine lovers.

Lodi, located just a half hour south of Sacramento and 90 minutes east of San Francisco, has emerged as one of the world's most-recognized regions for high-quality grape and wine production.

Visitors can get a special look at Lodi on Sunday, Oct. 9 as 30 award-winning wineries and the area's finest restaurants and chefs come together for the Fourth Annual Taste of Lodi on the beautiful grounds of the historic Wine & Roses Hotel & Restaurant.

"The event is getting bigger and better every year," said Nancy Beckman, executive director of the Lodi Conference & Visitor's Bureau. "More people are attracted to the area and discovering the incredible wines that Lodi has to offer."

At the Taste of Lodi, guests will sample wine and food offerings of this hidden jewel of Northern California's fine wine region. While enjoying the epicurean delights, visitors will stroll through the beautiful grounds of the historic Wine & Roses Hotel and Spa, recently named one of the Top Ten Romantic Inns in the country. Guests can also participate in a drawing for relaxing spa treatments at the all-new Spa at Wine & Roses.

Laura McIntosh, of the syndicated show "Bringing it Home with Laura McIntosh," will host two celebrity chef demonstrations sponsored by Lodi Memorial Hospital.

Free wine seminars will highlight some of the award-winning wines from the Lodi region. Joe Lenigan's "Little" Big Band will keep the music playing all afternoon with a repertoire ranging from big band and swing to Latin, Oldies, Rock 'n' Roll and today's pop hits.

A new attraction this year will be the Chocolate, Cigar and Port patio, where visitors can enjoy chocolates from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, purchase cigars from Stogies Cigar Lounge of Lodi and sample port from several Lodi wineries.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Lodi.

"We're thrilled to host this event and to give people the chance to experience great food and wine on our grounds," said Heather Reagan, Director of Sales and Marketing for Wine & Roses. "The event really shines a spotlight on this hidden jewel of Northern California."

The event will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 9 at Wine & Roses, located at 2505 West Turner Road in Lodi. Tickets are $30 in advance and can be purchased by calling 877-310-3358 or visiting www.TasteOfLodi.com. Tickets will be $35 at the door, if available.

The Bank of Lodi and Sacramento Magazine are the lead sponsors for the event for the fourth year. The Lodi Conference & Visitors Bureau, Jewel Winery and Wine & Roses are organizers of the event.

"We began this event in 2002 to help spread the word about the great wines coming out of the Lodi Appellation," said Betty Hansen, Vice President of Jewel Winery. "Thanks to our participating wineries and local chefs, we've created a signature event that provides a great showcase for our area."

About the Lodi Area

Lodi boasts 750 winegrape growers, 90,000 acres of vineyards and more than 50 wineries. The region's annual yield of approximately 600,000 tons of grapes comprises 18 percent of California's total wine grape production -- more than Napa and Sonoma Counties combined. Lodi leads all other California wine districts in the production of the top five premium wine varieties -- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Zinfandel.

In 2003, The Wall Street Journal tasted 50 Zinfandels under $20, with the "Best of Tasting" going to a Lodi wine and four other wines in the Top 10 containing a good portion of Lodi grapes.