LODI ZINFEST 2015
ZinFest WineSchool Presented by Master Sommelier Catherine Fallis of planetgrape.com
Lodi, California
May 2015
Lodi Lake last weekend was transformed into the popular wine festival known as ZinFest, attended by folks as far away as Montreal and Fort Lauderdale. This is one of my favorite events of the year, as it celebrates not only the delicious, well-made, and very under-valued local wines, but it is an event that celebrates the local growers, many of whom have remained in the shadows as others – many in Napa Valley – took the credit. The event kicks off with an outdoor dinner featuring a live band, wine tents, hearty family style platters heaping with steak, chicken and butternut squash ravioli, followed by dancing and cigars under the moonlight.
Planet Grape Wine Review panel members Catherine Fallis MS and Fred Swan DWS with his journalist friend from Seattle and LODI WINES Ambassador Randy Caparoso joined winemakers Tegan Passalacqua of Turley Wine Cellars & Sandlands, and Ryan Sherman of Fields Family Wines at Vintners Grille Friday Night Dinner
The next day, cooler than normal – all over the state in fact – folks tasted whites, roses, reds, and sweet wines and hob-knobbed with growers, winemakers, and producers in this homey, low key setting. The outdoor piano bar under the shade of trees was as popular as the food booths and the cooking school was as packed as the wine tents. As the event closed individual wineries reminded folks they had special events going on Sunday – such as Oyster BBQ or Jazz music with their wine tastings. After a long day of presenting and tasting we opted for the tranquility of the lovely Wine & Roses Hotel & Spa pool. Looking forward to 2016!
Check out our reviews of Lodi wines here:
