Memories of The First Sip 2011

ByRandy Caparoso
Lodi wine bottle, bowl of food, and promotional flyer for First Sip event on a wooden table.
Jessie’s Grove winery, November 2011

Another First Sip in Lodi has come and gone! There were some memorable moments, during this annual harvest celebration this past November 12-13, when wine lovers can go around visiting over 40 of Lodi’s finest vignerons and taste unbottled samples of their latest vintages — including just picked 2011s.

Born and raised here in the Delta, Dee Yates of Dee Yates Photography has always had a keen eye and natural feel for Lodi’s wine country. Below is a photographic accounting by Ms. Yates, mixed in with shots taken by lodiwine.com (Yates’ artistic expessions identified by her signature). Good times at…

Harney Lane Winery:

Man smelling wine in a glass at a Lodi wine tasting event, showcasing wine quality and aroma.
Winemaker Chad Joseph
Barrel label with vintage 2011 Albariño wine and vineyard details in Lodi, California.
Scenic garden with large trees, fountain, and stone pathway, showcasing lush greenery and vibrant fall foliage.
Close-up of grapes, pomegranate, and colorful fall leaves from Lodi wine region.
Person holding a glass of white wine in a winery setting, focus on the glass and hand, black and white photo.
Close-up of a grape cluster with dark purple leaves and green foliage, showcasing Lodi's premium wine grapes.

Kidder Family Winery:

Close-up of a wine barrel with a label for 2010 estate Syrah from Lodi Winegrape Commission.
Wine tasting at Lodi Winegrape Commission with bottles and glasses on a rustic bar.
Group of people enjoying Lodi wine outdoors under autumn trees.
Wine barrels at Lodi Winegrape Commission vineyard with grapevines and blue sky in background.

Dancing Fox Winery & Bakery:

Outdoor cafe at a winery with patrons, banners, and lush greenery in Lodi, California.
Close-up of a decorative stone angel face sculpture surrounded by green leaves.
Lodi Winegrape Commission sign in a garden setting with greenery and brick pathway.
Man wearing a T-shirt supporting local winemakers at Lodi Winegrape Commission event.
Winegrower Gregg Lewis

Lodi Wine Cellars:

Bottle of McCay Cellars Zinfandel wine from 2008, featuring a black label with gold and white accents.
Benson Ferry sign with a scenic illustration of a ferry crossing and landscape in Lodi, California.
Two men smiling at a Lodi Winegrape Commission event, one wearing an apron, in a cozy wine bar setting.
Grower Bob Lauchland, winemaker Michael McCay

Ripken Vineyards & Winery:

Colorful T-shirts with wine-related designs hanging on a line at Lodi Winegrape Commission event.
People enjoying wine tasting at a Lodi Winegrape Commission event outdoors.
People tasting red wine from glasses at a wine event, showcasing Lodi's wine culture.
Smiling woman at Lodi Winegrape Commission booth during wine event in Lodi, California.
Winemaker Sue Ripken
Lodi winegrape vineyard with ripe grapes and lush vines under a clear blue sky.
Close-up of succulent plants with rosette-shaped leaves in shades of blue-green.
Woman tasting red wine outdoors in Lodi, California, showcasing local wine culture.
Dee Yates, photographer

Happy sippin’ from Lodi Wine Country!

More from Lodi