Images of Lodi’s 2018 Wine & Chocolate Weekend by Frances Siria

ByRandy Caparoso
People enjoying wine tasting outdoors with glasses of red wine at Lodi Winegrape Commission event.
Luscious Lodi Zinfandel straight from the barrel during 2018’s Wine & Chocolate Weekend

For our photographic memories of Lodi’s 2018 Wine & Chocolate Weekend, we enlisted local Digital Marketing Specialist Frances Siria to chronicle some of her favorite moments, with images taken with her stealth smartphone. Ms. Siria currently serves as the Social Media Specialist for Wine & Roses Hotel, Restaurant & Spa, and has helped build a strong online presence for a number of businesses and nonprofits.

Asked about her general impressions on how the weekend went, Siria told us:

This year’s Wine & Chocolate Weekend had some of the best weather we have ever experienced during this annual event.

Lodi Digital Marketing Specialist Frances Siria

Rosé wines seemed to rule during the weekend, with most wineries pouring their specialty bottlings of pink wines. Some of the highlights included varietal bottlings by LangeTwins Family, Oak Farm Vineyards, and Van Ruiten Family.

There were more wines than actual chocolates to be had; but still, we enjoyed some delightful chocolate-based savory treats, such as the chocolate chili at Harney Lane Winery, and the chocolate covered sausages at St Jorge Winery.

Omega Vineyards offered food and wine pairings with the tasting of each wine. The perfect way to end the day for wine lovers with a sweet tooth was at Scotto Cellars‘ tasting room in Downtown Lodi. They were pouring their Sweet Sunset, a mocha coffee flavored dessert wine wine, with their Sweet Sunset Red Chocolate.

Three women enjoying wine at a Lodi Winegrape Commission event, laughing and socializing.
Weekend of wine, chocolate, laughter and love at McCay Cellars

As to be expected, the “party” crowd eventually found their way to Van Ruiten Family Winery, where they had a live band going; and they could also be found at the new McCay Cellars pouring room on Sacramento St., in Downtown Lodi.

I especially enjoyed my visit to Spenker Winery – a family affair, as the Spenkers were all on hand to personally greet everyone and share their wines, while highlighting their upcoming artisanal goat milk creamery (including Goat Yoga), which will debut this summer.

Thank you, Frances! And more of her images…

Chalkboard sign welcoming guests to wine and chocolate tasting at Harney Lane, 11am-4pm, for ages 21 and up.
Wine & Chocolate Weekend greeting at Harney Lane Winery
Woman drinking wine in front of rose flower letters spelling 'ROSE' at Lodi Winegrape Commission event.
“Rosé all day” at Oak Farm Vineyards
Group of four people enjoying wine tasting outdoors with a large tree in the background.
Under the centuries-old oaks at Jessie’s Grove Winery
Blue skies, succulents and vines at Oak Farm Vineyards

Good times, wine and love at Oak Farm Vineyards

Barrel-thief slinging sheriff in town at Van Ruiten Family Winery

All about the vino at Ripken Vineyards

Couple kissing at a romantic kissing booth with heart decorations, brick wall background, and wine glasses on the table.
Love was in the air all through Lodi’s 2018 Wine & Chocolate Weekend
Woman serving food at a Lodi Winegrape Commission event, smiling and enjoying the moment.
The amazing chocolate chili at Harney Lane Winery

Harney Lane’s renowned winemaker Chad Joseph regaling Wine & Chocolate fans

Two people celebrating at a Lodi Winegrape Commission event, one wearing a pink flamingo mask.
Pink flamingo eyes at Van Ruiten Family Winery
Three women smiling and tasting wine at Lodi Winegrape Commission event in a winery setting.
Feelin’ the Wine & Chocolate Weekend love at LangeTwins Family Winery

Pouring the fun and fruit-filled Caricature at LangeTwins Family Winery

Toast to good times at Lodi Wine & Visitor Center

At Oak Farm Vineyards, life is too short for less than stellar wines and friends

Two women in red shirts celebrating Valentine's Day with wine bottles at Lodi Winegrape Commission event.
Red, red Valentine spirit at Mettler Family vineyards

Enjoying the sunny Wine & Chocolate Weekend at LangeTwins Family Winery

Two women enjoying wine at a Lodi Winegrape Commission event, smiling and holding glasses of red wine outdoors.
It’s all good at Oak Farm Vineyards
Woman holding two glasses of rosé wine at Lodi Winegrape Commission event.
Rosy greeting at Oak Farm Vineyards

Roasting marshmallows for s’mores at Ripken Vineyards

Pouring on the love at Ripken Vineyards’ outdoor tasting room

Smiling woman holding a glass of red wine at a Lodi wine event with a red barn in the background.
The warm family feeling at Spenker Winery
Man pouring wine into glasses at Lodi Winegrape Commission tasting event.
Wine o’clock at Spenker Winery

All manner of chocolaty and vinous treats at Van Ruiten Family Winery

Sipping among the barrels at Van Ruiten Family Winery

Classic Wine & Chocolate moment at Downtown Lodi’s McCay Cellars

Moment of oneness with Lodi wine at Van Ruiten Family Winery

Display of wine-related materials including brochures, a framed photo, and wine corks at Lodi Winegrape Commission event.
Exciting news about the new, upcoming Spenker Creamery (Lodi’s first farmstead goat cheeses!)
Group of women celebrating with wine bottles at Lodi Winegrape Commission event.
“Hoe Down” team and theme at Van Ruiten Family Winery
Group of diverse people enjoying wine tasting at Lodi Winegrape Commission event.
Good times at Van Ruiten Family Winery
Ancient vine, emblematic of Lodi wine country’s multi-generational heritage
At Van Ruiten Family Winery, fond memories of 2018 Wine & Chocolate Weekend

More from Lodi