Images of Lodi's 2018 Wine & Chocolate Weekend by Frances Siria
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.
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...
Wine & Chocolate Weekend greeting at Harney Lane Winery
"Rosé all day" at Oak Farm Vineyards
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
Love was in the air all through Lodi's 2018 Wine & Chocolate Weekend
The amazing chocolate chili at Harney Lane Winery
Harney Lane's renowned winemaker Chad Joseph regaling Wine & Chocolate fans
Pink flamingo eyes at Van Ruiten Family Winery
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
Red, red Valentine spirit at Mettler Family vineyards
Enjoying the sunny Wine & Chocolate Weekend at LangeTwins Family Winery
It's all good at Oak Farm Vineyards
Rosy greeting at Oak Farm Vineyards
Roasting marshmallows for s'mores at Ripken Vineyards
Pouring on the love at Ripken Vineyards' outdoor tasting room
The warm family feeling at Spenker Winery
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
Exciting news about the new, upcoming Spenker Creamery (Lodi's first farmstead goat cheeses!)
"Hoe Down" team and theme at Van Ruiten Family Winery
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