The second half of
2021
saw the Lodi Chapter transitioning into
BUSINESS AS USUAL
Lodi
regarding monthly events & regular get-togethers
through a fascinating tasting of various cheeses and cured meats, paired with Lodi wines provided by the Chapter. The main takeaway was that the world of cheese is as varied, complex and potentially confusing as the world of wine. Production techniques, milk sources and other regional differences result in a wide range of styles and flavors for cheeses that may have similar basic themes. Or, to put it another way, cheddar styles can be as varied as chardonnay styles!
Our Lodi KOV Wine Club events were the regular monthly focus of our group. The July event was held at Berghold Winery and we were happy to be indoors as it was a scorching hot day. The Berghold tasting room is a sight to behold; full of antiques and displays col‑ lected by Master Knight Joe Berghold over the years. Winemaker Miles Berghold led us through a detailed tasting of their estate wines including several stellar red blends. Between the wonderful wine and the beautiful surroundings, it was a fun afternoon.
December is the holiday season and Master Command‑ er Gordon MacKay continued the tradition established by Master Commander Emeritus Ken Levy of hosting the Commander’s Christmas Party. Gordon and Annette welcomed members from the Lodi and Chan‑ cellery Chapters to their home just outside of Lodi. This is always a “bring wine and food to share” event, which ensures that there will be a great variety of Lodi wines and a superb spread of food. The weather cooperated and it really was a wonderful way to end our year of KOV events!
August found us at Klinker Brick Winery. Owner Steve Felten regaled the crowd with tales of the history of the winery and the various ups and downs of the wine business. Daughter Farrah (namesake for their Farrah Syrah – try some if you can find it) did her best to keep Steve in control, but that is a challenging assignment. We learned a lot about KB’s national and international distribution and about the challenges of selling wine to the world. Klinker Brick has had much recent success in that regard, including placing in the Wine Spectator Top 100 with their Grenache Blanc.
It should also be mentioned that the Lodi Chapter has been busy planning and preparing to host the National Annual Meeting and Delegates Gathering in April. The weekend will kick off with several events in Lodi on Thursday and Friday, then move up to Murphys in the Sierra Foothills for Friday night, Saturday and Sunday events at Ironstone Winery. The renaissance themed Assemblage and dinner to recognize new Supreme Lady Gail Kautz will be an event not to be missed. We hope to see you there!
In September we landed at Woodbridge Uncorked, a local wine and beer establishment that features wines from Lodi KOV member Dr. Jim Grady of Grady Fam‑ ily Vineyards. Grady produces numerous wines, pri‑ marily red, but is distinguished locally by their produc‑ tion of Pinot Noir. Needless to say, Pinot is not a typical Lodi varietal and few growers/winemakers in this area have the nerve to deal with the “heartbreak grape”. Dr. Grady is one of the few, and his wines are not to be missed if you get the chance to try them. This was a really fun and educational session in a unique setting.
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Get it????... Shrimp on the Barbi
After skipping October due to harvest complications, we visited Cheese Central in downtown Lodi in November. Proprietor Cindy Della Monica led us
38
The Arbor
