ByCareySweet
Onabeautifuldayin Lodi,it’shardtobeata visittoawinery,where youcanloungeonaprettypatio,terraceorlawn andsoakupstunning scenery.Withaglassof wineinhandandaplate ofelegantnibblesto sharewithaspecialsomeone,theworldslows downandserenityfloods in.
Throughsummerand fallespecially,vineyards enchantwiththeirabundantgrapes,shimmering invariousshadesof green,red,purpleand evenblackastheygrow readyforharvest.Many winerypatiosarenearthe vineyards,allowingguests toobservediffering shapedleavesforeach varietyanddifferences betweengrapesizes.
PinotNoirgrapes,for example,aresmallto mediuminsizeandgrow inlargedenseclusters withverythin,blue-purple skins.Lodi’sfamousZinfandelgrapesaremedium tolargeinsize,hiding translucentfleshunder
theirdeepredtopurpleblacknotoriouslythick skins.
You’lldiscoversomuch thisalfrescoway.With 85-plusboutiquewineries acrossLodishowcasing
Spanish,Italian,Portuguese,German,Rhonestylevarietalsandmore, it’sdelightfultoseeand tastegrapevarietiesyou mighthaveneverheardof. Livemusichasbecome
anincreasingdraw,too,as manywinerieswithabundantoutdoorspacewelcomegueststosipand snackalongsidetheir favoritebands. Somewineriesare
evenstartingto“band together”—thisJune, neighboringwineries KlinkerBrickWinery,Prie WineryandStonumVineyards&Wineryteamed upforthefirstannual
PlanyourtriptoLodi StopbytheVisitLodi DowntownVisitor Centerat25N.School St.,Lodi,call 209-365-1195,email info@visitlodi.com,go towww.visitlodi.comor follow@visitlodion socialmedia.
AlpineBlockParty,each hostingconcertsandfood trucks.TheLodiWine Trolleyprovidedeasy transportforprogressive tastingsbetweenthe venuesalongAlpine Road.
StonumVineyards& Winery
Thestorybookdestinationisaniconicfavorite, acquiredbytheStonum familyin1979,andthen anchoredwithcherrytrees andold-schoolTokay grapes.By2006,theland thrivedwithZinfandel plantingsandsiblings Kathyandthenow-late MikeStonumbeganto crafttheirownfinewines. Today,winemaker
RaquelCantu,center,andJoseLopez-GallegolistentomusicanddrinkwineonthepatioatJessie’sGroveWinery.
Aboveleft:WinetastingflightsarecarriedtoatableonthepatioatDurstWinery&Estate.Aboveright:TaraEmerick,left,andBarbLewisdanceonthe tastingroompatio duringaconcertatJessie’sGroveWinery.Below:WineambassadorBobField,center,talkstoguestsseatedonthepatiowhileworkingatDurstWinery& Estate.
» “Weenvisionbeingaplacethatanyone cancometoenjoyawalkthroughour gardensandlusciousgrounds,celebrate lovedones,savorafarm-to-forktasting experienceandcreatelastingmemories allwithaglassofDurstwineinhand.”
CarolineReiff,DurstWinery&Estatedirector
KathyStonumhasexpandedtoothervarieties suchasCarignan,Petite Sirah,Malbec,Cabernet Sauvignon,Chardonnay andSauvignonBlanc.It’s stillafamilybusiness— sheworksalongsideher sister-in-lawandniece— andisoftenon-siteto showvisitorsaround.
In2018,thefamilybuilt atwo-story,rustic-chic barn-styletastingroom adjacenttothewinery, flankedbytreesandgardens,shadedlawns,a pondandakid-andpetfriendlypatio.
“Ouroutsideareasare verypopularandusually preferredifitisn’ttoo hot,”Stonumsaid.“Peoplelovetotastebythe pond,andourhalf-acre organicgardenisopento thepublicwithtablesfor tastingaswell.Thegarden‘rooms’areextra specialforsippingamid theroses,vegetables,cut flowersandCalifornia nativeplantings,plusa fruitorchard.”
Peopleexpectmore thanjustwineduring thesedaysofwineryexperiences,shenoted,so herteampamperswith charcuterieboardsroundedoutwithchocolates andeventslikeperiodic yogagatheringsorfarmto-tabledinners.Thefirst ofthemonthFridayNight WineDownpartiesare highlights,offeringlive musicandfoodtrucks MaythroughOctober.
Jessie’sGroveWinery Thelaidback,1868 farmandvineyardhosts eventsliketheannual “Groovin’intheGrove” livemusicseriesthatgenerallykicksoffinApriland continuesthroughSep-
temberwhereyou’llfind upto1,500guestsrocking outtoclassiccoverbands.
Othersmallerlivemusicgatherings,holiday parties,foodtruckfeasts andoverallgoodtimes areanearlyyear-round hallmarkofthefreewheeling,charminglyfunkyspot whereyou’llbegreeted byaverysociablewinery cat.
“Dittoisapeople pleaserandcrowdfavorite,”saidWineCluband EventsManagerBecky Kelley,ofthegolden-eyed blackfelinewithastriking whitetuxedovestand silverwhiskers.“Wealso havetwohorsesthatsay hello.”
Inanextrafriendly touch,guestsarewelcometobringtheirown picnicsanytimeforoutdoorseatingonabarn patioorintreegroves overlookingancientvines. Thepropertyishometo someoftheoldestZinfandelvinesinthestate, notedJessie’sGroveowner-winemakerGregBurns, addingthathisfamilyhas beenfarmingwinegrapes since1868.
Bottlingsnowalso beckonwithCarignane, Cinsault,PinotNoir,Petit Verdot,Chardonnay,PetiteSirah,Malbecand othersmallbatchwines.
“Peoplelovebeing outsideandtakingwalks withtheirwineamongst ourbeautifulgrounds,” Kelleysaid.
Forlargergroupsofup toeight,cabanarentals withcomfyseatingarea nicebonus,shesuggested,availablebyreservation.
DurstWinery&Estate Iftherustic,mission-
AntoinetteSantos VicePresidentofRetail 650-455-2742
Antoinette.Santos@sfchronicle.com
stylemansioncould speak,itwouldshareits historydatingtotheearly 1900swhenitwasowned bytheColonyChurchof Christ,andtheestatewas farmedtovineyardsand orchards.Youcanstillfind ancientTokayvines aroundtheperimeterof theproperty.
CassandraandDan Durstpurchasedthebythendilapidatedestatein 1996andslowlyrestored it,finallyreopeningtothe publicin2014.Anexpansivenewtastingroom debutedthisJulyinwhat doublesasabarrelcellar.
Butinprimeweather, you’lllikelygravitateto thesprawlingoutdoors, perhapstothetwocoveredpatioswithtables andcushionedchairsand couches.
“Wealsohaveour rustic,handmadefarm tableswhicharenestled undertreeswithplentyof shade,avegetableand herbgardenwithbistro tablesforamoreintimate tastingenvironmentand ourclassicwhiteAdirondackchairsspreadacross ourlawn,”saidDurst WineryDirectorCaroline
MaggieCreamer Editor mcreamer@sfchronicle.com
Details
StonumVineyards&Winery: 16388N.AlpineRoad, Lodi,209-224-8130,www.stonumvineyards.com
Jessie’sGroveWinery: 1973W.TurnerRoad,Lodi, 209-368-0880,www.jessiesgrovewinery.com
DurstWinery&Estate: 10173AcampoRoad, Acampo,209-601-1413,www.durstwinery.com
Reiff.Dogsparticularly loveloungingonthecool grassareas. Thewineryrecently addedafullkitchenandis workingtogetitupand
runningforexpanded culinaryactivities.
“Weenvisionbeinga placethatanyonecan cometoenjoyawalk throughourgardensand
lusciousgrounds,celebratelovedones,savora farm-to-forktastingexperienceandcreatelasting memoriesallwithaglass ofDurstwineinhand,” Reiffsaid.“Inthemeantime,picnicsandoutside foodarealwayswelcome.”
OnmanySundays,and duringperiodic“Music UndertheLights”evening concerts,livemusictakes centerstage,including foodtruckservicefrom localvendors.
Coverphoto: TheNightinIbiza–WhitePartyatBokischVineyardswasacelebrationof whitewines.Itregularlyhasevents,includinganupcomingHarvestMoonDinneronOct.5.
Clockwisefromtop left:KhaliaGreely participatesinbrief kayaking instructionbefore takingoutarental kayakattheLodi Boathouse;Jessica Barba,left,and DianaWoodpaddle inakayakrented fromtheLodi Boathouse;the JapaneseGardenat MickeGrove RegionalPark featuresapavilion designedbyHoji WadaofStockton, akoipondand cherrytrees.
EnjoyLodi’sbeautybypaddling,cycling,hiking
ByDebWandell
Thefirstsandhillcranesare currentlyswoopingintoLodi bringinganewseasonrichwith outdooradventures.Themild autumntemperatureshereare idealforbirdwatching,paddlingthewaterways,cycling throughvineyardsandstrolling alongnaturetrails.
PaddletheMokelumne RiverandLodiLake
TheLowerMokelumneis partofanearly100-milelong waterwaythatstartsintheSierraNevadaandemptiesintothe Sacramento-SanJoaquinDelta. It’sanabundantwildlifehabitat thatservesasatranquilescape fornaturelovers.TheWoodbridgeDamontheMokelumne formsLodiLake,apopular communitygatheringspotand hubforoutdooractivities.
Startyourvisitwithapeacefulpaddle.TheLodiBoathouse rentssingleandtandemkayaks aswellasstand-uppaddleboardsforexploringthelake andcalmriver.
Foramoreimmersiveexperience,joinoneoftheseasonal tours,whichincludeoptions likeafallcolorspaddle,afull moonexcursionandserene sunriseorsunsetpaddles.
“Wehavesomeofthemost beautifulwildlifeinCalifornia,” saidJoshChristensen,manager oftheLodiBoathouse.“All kindsofbirdsmigratethrough atdifferenttimes.”
Forfirsttimers,herecommendstheMokelumnenature tour,wherekayakerscanlearn aboutthehistoryandecology oftheriver.Repeatvisitors can’tgowrongwithasunset tour.
“Everyeveningisadifferent experience–differentreflections,differentanimals.It’sjust beautiful,”Christensensaid.
ExploreLodiLakepark Backonshore,takeafew hourstoexploreLodiLake park.Thepark’srecentupgradeshavemadeitevenmore enjoyablewithimprovedtrails andamenitiestoenhancethe visitorexperience.
TheNatureAreawithinthe parkisahavenforwildlifeenthusiasts,whereyoucanwalk amongdeer,ducks,herons, foxesandturtles.
Keepaneyeoutforthewild grapevinesthattwistalongthe groundanduptrees.These vines,whichcangrowmore than30feetlong,produce purplefruitandprovidevital coverageforbirds.Inthefall, thevinesbecomeamagnetfor butterflies.
Takeitallinalongthe2.3mileLodiLakeWildernessTrail, aneasy,scenichikethattakes about40minutestocomplete, thoughtwohoursmakesmore sensewithmanystopstopeer moreclosely.
Aboveleft:AvisitortoLodiLakeglidesonastand-uppaddleboardrentedfromtheLodiBoathouse.Aboveright:Aboathouse employeecarriespaddleboardsdowntothedock.Below:DavidWood,right,returnstothedockwithNoraBarba.
» “Wehavesomeofthe mostbeautifulwildlife inCalifornia.Allkinds ofbirdsmigrate throughatdifferent times.” JoshChristensen,managerofthe LodiBoathouse
Cyclecountryroads
Lodi’sreputationasacycling haveniswell-deserved—the bucoliccountrybackroadsare idealforseasonedcyclistsand leisurelypedalerswithroutes thatcatertoallskillandspeed levels. BikeLodi,alocalorganizationdedicatedtopromoting cycling,hasmappedoutmore than20themedroutesforvisitorslookingforablendofexerciseandindulgence. Someexamplesofpossible ridesincludetheWineryLoop, whichtakesyoupastseveralof Lodi’swineries,ortheFarmers BreakfastRidethatspinsby localmarketswherecyclistscan enjoyfresh,localproducebeforecontinuingtheirjourney. AnotherhighlightistheFrosty RootBeerRidethattakesyou toanA&WRestaurant,which housesmemorabiliafromthe firstA&Wrootbeerstandinthe nationthatopenedinLodiin
1919. Fordownloadablemaps,go towww.visitlodi.com.
SpendadayatMicke GroveRegionalPark MickeGroveRegionalPark, atthesouthernendoftown,is anoak-forested,132-acrepark donatedtoSanJoaquinCounty byLodifarmersWilliamand JuliaHarrisonMickein1938. Theparkoffersawidevarietyofactivities,whetheryou wanttostrollthroughlushgardens,learnaboutlocalhistory orplayaroundofgolf.
Visitorscanwanderthrough theJapaneseGardenwithits cherrytrees,moonbridgeand teemingkoipondinthemorn-
ingandthendelveintolocal historyattheSanJoaquin CountyHistoricalMuseum, whichhasexhibitsontheMiwokandYokutsIndiansandthe area’sfarminghistory. Animalloverscanvisitthe 5-acreMickeGroveZoowith tamarins,lemurs,tortoises, birdsfromMediterraneanclimatesandasnowleopard. Catch-and-releasefishingis availableatWortleyLake, whichisstockedwithcatfish, bluegillandblackbass.
Anotheroptionforafun outdooractivityisthepark’s veryaffordable18-holepublic golfcourse.Forafreevariation, tryyourhandatdiscgolf,which hasbeengrowinginpopularity
Details
LodiBoatHouse: 1101W. TurnerRoad,Lodi,209-4715988,www.lodiboathouse. com.Rentalsstartat$22per hourforasinglekayakor paddleboardand$44per hourforatandemkayak. MickeGrovePark: 11793N. MickeGroveRoad,Lodi, www.sjparks.com/parks/ micke-grove-regional-park.8 a.m.-sunsetdaily.Entrance fee:$5pervehicleweekdays; $6weekendsandholidays. Museum:10a.m.-4p.m. Thursday-Sunday.$7adults, $5forchildren6-17andfree forchildren5andunder.Zoo: 10a.m.-5p.m.WednesdaySunday.$5adults,$3for children3-17andfreefor children2andunder.
eversincetherulesofthesport wereformalizedin1976.Playersthrowadiscatametalbasket,andthegoalistocomplete thecourseinasfewthrowsas possible.You’llneedtobring yourowndisc.Therealsowill beanewminiaturegolfcourse debutingsoononthesiteof theoldFunTownamusement area.
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Above:ArturoAlvarez,right,helpsIsaiahCastillobowlduringafamilyoutingtocelebrateAlvarez’s
ByPeggySpear
IfBenThompsoncouldtransporthimselfbackafewmillion years,hewoulddefinitelylook foradinosaurasapet.Thompson,whoisalmost7andlivesin FairOaks,couldnotbetorn awayfromtheBrontosaurus skullatLodi’sWorldofWonders ScienceMuseum. ThatisuntilhiscousinDelilah Thorton,8,grabbedhimto comeplayinthecolorfulseainspiredsandwhileunique lightspresentedallsortsofsea life,fromaturtletoagiantjellyfish.
ThemuseumonSacramento StreetwasBenandDelilah’sfirst stoponatriptoLodi.Itisa perfect,tactilestopforfamilies.
“Wecouldspendalmost everydayhere,”saidalocal motherofthreekids,ages8,6 and2.
Lodiisrichinactivitiesto entertainkidsofallages.That maysoundsurprisingforanarea thatisrenownedforitswineries andweddingvenues.Butatits heart,Lodiretainsitssmall-town charmbycateringtoallages.
“Lodiisreallysetupfora weekendwithchildren,”said NatalieMorlinoofVisitLodi.“It isextremelyfamilyfriendly.”
InthefewhoursBenand DelilahspentattheWorldof Wonders,theyexperienceda tornado,satinafighterjetand playedalifelikevideo,experiencedthefrequencyofsound, sawtheirownshadowsimprintedonawallandmadetheirown battery.Thelearningcenterand playgroundblewtheirminds— nottomentionthetwograndmaswhobroughtthem.
“Iwoulddefinitelymakethe tripdownhereagainforthis,” saidVictoriaThompsonofSacramento,BenandDelilah’s grandma.
Afterthemuseum,wewalked twoblocksdowntotheLodi BowlingLounge&Barforlunch inacasualsetting.It’savenue fortheentirefamily,asabigbar grabstheattentionofthirsty adultswhilekidsareawedby themanyvideogamesdotting thegroundfloorandupstairs.
Thehighlightwasanextensivemenuofsalads,sandwiches,burgersandlargekids’pizza.
Thereisalsoafullbar.Thebowlingalleyfoodiselevatedwitha coconutshrimpappetizer,a beetscitrussalad,apoblano macandcheeserellenoandthe Hangoverburgerwithahalf poundofwaygu,lettuce,tomato,onion,pickles,whitecheddar andthebowlingalley’sspecial sauce.Wrapupthemealwitha churro,anA&Wrootbeerfloat orSacramento-basedGunther’s
IceCream.
KidslikeBenandDelilah triedtheirhandatbumperbowlingbutfortheoldercrowd, thereisalsobowlingwithaDJ andlaserlightshowintheevening.Thebowlingalleyalso featureshyperbowling,which combinesvideogametechnologywiththeclassicgame. Thebowlingalley’sarcadeis alsoafunstopwithvirtualreality
gamesaswellasclassicretro games. Afterthemuseum,bowling, pizzaandgames,whatbetter destinationthanthelocalcandy shop?AptlynamedSweetAftrlife,thesmallstoreonSchool Street,Lodi’smaindrag,featuresallsortsofoldfashioned (circa-1970)candy,taffy,Gunther’sicecreamandtoys.The kidschosegiantgummybears
Details
WorldofWondersScience Museum: 2N.SacramentoSt., Lodi,209-368-0969,www. wowsciencemuseum.com
LodiBowlingLounge&Bar: 302N.SacramentoSt.,Lodi, 209-904-1110,www.lodi bowlinglounge.com
SweetAftrlife: 9S.SchoolSt., Lodi,www.instagram.com/ sweetaftrlife
CornersconeBakery: 322N. CaliforniaSt.,Lodi,209-4007650,www.cornerscone lodi.com
Ruby’sBakeryandCafe: 11S. ChurchSt.,SuiteB,Lodi, 209-400-7972,www.rubys bakeryandcafe.com
HiddenTeaRoom: 310N. California,Lodi,209-452-5366, www.hiddentearoomlodi.com
MichaelDavidWinery: 4580 W.Highway12,Lodi, 209-368-7384,www.michael davidwinery.com
SpenkerWinery: 17291N. DevriesRoad,Lodi,209-3670467,www.spenkerwinery.com
andcutelittlestuffeddogs. AsMorlinosaid,itmaytakea longweekendtoseeallthe kid-friendlydestinationsinLodi. Forinstance,CornersconeBakeryandRuby’sBakeryandCafe aretwofabulousbakeriesto pickupasweettreat.TheHiddenTeaRoomisanothergem, wherefamiliescanenjoyan afternoonteawithlightbitesin aroomfilledwithcuratedfloral decor.
SomewineriesinLodialso catertofamilies,likeMichael DavidWinerywithaplaystructureforkidsandanexpansive lawn.AnotherfunstopisSpenkerWinery,whereparentscan enjoyaglassofwinewhilechildrenwatchtheplayfulgoats thatprovidethemilkforallof Spenker’scheeses.Inthespring, thewineryhostsGoodnight Goatswherechildrencancome read,snuggleorplaywithbaby goats.
PHOTOSBYLAURAMORTON
Clockwisefromtopleft:Sno-WhiteDrive-InownerShereenLongtalkswithacustomer;ToneeCobb,lefttoright,KendraContenteandCassieLaxtoneat lunchwithLaxton’s baby,Sophia,atPapapavlo’sBistroandBar;anappetizerplatteratPapapavlo’sfeaturesRomatomatobruschetta,spanakopita,fetacheesetrianglesandmushroomtriangles.
Modern,classiceateriesofferenticingdishes
ByCareySweet
Ifthenationwiderestaurant industryslowdownismakingnews headlinesthesepastfewyears,Lodi hasn’tgottenthememo.Inthis bustlingbutintimateburgofabout 68,000,manydiningoutdestinationsarethriving,someafterdecadesofbeinginbusiness.New eateriesareopening,andsome longtimefavoritesareevenexpanding. That’sgreatnewsforvisitorsto theWineCountryregion.Inbetweenwinetastings,itisimportant tofuelupwithfinefood,andthe sceneherebeckonswithmany interestingoptionsfromclassicto modern.Thatkeepsguestscoming backfornotonlytheirfavoritesbut todiscoverboldnewadditions.
ConsiderPapapavlo’sBistroand Bar.GiventheMediterraneanrestaurant’slong,successfulrunin Stocktonsince1988,Andyand JenniferPappaseventuallydecided toopenanoutpost.Soaround 2017,theybeganzeroinginon Lodi.Fouryearslater,theyopened asecondbistroatSchoolandLockefordstreetsinhistoricdowntown.
“Thankfully,wewereimmediatelybusyafteropeningupand havecontinuedbeingso,”said JenniferPappas.“Itwasalwaysin ourplanstobuildalargerrestaurant,andsowealreadyhavea secondaryphaseonthesame property,duetoopenmid-September.”
Thenewspacewillfeaturefive banquetroomsseatingbetween18 and100withaccesstooutdoor plazaseatingpluswhatJennifer Pappassaidwillbe“thelargestbar intheentireSanJoaquinValley.”
Nash+Tender’sfast-casual chickenconceptisanothertop performer.Thefirstrestaurant openedinStocktoninOctober 2019,andnowownersJimmySierra andArmandoRodriguezhavethree
Above:VisitorstotheSno-WhiteDrive-In,includingDonna Beckman,fronttablelefttoright,SylviaCarruescoandJackieHealy eatlunchattheLodirestaurant.Right:TheDr.Manshadi’sHeart HealthySalad,front,isseenwiththegrilledartichokeappetizerat Papapavlo’s.ThelargeGreeksaladcomeswithgrilledzucchini, kalamataolives,avocadoandchickenbreast.
locations,includingLodiandElk Grove.Abrandedfoodtruckin Lathropisownedandoperatedby NeriPedraza,whoalsohasan ownershipstakeintheElkGrove location.
SierraandRodrigueznoware lookingforanofficialbrickand mortarspacefortheirSanJose operation,whichiscurrentlyrunning outofadowntownSanJoseghost kitchenanddeliveringthrough DoorDashandotherthirdparty platforms.
Atthesametime,likemany nationalrestaurants,inflationand foodcostsremainlargeconsiderationsinhowmanyLodidestinationsfarethesedays.
AtPapapavlo’s,manydinner entreesareinthe$15to$25range includingsides,andthekitchen preparesfamilymealsservingsixat remarkabledeals,includingentrees andsidesfor$60or$70depending ondishesordered.
ForamealatNash+Tender, guestscanplanonspending$9to $13forheartysandwichesand salads,or$15to$17forgenerous combosincludingsides.
Putalltheselocals’favoriteson youreverydaydininglists,where youcancountontopquality“foodie”calibermealswithoutbreaking thebank.
Papapavlo’sBistroandBar Perhapsthetimingwasn’tthe bestforanexpansion,butwhatwas thePappasfamilytodo?
“BythetimeCOVIDhappened, ourbuildingloanwasalreadywell underway,andconstructionhad started,”JenniferPappasreflected.
“Wecouldnotreallystopit,nordid wewantto,soworkcontinued,and weendedupopeninginApril 2021.”
It’spaidoffforthePappasand thecouple’sstaffthatincludes teammateswhohavebeenwith Papapavlo’sformorethan20
years.It’scertainlyawinfordiners, too,whocravefrom-scratchdishes featuringlocalproductsservedin creative,seasonalways.Think summerbruschettascatteredwith juicygrilledlocalpeachchunks, weeklyspecialslikesaladsbright withlocalstrawberriesoraslabof mouthwateringcakestockedwith localwalnutsandsweetgrated carrotsunderathickcreamcheese frosting.
Soulwarmingsignaturesmake youthinkofyourGreekheritage(if youhaveone,orwishyoudid).
“Myhusbandis100%Greek, andtherecipesareallfromhis family,”saidJenniferPappas.
Ahummustrioisanexcellent appetizer,featuringdollopsof classicchickpea-garlic-lemon,plus moremodernpesto-oliveand sundriedtomato-chileoilversions allsharingtheplatewithbrinykalamataolives.
lookatitasourwaytogivebackto thecommunity,aswedoknowthat allofusarestrugglingwithinflation andpriceincreasesnotonlyat restaurants,butgrocerystoresand everythingelse.”
Thatmeansthatpartiescan dine-in(ortake-out)$70feasts includingmix-and-matchentreesof chicken,beeforvegetablebrochettesorgyrostrips,pluschoiceof saladorsoup,apanoffluffyrice pilaf,homemadetzatzikiandpita. The$60feastsarefilling,too,with mixandmatchpastaentreestossed withMediterraneanchicken,meat sauce,chickenpomodoroorgrilled vegetables,plussaladorsoupand pita.
Sno-WhiteDrive-In
Ifyoudon’thavetimefora sit-downmeal,youcanstillfeast likeafoodiewiththesetake-out options.Youmightevenprepare apicnictotaketoyournextwine tasting(makesurethewinery allowsoutsidefood). CheeseCentral: Withsome80 differentinternationalcheeses pluscharcuterie,localnuts, quinceandfigs,honeysandjams (somespicy!),crackers,chocolates anddesserttreats,it’seasyto buildagourmetfeast.Orgraba preparedboxbrimmingwith delights,suchastwotypesof cheese,crackers,salami,dried fruit,quincepaste,Marconaalmondsandolives. (11N.School St.,Lodi,209-368-3033, www.cheesecentrallodi.com) MichaelDavidWinery: There’sa breakfastandlunchcafehere,so youcaneatandwinetasteinone shot.Oratthesametime,ifyou ordertheChardonnayBenedict
withham,freshspinachandtwo poachedeggstoppedwitha Chardonnayhollandaisesauce. Hitthebakery,too,forcrazyyummyhomemadepiesinseasonal flavorslikepeachboysenberry, applerhubarbandgrape. (4580 WestHighway12,Lodi,209-3687384,www.michaeldavid winery.com) Ruby’sBakery&Cafe: Strollon overfordelightfulbrunchesand lunches,centeredaroundhousemadebreadsandpastriescrafted fromscratchdaily.Startwith creamyricottaeggandgarlic chileoilontoast,thengobigwith toastedsourdoughCroqueMonsieurwithyourchoiceofrosemary hamorseasonalvegetables, moundedinmeltyGruyerethen slatheredinsundriedtomato bechamel. (11S.ChurchSt.,Suite B,Lodi,209-400-7972,www.rubys bakeryandcafe.com) TheHangout: Tamethosehunger
pangswiththeDoubleDecker pilingturkey,ham,bacon,lettuce, onion,tomato,provolone,cheddarandmayostackedbetween threeslicesofhoneyoatbread. Thecasualcafealsoshineswith coffees,teas,slushiesandsignaturebobadrinks. (12N.School St.,Lodi,209-310-2111,www.the hangoutgalt.com)
BonAppetit: Findagreatarrayof sandwiches,saladsandsoups. Alsoorderonlineforfresh-made sandwichhappinessliketheGoldenGatewithgrilledchicken, bacon,aioli,smokedgoudaand lettuceorLeParisienwithpepper roastedturkey,meltedbrie,fuji apple,lettuceandbalsamicdressing.OriginallyfromFrance,ownersThierryandPascaleClaude alsoselleightoftheirhomemade saladdressings. (1012W. Lodi Ave.,Lodi,209-367-5930, www.bonappetitlodi.com)
Moussakalookslikeasavory sculptedcake,thecomfortcasserolestackedhighwithshavedeggplant,thinlyslicedpotatoesand generouslyspiced,leanground beefslatheredinrichbechamel. Thegyroisspoton,too,theclassic blendoffragrantlambandbeef slow-spunonaverticalrotisserie thenslicedinjuicycurls.
Don’tmissthespecialtybaklava cheesecake,either—thedense, creamybaseiscrownedinwalnuts, almonds,honey,cinnamon,buttery phylloandhoneyforaflavorsensationyou’veneverhadbefore. Family-styleentreesincludea choiceofCaesarorGreeksaladora cupofdelightfullytangylemon chickensoupandfresh-bakedpita.
“Wedohaveamazingpackages,andtheyareextremelypopular,” saidJenniferPappasofthefamily meals.“Wedonothavemuchofa profitmarginwiththembutwealso
Whatatributetonostalgia— thisiconicSno-WhiteDrive-Inwas built65yearsagostepsfromLodi LakeBeach,andnotonlystilldoes continuousbusiness,butwas scoopedupbynewownerShereen LongandherdaughterCourtney JohnsonlastJune.
“FounderHenryNelsonopened ourplacein1959,asthesecond locationbuiltafterStockton,”Long said.“Itlaterbecameafranchise yearslaterwithover200locationsin California.Thefranchiseisnomore, butmanySno-Whitesstillexist acrossthestate.” Together,LongandJohnsonrun mostofthebusiness,handling everythingfromwaitressingto bookkeeping.
“Weboughtthedrive-infroma familythatowneditfor19years, andtheyhavebeenextremely helpfulinthetransition,”Longsaid. “Ourcommunityhasbeenvery positivealso.Localsthathavecome heresinceitopenedtellmethe buildingexteriorisoriginal—there wereplansin2001totearitdown
ImmerseinLodi’swinecultureathotels,B&Bs
ByDebWandell
Ifpracticemakesperfect,then thewinemakersinLodiaremastersatcraftingthebestglassof wine.TheLodiregionhasmore thantwicetheacresofwine grapesasNapaCountyandhas haddecadestotransformitself fromavolumegrowertoaregion focusedonacuratedcollectionof site-specificvines.
ThinkofLodiasawinelover’s escapefromthebusierscenesof NapaandSonoma.Ascattering ofbed-and-breakfastsandsmall innsoffervisitorsatasteofthe town’slaid-backappeal,butfor years,thecenterofLodi’shospitalityscenehasbeenWine& Roses,ahotelwitharestaurant, cafeandspa.
Fromitsearlydaysasamodestbed-and-breakfast,Wine& Roseshasgrownintoafull-serviceresortwith66guestrooms on7manicuredacres.InApril, PresidentandManagingDirector RussMunsonembarkedonanew chapterforhis25-year-oldproperty,partneringwithAppellation Hotelstointroduceanewlayerof sophistication.
Co-foundedbyprolificrestaurateurandchefCharliePalmer andChristopherHunsberger,a managementveteranofFour SeasonsHotels,Appellationis centeredonthesensoryspectrumoftheculinaryexperience. Thecompanyisdevelopingsites inPacificGrove,Petaluma,MorganHillandSunValley,Idahoand isevenopeningalocationin Healdsburgnextyear.
ForWine&Roses,thepartnershipmeansrevampeddining optionswithmenusbyPalmer, enhancedspaexperiencesand refreshedguestroomsthatblend moderncomfortwithrustic charm.Thehotelplanstooffer interactiveculinarydemonstrations,pop-upeventsand“CraftedatAppellation”classesby localartisans,makersandculinary experts. NeighborhoodNightatTowne HouseRestaurantisapopular localdraw.Aprix-fixe,threecoursemenuwithLodiwinesis offeredSundayandMonday.
“It’sahugehitrightnow. Thosetwonightsarenowsome ofourbusiest,”Munsonsaid.
HelookstoHealdsburg,a once-sleepyfarmtownthathas becomeaculinarydestination,as inspiration.
“I’mthoroughlyimpressedby allthechefsthattheyhavenowin Healdsburg,andIseethathappeningheretoo,”hesaid.
Munsonhighlightstheimportanceofcommunityinvolvement andthesuccessofeventslike Pigs&Pinot,oneofPalmer’s signaturefoodandwineeventsin SonomaCounty.
Lodiitselfhasseensignificant changeoverthepastfewdecades,transformingfromaquiet industrialgrape-growingregion intoapremierwinecountrydestinationwithmorethan85local wineries.Wine&Roseshasbeen akeyplayerinthistransformation,evenhostingtheLodiWine &VisitorCenteronitsproperty. Munsonseesthispartnershipasa waytofurtherestablishLodiasa destinationthatoffersmorethan justgreatwine.
“Peoplearelookingforsomethingmore,”hesaid,addingthat samplingvarietalwinesisagood
start,buttheculinaryexperience raisesthebar.
WhileWine&Rosesleadsthe charge,Lodialsohasaccommodationsthatfitavarietyofbudgetsandpreferences.
PoppySisterInn Builtin1906,PoppySisterInn isoneofdowntownLodi’soriginal Victorians.InnkeeperTriciaDescent,whohasownedthehome for10yearsandoperateditasa bedandbreakfastforeightyears, haslovinglyrenovatedtheproperty.
Theinnhasfourrooms,each withaprivatebathandvintage decor.Guestscanrelaxonthe wraparoundporchorbythe backyardfirepit.
BreakfastispreparedbyDescent,apassionatecookwhose repertoireincludeshomemade quicheandpastries,whichcanbe enjoyedintheindoororoutdoor diningarea.TheinnisjustafiveminutewalktodowntownLodi andtherestaurantsalongSchool Street.
LodiHillHouse Historypermeatesthroughout theLodiHillHouse,the1901 VictorianhomeofGeorgeHill,a
Details Papapavlo’sBistroandBar: 217N.SchoolSt.,Lodi, 209-625-8677,www.papapavlos.com Sno-WhiteDrive-In: 1210W.TurnerRoad,Lodi,209-369-5314, www.bit.ly/snowhite-lodi Nash+Tender: 123W.ElmSt.,Lodi,209-625-8516, www.nashandtender.com AirportCafe: 23987N.Highway99FrontageRoad,Acampo, 209-369-6144,www.lodiairportcafe.com
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andreplaceitwithamuchbigger structurebyoneoftheprevious ownersofmanyyears,buthappily thatnevercametofruition.”
Theinsidehasbeenremodeled, tomodernizethegrillandother equipment,yetmanyoftherecipes stillhonorthe’50sforthepopular foodlikecorndogs,chickennuggetsandfries,chickenstrips,zucchinisticks,mozzarellasticks,curlyfries andthesignatureSuperBurger loadedwithtwobeefpatties,lettuce,tomatoes,onions,picklesand secretsauce.
“Wearemorehearthealthynow usingsoybeanoil,whichhasno transfats,”Longsaid.“Ourburgers aretop-qualityAngusandourhot
Above:Wine&Rosesrecentlyrefreshedthefull-serviceresort’s66guestrooms.Belowleft:Wine&Rosesison7acresoflushbotanical gardensandincludesoutdoorseatingatitsrestaurantandcafe.Belowright:TowneHouseRestaurantfeaturesseasonaldishes.
Details
Wine&Roses: 2505W.TurnerRoad,Lodi,209-334-6988, www.winerose.com
PoppySisterInn: 533W.OakSt.,Lodi,209-625-9021, www.poppysisterinn.com
HillHouseInn: 826S.ChurchSt.,Lodi,775-401-1479, www.lodihillhouse.com
GrapeEscape: 333W.LocustSt.,Lodi, www.bit.ly/lodigrapeescape ResidenceInnbyMarriott: 2855ReynoldsRanchParkway, Lodi,209-904-9333,www.bit.ly/lodi-residence-inn HamptonInn&SuitesLodi: 1337S.BeckmanRoad,Lodi, 209-369-2700,www.bit.ly/hampton-suites-lodi
localmerchantandoptometrist.It originallystoodonSchoolStreet, andin1948,itwasmoved10 blocksaway.
SistersJaneLeaandNancy Schmerstartedoperatingtheinn asanonprofitin2018andfunds fromroomrentalsareusedto maintaintheproperty.
“Wesurvivestrictlyoffof rentals,”Leasaid.
Theinnhasfourrooms,one withaprivatebath,alldecorated withoriginalfurnishingsand artifacts.Robesareprovided. TherearenoTVs.Guestshave
accesstothekitchenandlaundry facilities.
GrapeEscape TheGrapeEscapeisaspacious,comfortable1907Victorian inaquietneighborhoodthatis idealforgroupsofupto12 guests.Thesevenbedroomsand five-and-a-halfbathroomsare newlyrenovatedwithmodern amenitiesandcontemporary furnishings.
Thebackyardfeaturesahot tub,outdoorkitchenwithpizza ovenandafirepitnexttoamural
bylocalDoubleDipgalleryowner TonySegale.Insidethehouseisa well-equippedgourmetkitchen, completewithasix-burnergas stoveandgriddle. Aprivatechefandspatreatmentsareavailableforanadditionalfee,andpetsarewelcome forwhole-houserentals.Reservationscanbemadethrough Airbnbandothertravelplatforms.
ResidenceInnbyMarriott
WhenitopenedinApril,the ResidenceInnbyMarriottbecameLodi’snewesthotelwith83 all-suiterooms.Thehotelispetfriendlyandhascomplimentary breakfast,kitchenettesandfull kitchens,anoutdoorpool,four barbecuegrillsandacourtyard withafirepit.
HamptonInn&Suites Familiestravelingwithkids mightconsiderHamptonInn& SuitesLodi.Thisfamily-friendly andpet-friendlyhoteloffers spacioussuites,anoutdoorpool, agymandcomplimentarybreakfast.Itsconvenientlocationnear localvineyardsandattractions makesiteasytoexplorethebest ofLodi.
weekdaylunch)ofCal-American classicspepperedwithlotsof vegetarianandveganoptions. Addingtothefun,youcanwatch theplanestakeoffthroughthe cafewindows.
dogsare100%beef.Wehave veggieburgersandlettucewrap burgers,weslicepastramiourselves fromtheroastandsliceourchicken fromthebreasts.Webuyallour producegrownlocally.”
Everythingiscookedtoorder andcustomizedtoeachcustomer’s request,fromtoppingstowell-done burgersorextracrispyfries.
Nash+Tender Nashvillehotchickenhasbeen alltherageinCaliforniaforabout thepastfiveyears. “We’dsaytheboomishereto stayasmorepeoplearelookingfor morevarietyasidefromyourcommonfastfoodjoints,”saidJohn Sierra,whoistheNash+Tender’s marketingandoperationsmanager andJimmySierra’sbrother.
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Abaconburger,left,andasupercheeseburgerareavailableatthe Sno-WhiteDrive-In,whichhasservedLodiresidentssincethe1950s.
Theideaissimple—mouthwateringdeep-friedchicken,slatheredinaspicydryrubpaste.Nash +Tenderaddsflairwithdifferent levelsofchileheat,rangingfrom “country”(nohotspice),tomild withbutterhoneybase(“weuseit asgluefortherubtostickto,”John explained),tomedium,hotand “XtraHot.”
“Sincewedotrytokeepour spicerecipesasecret,I’lljustsay youcanexpecttotastesomeghost peppersifyougetXtraHot,”John
said. Youcangetadeliciousclassic slider(afull-sizesandwich,really) toppedincoleslawandpickles.But goforthegusto,andgetthefully loadedwafflesandwichofhomemadewafflesmoundedinchicken, coleslaw,mac‘n’cheese,pickles andspecialsauce.
AirportCafe Flyinghighsince1988,this family-ownedspotattheLodi Airportwelcomesguestsseekinga pre-flightmeal(orsimplyanice
Themenumakesaperfect landingwithvibrantbowls,includingatossofgreenswithpickled onions,Englishcucumber,roasted garbanzos,cranberries,pumpkin seedsandshavedParmesaninherb vinaigrette,oranavocadosandwich layeredwithgreens,sprouts,tomato,redonion,cucumberandpesto aiolionwheatwalnutbread. Youcanaddgrilledsalmon,a grilledchickenbreastorajammy 6-minuteeggifyoulike.
OwnerJenniferKupka(daughter offounderJoannKupka)alsowhips upmeatynoshessuchasteriyaki chickenonabriochebun,anAsian salmonbowlwithroastedmushroomsandjasminericeandhalfpoundNimanRanchburgers(get thebellybustertoppedinwhite cheddar,bacon,barbecuesauce, tomatoes,greens,redonionand mayo).
Forextraflair,checkthecafe’s Facebookpage(www.bit.ly/lodi airportcafe)forperiodicSunday suppersandtastingdinnercollaborationswithlocalwineries.
Above:LoriKinder,lefttoright,andherdaughtersAngelandRileyvisittheLVVRSparklingCellarstastingroomandareledthroughatastingbyCarinaGarcia.Belowleft:The
SavorLodi’seffervescentsparklingwines
ByCareySweet
Foranycelebration,sparkling winehaslongbeenthego-to choicetomarktheoccasion. Poppingabottleputsaspirited spinontheNewYear,holidays, marriage—really,anythingthat makesyouhappy.
Moreandmore,though, sparklingisn’treservedforjust specialmoments.Somesparklingmakersareabletokeep pricesreasonablefortheluxury stuff,suchasinLodi,where manywineriesarecraftinglovely effervescentquaffsinthe$30to $40range.Thatmeansyoucan enjoyachilledbottlewitheverythingfrompotatochipstopaté, Frenchfriestofoiegrasandfried chickentolobster.
AtPeltierWinery&Vineyards inAcampo,co-ownerGayla Schatzlovessparklingwine,so herteamputtogetheranelegantrosésparklingdoneinthe traditionalFrenchmethode champenoisestyle.It’snamed “Gala,”inherhonor,andis offeredinbothBrut(dryat6 gramsperliterresidualsugar) andBrutNature(extradryat2 g/l). Thecurrentlyavailable2019 BrutwonBestInClassinthe RoséSparklingCategoryatthe 2022SanFranciscoChronicle WineCompetition,yetitis pricedat$45.That’sabargain forthedelicatebubblybrimmingwithnotesofnectarine, apricot,peachandorangeblossom. Andthefactthatthetop notchsparklingcomesfrom Lodi,insteadofFrance,makesit anevenbetterfind,PeltierMarketingManagerFarynSchatz believes.
“Consumerstodayaremore openminded,”shesaid.“They understandthatqualityisnot dictatedbyplace.Greatfruit andthecareoftheproducerare thekeystomakinggoodwine.” Twoyearsago,PeltierreleasedZante,asparklingwhite Zinfandelpricedatjust$18.
“WithLodibeingtheZin capital,wehavealotofthis varietyandwantedtodosomethingnewwithit,”Schatzsaid. “Sparklingwineisontherise,
Clockwisefromleft:TastingroomassociateChadOsborneworksatNostraVitaFamilyWineryinLodi;asparklingwinetastingflightis
andwewantedtocreatesomethingthatwouldalsocompete withthefunofseltzersand spritzersasaneverydaydrinking bubbly.Wekeepithighquality, pluskeepwiththeloweralcohol (10-11%)andlowersugar(less than1gramsugarperserving) thatyoungerconsumerswant. Justwineandbubbles,noaddedflavoring,ingredientsor coloring.”
Indeed,newergenerations arehelpingboosttheloveof bubbly,notedAssistantWinemakerKyleBloudoff-Indelicato ofLodi’sNostraVitaWinery.
“Salesofsparklingwines havebeengrowingatdouble digitsforthepast10years,and
youngerconsumersareenjoying carbonatedbeverages,”hesaid. “Sparklingisapproachable, fresh,andlet’sbehonest,who doesn’tlovebubbles.”
Popacorkatthesetopsparklinghouses: PeltierWinery&Vineyards Thetastingexperienceishigh tech.Sometwodozenwinesare maintainedinaWineStation machinethatservesataste,half glassorfullglass.Akeycard keepstrackofwhatyou’reenjoying,soyouonlypayforwhatyou serveyourself—hostswillalso guideyourselectionsandbring thewinestoyouifyouprefer. Tofocusonbubbles,visit
FridaythroughSundaytosavor theSparklingWineFlight.It’sa valuepackedtastingfor$15, includingtheZanteWhiteZinfandelandboththeBrutand BrutNatureGalawines.
“We’llsoonbereleasingthe latestvintage,2022,ofourBrut andBrutNatureintimeforGayla’sbirthdayonSeptember25,” Schatznoted.
Theflightallowsgueststo comparethemorecausalZante tothepainstakinglycrafted Galasandunderstandthedifferentstyles.TheZanteismadein theCharmatmethodandfinishedwithacrowncapinstead ofacork.
“ForCharmat,wemakethe
stillwineandaddcarbonationat thetimeofbottling,”Schatz explained.“Withthismethod, we’reabletobottleondemand, unlikethetraditionalmethod (wherethebubblesareproducedthroughfermentationand aginginthebottle).”
Besidestheregular750milliliterbottles,Zantealso comesintrendy“minis”of187 milliliters.
“Theyhavebeenabighit,” Schatzsaid.“Theminisaresold assinglesinthetastingroomor inacute,brandedsix-packbox, whilewesellafunbranded cardboardcasethree-packto retail.”
Left:TheSandhillCraneFestivalwilltakeplaceonNov.1-3andincludetourstoseethemajesticbirds.Right:NatashaBlakelytalkswithvisitorsto herboothforH-Art Therapy,amobilepaintpartycompanyfocusedonwellness.TheLodiArtHophappensfourtimesayear,andtheOct.12onewillincludeaDiadelosMuertos altar.
Eventscelebratesandhillcranes,artists,holidays
ByMichaelShapiro
Withawingspanofmorethan 5feetandcallsthatlightupthe dawn,sandhillcranesflysouth fromasfarasSiberia,andthousandsofthemspendlateautumn andmuchofwinterjustoutside ofLodi.
It’soneofNorthernCalifornia’s outstandingwildernessspectacles,andit’scelebratedthefirst weekendofNovembereachyear attheLodiSandhillCraneFestival. Thefreefestival—withtalks aboutthewondersofcranesand activitiesforkidssuchasorigami workshops—marksthebirds returntothesplashymarshes.
Thegreatersandhillcranecan reachnearly5feetinheight.Too largetoroostintrees,cranes overnightinmarshesbecause theycanhearthesloshingof approachingpredators,makingit easiertoflee.
Highlyrecommendedarethe earlymorningandsunsettours ofthecranes’habitatwhennaturalistsguidepeopletoviewpointstowatchthetrumpeting cranesflyoffinthemorningor returnatdusk,theircrimson headsshining. Visitingthebirds’Deltaroostingsitescanbe“anawe-inspiring experience,”saidKenNieland, presidentoftheLodiSandhill CraneAssociation.
He’simpressedby“thedistancestheytravel,theirvocalizationsandresilienceandtheir behaviorssuchasdancing,unisoncallduetsandpairfidelity.” Wildlifepresentationsatthe festivalwillprovideattendeesan opportunitytogetacloselookat somenativebirds,mammalsand reptiles.
JohnMuirLaws,ascientist andartistwhowroteseveral birdingguidebooks,willdeliver Saturday’skeynote:“DeepObservationtoReawakenOurConnectionwithNature.”Healsowill beholdingatwo-daynature journalingworkshopthatincludes afieldtriptotheLodiLakeNatureArea.
DavidYee,anotedornithologistinSanJoaquinCounty,is Sunday’skeynotespeaker.His talkistitled“AreWeintheGoldenAgeofBirding?”
HeldatHutchinsStreet Square,the26thannualfestival
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Above:JuliennePuka,right,andJaimeRivastalkwithvisitorstotheirceramicsboothatLodiArt HopNightMarketatIdolBeerWorksinAugust.Below:GenevaMellopaintsfromaphotoshe foundatavintagestore,whichshedescribesaspaintingsofforgottenmemories.
startswithanopeningnight reception($15)onFriday,Nov.1, thencontinuesthroughtheweekendwithpresentations,informativeboothsandanartandphotographyshow.
Fieldtoursrequirereservations andpayment,typicallyinthe$40 to$50range.Goto:www.lodi sandhillcrane.org/categorizedtours.Avideoonthispageexplainshowtoreserve.
Exhibithallhoursare10a.m. to5p.m.Saturday,Nov.2and10 a.m.to4p.m.Sunday,Nov.3. Formoreinfo,visitwww.lodi sandhillcrane.org Naturally,thesandhillcrane festivalisn’ttheonlyexciting eventinLodithisfall.Here’sa roundupofmoreactivitiesfor peopleofallages.
LodiStreetFaire: Attractingmore than500vendorsfromthroughoutCalifornia,thefairtakesover 14squareblocksofdowntownfor thistwiceyearlyevent.Thefair featuresantiques,craftsandfood boothswithinternationalcuisine.
“Thestreetsarefilledwith everythingyoucanimagine,” saidBaileyCaswell,themarketingdirectorforDowntownLodi. “Itjustbringsoutallthecraftspeopleandfoodpeople.Everyone'sinonespotsoit'spretty popular.It'sreallyaveryfunday.” (8a.m.to4p.m.,Oct.6,Down-
PeltierWinery: 22150N.KennefickRoad,Acampo, 209-367-4882,www.peltierwinery.com LVVRSparklingCellars: 17036N.LocustTreeRoad,Lodi, 209-727-6062,www.emdwinemaking.com NostraVitaFamilyWinery: 1150W.TurnerRoad,Lodi, 209-334-0274,www.nostravitawinery.com
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townLodi,www.lodichamber. com/lodi-street-faire)
SanJoaquinCountyTractorFest: If youhavelittlekidswholikebig machines,don’tmissthisevent, especiallytheTractorParadeat 11:30a.m.Italsofeaturesactivitiesforkids,localfoodtrucksand entranceintothehistorymuseum. (9a.m.-2p.m.,Oct.12,San JoaquinCountyHistoricalMuseum,11793N.MickeGroveRoad, www.sanjoaquinhistory.org/newsand-events/upcoming-events)
LodiArtHop: Fourtimesayear, theLodiArtsFoundationinvites localartiststodisplayandsell theircreationsamidabackdrop oflivemusicandartmaking.
TheLodiArtHopisheldin April,June,AugustandOctober withdifferentartistseachtime.
“It’sareallynicewaytobuild communityamongartists,”said Caswell,whoisalsotheArtHop coordinator.Artistsreceive$75 forparticipatingtohelpsupport theirwork.
“Wehaveabigpartyinthe parkwith10artistsandlivemusic,andthenwehavegallery spacesnearbythatareincluded aswell,”Caswellsaid.“Itjust feelslikeareallyniceartcommunityparty.”
TheOctoberArtHopfeatures aDiadelosMuertosaltar,and costumesarewelcome. (10a.m. to2p.m.Oct.12,VeteransPark, 305WPineSt.,www.lodiarts.com/ lodi-art-hop) LodiPumpkinHarvestFestival: FortyvendorswillgatheratJessie’sGroveWinerytocelebrate
movedtohiscurrentLodilocationinSeptember2022.
LVVRSparklingCellars/EMD Winemaking WinemakerandownerEricM. Donaldsonformedhisloveof sparklingwineswhileworkingin thedesertofNewMexico,where hefoundthatwarmclimates nurtureexcellent“bubbly” grapes.
Lodi’swarmsummersand autumns,partneredwithwhathe saidoffered“areasonablecost tostartabusiness,”drewhimto theregion.
“WhenIgotherein2011,I sawtherewasalackoftraditionalmethodsparklinginthearea,” hesaid.“Istartedasmallproject withagroupofsisters(Leticia, Vanessa,VirginiaandRose)in 2012,andweusedtheirinitials forthenameLVVR.” Hegrewthecompanyintoa largerbusiness,openedatasting roomin2016inLockeford,then
“TheLodiareaprovidesaffordablefruitthatcanproduce qualitysparkling,”hesaidofhis bottlingsthatrangefrom$26to $34. ThediversityofLodifruitis anotherstrongsellingpoint, lettinghimbecreativewithlesserknownvarietieslikeaBlancde BlancsmadewithChardonnay andVerdelho,asparklingrosé kickedupwithAlicante,a100% Barberasparklinganda100% Albariñosparkling.
“Peoplelikeseeingdifferent varietals,”hesaid.“Ourbiggest challengeiskeepingupwith demand.”
NostraVitaFamilyWinery OwnersLeslieBloudoffand RobertIndelicatostartedmaking methodechampenoisesparklingsin2013ataleasedspace indowntownLodiandsoldthe
producttoothersmallwineries. “Businesswasgoingwell,so wedecidedtoinvestinourown wineryin2018,”Bloudoffsaid. “Thetastingroomwasbeautiful, andwebuilttheproduction facility,addedparking,landscaping,thecourtyard,andmost recently,anewvineyard.There aremoreplansintheworksfora modularkitchen,additional permanentrestroomsanda warehouse.” Aswinemaker,Indelicato workswithassistantwinemakers KyleBloudoff-Indelicatoand AshleyJackson-Yitocraftoptionsinbothmethodechampenoiseandcharmatstyles.Their Serendipitycollectionranges fromdrytolightlysweetdemisec. “Theinspirationforthisventureactuallycameaboutasa
fall.Theeventwillalsoinclude foodtrucks,trainridesaroundthe pumpkinpatchandahugevarietyofpumpkinsandfallflowers forsale. (11a.m.to4p.m.,Oct. 12,Jessie'sGroveWinery,1973W. TurnerRoad,www.jessiesgrove winery.com/events-calendar) PumpkinPlunge: Swimmersages3 to13canpluckaHalloween pumpkinoutoftheindoorpool thendecorateitatoneofthearts andcraftsstationsfor$15. (6to8 p.m.,Oct.12,HutchinsStreet Square,125S.HutchinsSt., www.activekids.com/lodi-ca/ classes/pumpkin-plunge-2024) WickedWineStroll: Putonyour favoritecostumeandtastewine frommorethan20Lodiwineries whilewalkingtovariousdowntownshops.Ticketsare$52in advanceand$60atthedoor. Designateddriverticketsare$16. (2to5p.m.,Oct.19,Downtown Lodi,www.lodichamber.com/ wicked-wine-stroll)
SmallBusinessSaturday: Kick-off theholidayseasonbysupporting localbusinesseswhilealsomeetingSantaandMrs.Claus,dancingtolifemusicandenjoying carriagerides.Anofficialtree lightingwilltakeplaceat5:30 p.m. (Noonto6p.m.,Nov.30, DowntownLodi,www.dbalodi. com)
ParadeofLights: Thisannual traditionushersintheholiday seasonwithmorethan80floats illuminatedwithcolorfullights, marchingbandsanddance groups. (6:17to9p.m.,Dec.5, SouthSchoolStreetatWestPine Street,www.visitlodi.com/ event/parade-of-lights)
HolidayStrollonSchoolStreet: Enjoysomeholidayshopping andlivemusicwhilevotingina storefrontdecoratingcontest. Also,takephotoswithSantain theWoolworthBuilding. (Noonto 5p.m.,Dec.7,DowntownLodi, www.dbalodi.com)
After-HoursShoppingStroll: Pick upsomelast-minutegiftsas businessesstayopenuntil8p.m. withmanyofferingspecialsales. Santawillbenearagingerbread houseattheLodiPostOfficefor photos,andtherewillbecarriage rides,livemusicandtheannouncementofthebusinessthat wonthestorefrontdecorating contest. (5to8p.m.,Dec.12, DowntownLodi,www.dbalodi. com)
challenge,”Indelicatosaid.“We hadpurchasedourfavoriteCaliforniasparklingwine,butsadly, bothbottleswerebad,sowe wounduppouringthemout. LesliecommentedthatIshould makeaLodiAVAsparkling. “Thenextday,Iscribbled somefiguresdownonapieceof paper.Wewenttowork,and honestly,thatfirstvintage,2014, wastrulyexquisite.Tinybubbles, GrannySmithapple,abitof briocheandacreamymouth feel.Weblewourinitialbudget outofthewater,butwealso knewthatwashadsomething special.”
ShowcasingLodigrapes— includingfromNostraVita’sown vineyards—keepsqualityhigh butcostsaffordableat$28to $34abottle.Onesparkling,a 2014SerendipityReserveTirage BlancdeBlanc,doescomeinat $85,butitisanextraordinary workofartwith99monthsen tirageaginginthebottle.
“Wevisitedseveralwine regionsinbothFranceandSpain thisspring,”Indelicatosaid. “Notonlydidourmethode champenoisesparklingstandup tosomeheavyhitters,butthe Lodiwinesthatwe’refamiliar withcouldeasilygotoe-to-toe withmanyofthewinesthat FranceandSpainhadtooffer.”
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KyleSmith,left,andSaraSmithvisitNostraVitaFamilyWinery withtheirdogsCharlieandLittleFootinLodi.
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