Photo-memories from Lodi's 2025 Wine & Chocolate Weekend, proving to be more popular than ever!

Three gentlemen fearlessly dressed for the occasion at m2 Winery during Lodi's Wine & Chocolate Weekend.

The news, according to a local ABC correspondent, is that "Lodi's Wine and Chocolate Weekend events went on as planned, highlighting the wines the region has to offer."

This was plain as day throughout Saturday the 15th, as wine and chocolate lovers went from winery to winery to savor the local wares. It was quite the spectacle: From irresistibly cuddly 1-week old baby goats at Spenker Family Farm and laughing crowds taking selfies against a "Freakshow" backdrop at Michael David Winery, to gentlemen attired in bright red suits festooned with hearts at m2 Winery and rows of limousines dropping off entire parties of wine and chocolate celebrants to enjoy barrel tastings at Berghold Vineyards...

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Further proof that Grenache absolutely sings in Lodi's Mediterranean climate terroir

Abba Vineyard Grenache on the east side of Lodi's Mokelumne River AVA.

Lodi always wins more than its share of top awards in blind tasting competitions manned by professional wine judges. So much, it's hard to keep up with them. 

We have to make special mention, though, of one result from the 2025 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition announced just this past January, in which the 'Red Sweepstake Medal" winner was the 2023 Rippey Family Vineyards Abba Vineyard Lodi Grenache ($34)...

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Is the world's greatest dish for Zinfandel... a chocolate salad?

Glass of St. Amant Winery Zinfandel at its source: 123-year-old grapevine in Lodi's Marian's Vineyard.

Since Lodi's immensely popular Wine & Chocolate Weekend is coming right up (February 15-16, 2025), it is a perfect time to talk about a dish that, back in 2006, a Philadelphia chef named Tony Lawrence—also known as the “Global Wine Chef”⏤created for a big public event... 

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