The Downtown Lodi harvest menu, and becoming the 2014 SIP SAVOR Wine Tasting Champion

 

WHO WANTS TO BE THE 2014 SIP SAVOR LODI WINE TASTING CHAMPION?

One of the two events taking place under the SIP SAVOR LODI Grand Tasting tent at Wine & Roses Hotel on Sunday, September 28, 2014 (1-4 PM) will be a double-blind tasting to determine 2014 Lodi Wine Tasting Champion.

This contest will be open to all consumers who can find a seat (limité!) under the seminar tent before it begins at 2 PM. Each contestant will be double-blind tasted on 5 Lodi AVA grown wines and asked to identify each one. No, we won't make it "easy."

But the person who comes closest to identifying all 5 wines by varietal, brand and vintage (1 point awarded for each correct guess) will be crowned "champion," and walk away with the prize: a beautifully hand etched and painted double-magnum (3 liter bottle!) of SIP SAVOR LODI Zinfandel, commemorating your victory as Lodi's 2014 Wine Tasting Champion.

 

FROM GRAPES TO BOTTLE: A TASTE OF PAST & FUTURE VINTAGES

Every compare the taste of fresh Syrah, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes with wines made from those grapes?

In our second SIP SAVOR LODI Grand Tasting seminar taking place at 3 PM on the grounds of Wine & Roses Hotel on September 28, four of Lodi's finest winemakers will be on hand to present a taste of grapes still hanging on the vine (the 2014 vintage), along with a taste of a past vintage's bottling from the same vineyard. The four wines:

2011 Borra Vineyards, Lodi Fusion Red (Syrah/Petite Sirah)
2011 McCay Cellars, Trulux Lodi Zinfandel
2011 Mettler Family, Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon
2010 Viñedos Aurora, Lodi Petite Sirah

Wine tasting doesn't get more intense than this!

Tickets to the SIP SAVOR LODI Grand Tasting are $55 in advance, and $65 at the door ($25 for designated drivers). You will not only be able to sip wines produced by over 40 Lodi wineries, but also savor regional foods, enjoy live music, and regale in the regal, lush setting of Wine & Roses Hotel. Please visit sipsavorlodi.com to purchase tickets; or call (209) 365-0621 for more information.

 

THE SIP SAVOR LODI HARVEST DINNER MENU

On Friday night (6-9 PM) of September 26, 2014, Downtown Lodi's Pine Street becomes one long open-air dining room, à la Chocolat or Babette! If you sign up, you will be able to enjoy dozens of Lodi's finest wines with a lavish array of courses highlighting the Delta's agricultural bounty, prepared by Elaine Bell (for over 30 years, one of California's most celebrated wine country chefs).

Tickets ($125 per person) are extremely limited: to avoid disappointment, visit sipsavorlodi.com to reserve your seats. You don't want to miss this!

 

Le menu:

HORS D'OEUVRES

Mac 'n Cheese "Arancini" with Red Pepper Aioli
Mini Caprese Skewers of Mixed Cherry Tomatoes, Bocconcini Fresh Mozzarella, Basil Leaf, Balsamic Syrup
Mini Cheese Burgers garnished with Mustard, Mayonnaise and Micro Greens on Petite Buns, with Skewered Cherry Tomato and Mini French Fries

DINNER COURSES

1st
Salad of Baby Organic Greens with Balsamic Roasted Black Grapes, St. George White Cheddar, Spiced Black Walnuts, Shaved Fuji Apples and Balsamic Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Main Course
Black Angus Skirt Steak with Balsamic Black Fig Thyme Reduction, Fresh Brentwood Corn, Young Leek and Yukon Gold Potato Ragout*
Poached Campari Tomatoes
Micro Basil Salad
Assorted Basque Boulangerie Rolls and Sweet Butter

Dessert
White Chocolate and Meyer Lemon Cheesecake with Meyer Lemon Sauce

French Roast Coffees
Selection of Teas

*Vegetarian alternative main course available upon advance request