Lodi’s ZinFest is back this year for the 11th annual, fun-filled chance to savor more than 200 local wines from various Lodi appellation wineries. The festival, Lodi’s premiere wine event held at Lodi Lake May 15-17, brings wine enthusiasts together for a weekend-long celebration of the world’s Zin capital along the Mokelumne River.
For years, the event has attracted locals and connoisseurs from all over the United States and Canada. The three-day event, lasting from Friday to Sunday, spoils guests with plenty of chances to eat, drink and even dance under the stars as the sun sets, while they enjoy the region’s finest. While Friday and Saturday’s events are held lakeside, Sunday’s festivities invite attendees to visit various open houses at wineries throughout Lodi.
For those over 21, Saturday’s ticketed event will host an impressive gathering of more than 40 of the region’s wineries. With an eclectic collection like this, even wine aficionados are bound to find new favorites. Festivities will kick off at noon with a ZinFest wine glass (given to all ticket holders except designated drivers), and the chance to purchase artisan goods including a commemorative Old Vine Zinfandel proudly bearing the commemorative poster artwork by Vince McIndoe from the ZinFest Wine Shoppe.
Guests can sip, swirl and repeat as they relish the fantastic weather, river, and other offerings including shopping, food and demonstrations of all sorts. In addition to the plethora of reds, whites, and Zins, Saturday’s festival will host a ZinFest Cooking School, ZinFest Wine School, and BBQ demos throughout the day. The local wine-makers will also entertain Saturday’s crowd with the ZinFest Regatta, where they will take to the water and race in boats crafted from wine barrels. If that isn’t enough to keep you entertained, guests can indulge in live music at the main stage or visit the ZinFest Piano Bar where they are welcome to sing along to their favorite tunes.
Kick off summer the right way with an outdoor celebration of what we do best: wine! Remember to designate a sober driver and purchase your tickets in advance.
For more information
Lodi Wine & Visitor Center
2545 W. Turner Rd., Lodi
(209) 365-0621
Zinfest.com