HOLIDAY GIFT-GIVING: A NO-BRAINER WITH HELP FROM LODI WINES…
During a time of year that should be merry and bright, we oftentimes find ourselves filled with a sense of dread: How will we ever find the perfect gift for everyone on our list? And how much should we spend on each person? Well, we’re here to take the guesswork a.k.a. stress-work out of your holiday shopping this season. A sure bet for the perfect gift is a bottle of premium wine crafted from Lodi’s heritage grape – Zinfandel. And with so many styles of Zinfandel available at varying price points, you’re sure to find the perfect bottle for everyone (adults only, of course!) on your list. Here are three suggestions for every level of your budget: 
UNDER $50
MIKAMI VINEYARDS 2012 ZINFANDEL
Produced from a small block of 300 meticulously managed vines, this ruby-hued Zinfandel exhibits aromas of dark cherry and chocolate intermingled with ripe, briary flavors of blackberry, licorice and peppery dried herbs. At an extremely limited production of 125 cases, this elegant, individually numbered wine is sure to be a one-of-a-kind gift. ($39) MikamiVineyards.com
$50 TO $100
MACCHIA WINES 2014 “SERIOUS” OLD VINE ZINFANDEL
Perfect for the serious wine-lover in your life, this velvety, old vine Zinfandel represents the pinnacle of Macchia’s winemaking. A blend of premium Zinfandel lots, this complex wine displays flavors of blueberry compote and cinnamon spice blanketed with supple tannins. Aged in a combination of French and American Oak, each limited-production bottle is numbered and signed by the winemaker. ($50) MacchiaWines.com
OVER $100
LODI NATIVE 2013 LODI ZINFANDEL 6-PACK
Described by respected wine writer Alder Yarrow as “one of the most exciting things to happen to California wine in years,” the Lodi Native Zinfandel wines showcase six single old vine Lodi vineyards of distinction – many of them dating back to the late 1800’s. A collaborative project by Lodi winemakers from Fields Family, m2 Wines, Macchia, Maley Brothers, McCay Cellars, and St.Amant, these minimalist wines are beautifully packaged in a custom wooden box – perfect for gift-giving. Only 120 sets are available. ($180) LodiWine.com
ONE-YEAR MEMBERSHIP TO LOCA WINE CLUB
Can’t decide on a single wine or set? Give the gift of Lodi wine all year long with a one-year membership to LoCA Wine Club. Membership includes quarterly shipments of 3-4 hand-picked Lodi wines plus discounts on wine and merchandise from the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center and discounts to regional wine events like Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend and ZinFest Wine Festival. ($70-$90 per shipment plus shipping) LodiWine.com
WHERE TO FIND THESE WINES:
Pick up these Lodi wines online at lodiwine.com or from the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center, 2545 W. Turner Rd., Lodi, (209) 365-0621. Open daily 10am-5pm. LodiWine.com