Lodi, California is
Livin' the Good LoCA

The Winegrape Commission of Lodi, California have invented a new name for the region; "LoCA."

"It is memorable, it is fun, and it perfectly positions our wines and our community exactly as they are - real and approachable." Says Mark Chandler, Executive Director, Lodi Winegrape Commission. He may be onto something. A visitor to the Lodi wine region will often remark how large the relatively unknown area is and the quality of the wines can be superb.

LoCA, the wines of Lodi, CA

There is one more thing about Lodi wine worth mentioning and that is the price. For the most part consumers pay less for wines produced from grapes grown in Lodi vineyards. Wine snobs may be quick to point out Lodi does not have the international recognition that Napa Valley wineries enjoy. That is true. Paying sky high prices for grapes grown in the Napa Valley is usually the case too.

The region is a huge grape producing area and much larger than other well known California area in terms of acreage and the amount of wine produced. Here are some facts about the Lodi region:

* Today, the area has 100,000
acres of winegrapes, farmed by over 750 growers.
* The region?s annual yield of approximately 600,000 tons of grapes is valued at over $300 million,
and comprises 20% of California?s total winegrape production ? more than Napa and Sonoma
Counties combined.
* Lodi is best known for its full-bodied Old Vine Zinfandel wines.
* Produces more than 24% of California's Chardonnay grapes.

The LoCA advertising is Lodi's way of getting the word out that wines from their region can be very good. Lodi has its own charm to offer with a location on the California Delta. Many of the Lodi wineries have a laid back atmosphere which is in sync with the Delta countryside and offer premium quality wines.

Lodi has Premium Quality Wines?


The Lodi growing region is almost as old as California itself. Many of the families growing grapes in Lodi have done so for a very long time.

The Lodi Winegrape Commission web site quotes fourth-generation Lodi grower Richard Lauchland, "This area is passionate, even a little obsessed, about growing and making great wine, so we want everyone to learn more about our wines, visit our wineries and know that this is one of the most accessible and authentic wine communities in the country."

That quote speaks volumes for the entire region. They are proud of their wines for good reason. They want to invite the world to visit and taste the wine for themselves because they are confident of a happy response.

That alone is a good reason to check out the LoCA wines and enjoy an afternoon touring and tasting in wine country.