Mar. 18—The popularity of the Lodi Grape Festival’s first event of the festival season continues to increase, and this year organizers have added a feature that is likely to bring more attendees in the future.
Grape Festival Manager Mark Armstrong said a “Bubble Lounge” has been added to the Lodi Wine Festival this year, featuring nearly a dozen local wineries pouring sparkling wines. The festival will be held on Saturday, March 28.
“I think it’s important we keep changing and adding things,” he said. “Sparkling wines are doing pretty well, and this could really attract a lot more people.”
Much like those who purchase VIP tickets for the event, Bubble Lounge guests will be admitted one hour earlier than general admission ticket holders.
The lounge features sparking wine tastings, dessert bites and access to the VIP Lounge.
Wineries pouring in the Bubble Lounge include Bokisch Vineyards, Estate Crush, LVVR, Michael David Winery, Nostra Vita Winery, Peltier Winery, Scotto’s Wine & Cider, Twisted Barrel Winery and Van Ruiten Family Winery. Jeremy Wine Co will be pouring port.
Bubble Lounge tasting is scheduled from 1 to 3:30 p.m., and tickets are $120 in advance, $135 at the door. Tickets will be limited to 150 guests and include a special sparkling wine glass, separate from the commemorative glass for wine tastings.
The VIP tasting will also be from 1 to 3:30 p.m., and tickets are $80 in advance, $90 at the door. A limited number will be sold. Light hors d’oeuvres will be offered, and guests will have early access to the nearly 40 wineries on hand offering tastings.
The Grand tasting for general admission ticket holders is from 2 to 5 p.m., and tickets are $50 in advance, $60 at the door. All attendees will receive a commemorative wine glass and access to artisan craft vendor booths.
While long-time wine staples such as Klinker Brick Winery, Jessie’s Grove, Heritage Oak Vineyards and Michael David Winery will be on-hand, guests can sample wares from newer vintners as well.
Some include West Sacramento’s Baker Family Wines, co-founded by San Francisco Giants legend Dusty Baker; Stockton’s Blue Frog Winery; Lodi’s Roseburn Winery; and Squeakywheel, which offers wine-based cocktails crafted by Paul Scotto of Lodi’s Scotto’s Wine and Cider.
Funky Tim & the Merlots return to the festival this year offering up feel-good covers and originals inspired by 1970s R&B, ’80s pop, and ’90s alternative.
Other amenities available during the festival include “Play and Stay” RV parking and the Ultimate Wine Collection, the latter of which is filled with more than 100 bottles of wine for $20 donated by participating wineries and the Lodi Grape Festival Board of Directors.
“Play and Stay” lets guests park their RVs on the festival grounds for the night, and provides water and electric hook-ups for $30.
Tickets for both must be purchased separately, and reservations for the “Play and Stay” must be made in advance by Tuesday, March 24.
“Last year we had really good attendance,” Armstrong said. “It was up from the year before. This is a show that continues to grow, and people come from all over — the Bay Area, the foothills and even north of Sacramento. It’s a great value, and a lot of times, the winery owners or winemakers are at the booths, so it’s a great opportunity to ask questions and learn about the wine industry.”
Once again, tickets will be available to designated drivers at $30 to enter the VIP tastings and $20 for the grand tasting.
There will also be tickets to purchase the “Ultimate Wine Collection” filled with more than 100 bottles donated by participating wineries. Tickets are $20, and all proceeds benefit the Lodi Grape Festival Funds for the Future Scholarship.
For more information about the Lodi Wine Fest, or to purchase tickets, visit www.grapefestival.com or the Grape Festival office, at 415 E. Lockeford St.
Tickets are also available at Stogie’s Lounge, 230 W. Pine St.; Oak Farm Vineyards, 23627 N. DeVries Road; or Dry Creek Liquor, 1060 E. Augusta St. in Woodbridge.
