Love is in the air, and more than two dozen wineries are preparing for the weekend when couples visit to sip, savor and celebrate their relationships.
The Lodi Wine and Chocolate Weekend returns for its 29th outing on Valentine’s Day weekend, and guests will have plenty of opportunities to sample vintners’ best varietals and sweets.
More than 100,000 guests are expected to attend the two-day event, which begins with winery tours on Saturday, Feb. 14.
A total of 29 wineries are participating this year, including well-known staples such as Michael David, Heritage Oak, Macchia and Klinker Brick.
Michael David will offer a wine and chocolate flight, pairing sparkling wine with white chocolate popcorn; rosé with strawberry macaron; Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon with raspberry Freakshow brownie; Lust Zinfandel with Mexican hot chocolate cheesecake; and Symphony with pineapple upside down cake chocolate truffle.
Live music will be performed by William Sconce from noon to 3 p.m., and guests can participate in a raffle to win prizes.
Macchia will serve up meatballs with a chocolate habanero Zin port reduction and chocolate treats, while Klinker Brick will have artisan vendors on hand, as well as Vineyard Crossing Sourdough Microbakery offering up treats.
Barsetti Vineyards in Galt will have wine-infused fudge, merchandise discounts and live music by Phil & da Pinots, and Cosumnes River Farm in Thornton will offer a flight of three wines, chocolate brownie bites with flavored balsamic reductions, and chicken skewers and meatballs.
Harmony Wynelands will serve s’mores by the firepit and offer oil and vinegar samplings; Peirano Estate Vineyards in Acampo will have gourmet chocolate drops; Pondl Winery will have chocolate mole tacos; and Scotto’s Wine & Cider in Downtown Lodi will offer chocolate drizzle popcorn while live music of the 1980s and ‘90s is performed by DJ Adrinao.
Along with wine and treats, M2 has brought the “Love Wall” back, where guests can leave a Valentine or words of love for the community to read. In addition, Spenker Winery will have a baby goat kissing booth or cuddling session while guests sample goat cheese and wine.
Winery tours begin at 11 a.m. on Feb. 14, and a $75 ticket includes a15-ounce stemless wine glass, a gourmet chocolate treat and admission and tastings at all participating wineries.
The weekend concludes on Sunday, Feb. 15 with the Winemakers Toast at 11 a.m. at Appellation Lodi, Wine & Roses Resort and Spa.
The $95 ticket includes a 19.5-ounce long-stem wine glass; tastings of red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines from more than 20 Lodi wineries; brunch-style small bites curated by the Appellation Lodi – Wine & Roses culinary team; and artisan samples from CocoTutti Chocolates.
Both events are for adults older than 21, and each day requires a separate ticket. Some wineries will allow pets on the premises. Visit tinyurl.com/LodiWineChoc2026 for more information.
Dining and Cooking