Why Join a Wine Club?
This month’s top picks from the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center
Recently wine drinkers have seen an abundance of new wine clubs in Lodi. What is it about a wine club that has wine lovers agreeing to have their credit card charged on a monthly or quarterly basis for wine not even yet tasted? Here’s a few of the perks of joining a wine club.
- First and foremost, wine clubs offer members anywhere from 10 to 30 percent discounts on wine and winery merchandise.
- Most, if not all, wine clubs offer members complimentary tastings, and usually a tasting of one or two wines for members-only.
- Wine club member-only events, such as winemaker dinners or new wine release parties, are also part of the package.
- Get discounted ticket prices to large wine country events like harvest celebrations.
- Wine club members receive email newsletters containing the latest and greatest news about upcoming events and activities, recipes to pair with the wines, future wines, and much more.
- Wine club membership seems to build a sort of extended wine family between the member and the wine club.
In Lodi, one of the most unique offerings is the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center Wine Club, which features a wide variety of wines from different Lodi appellation wineries. Here are the wines featured in the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center’s most recent Wine Club selection:
St. Amant Marian’s Vineyard 2007 “Old Vine” Zinfandel
One hundred-year-old vines yielding less than two tons per acre give this wine its rich jammy aroma and flavor. Smooth tannins and a rich mouth feel lead to a finish of dark berries and spice. This classic Zinfandel is the perfect glass of wine to sip on, but also pairs well with grilled meats, vegetables, and pasta with hearty red sauce. ($24) www.stamantwine.com
Bokisch 2006 Graciano
Ruby-red with hints of dark cherry colors, this 100 percent varietal Cabernet Sauvignon offers aromas of cherry, plum, green olive, and smoky oak. Rapture’s flavor profile of mature fruits, vanilla, earth, and spicy oak lead to a smooth, pleasing finish. ($59) www.lodivineyards.com
Delicato 337 Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, three of the five noble Bordeaux varietals, combine to produce this young yet approachable Cabernet. Classic aromas of cherry and cedar lead to a pleasant mouth feel with moderate tannins. Cherry, dark chocolate, and leather flavors are followed by a lingering, smoky, cherry chocolate finish. This wine is best served with aged cheeses, barbecue, and grilled or roasted meats and vegetables. ($15) www.delicato.com
For more information: Visit the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center, and taste from a selection of over two hundred award-winning Lodi wines. 2545 W. Turner Rd., Lodi, (209) 367-4727, www.lodiwine.com
