Arts
- Simply the best of Lodi
- Star watch: Enjoy a movie in style
- Lo (ho, ho, ha, ha) di
- Rhythm of the night
- A season for a festival
- Keeping it cool: Jazz scene popular in Lodi
Food
- Much more than secret sauce
- Edible, incredible Lodi offers food treats for finicky feasters
- List of area restaurants
Recreation
- Take off!
- Par for the course
- Mokelumne River more than Lodi's northern border
- Fun in them there hills
- Nearby nature: Spend a day exploring Lodi Lake
- Outstanding ornithology: Birds just love Lodi
Shopping
- L.O.D.I. spells hidden treasure in antiques
- Dollars and sense: There are plenty of places to shop in Lodi and the surrounding area
- Chocolate lovers rejoice!
- Find the perfect ‘Lodi' gift
Things To Do
- Perfect day includes walking, eating, playing
- Time alone or with family can be perfect
- Lodi's past comes alive
- Museum reveals Lodi's ag roots
- Move over Wonka
- In all directions, fun is a stone's throw from Lodi
- Discover: The big list
Wine
Zinfandel, Lodi go hand-in-hand
Larry Mettler, of the Mettler Family Vineyards winery, recently spoke with News-Sentinel reporter Jake Armstrong about zinfandel, Lodi's signature grape, and why the area is specially suited for this flavorful varietal.
Q: Why is zinfandel considered Lodi's signature grape?
A: Because there's an awful lot of zinfandel here and wineries from other districts like zinfandel grapes from Lodi.
Q: What's special about Lodi zinfandel?
A: It seems like we have the right climate to make the grapes really taste good. We have a climate here east of the Delta that is warm in the daytime, and we have a big swing in temperatures at night. And we have those breezes from the Delta that kick in at night. It seems like that climate is very good for grapes. It also gives great color to the fruit.
Q: How long has zinfandel been grown in Lodi?
A: Over 100 years. Even during Prohibition the grapes were put in boxes and shipped to people so they could make homemade wine.
Q: Many winegrapes are of French, Spanish or Italian origin. Where did zinfandel originate?
A: There's still debate about it.
Q: What's different about old-vine zinfandel?
A: Old-vine zinfandel is a term that's being used as a marketing tool. Older wine is sometimes considered better wine. It's not necessarily true, but it is being used from a marketing standpoint. It has not really been determined as to what "old vine" is. Old vine can be any older vine, without putting a number to the age. The thinking is that as (vines) age, they give out flavor that younger grapes can't touch.
Q: What properties should someone look for in a wine made from zinfandel grapes?
A: When you put it in your mouth, it explodes with fruit flavors. It's dark in color, has a nice, soft lingering finish and subtle tannins. It's easy to drink, and makes you want to get another glassful.