Overview: Between the various eateries, cinema, olive oil, cheese and wine tasting, shopping and more, Downtown Lodi is the place to be. You can grab a bite with friends at one of the various restaurants that serve delicacies ranging from sushi to burgers, sample some sweets at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory or sip Zin at one of the many tasting rooms. Then enjoy some shopping before ending your day.

San Joaquin Fair

Lodi is known for its zinfandels, glistening lake and beautiful setting between the mountains and the sea. But did you know that Lodi is a hub for public art created by local artists?

In a massive construction project in Lodi’s industrial area, Pacific Coast Producers will expand its distribution center by 50 percent this year to hold its increasing demand for canned food.

(NAPSI)—A delightful way to enjoy wholesome eating can start with your packing your plate with produce, including a dynamite little fruit—the Concord grape. Concord grapes are bold in taste and pack quite a nutritious punch. They can be enjoyed as 100% grape juice or in simple, healthy and flavor-packed recipes.

Though her day job is in an office, Amy Blagg simply can’t get away from the farming life she grew up in. Her work for the San Joaquin Farm Bureau Federation, both locally and on a state level, was recognized by the California Farm Bureau Federation in March.

(NAPSI)How much do you know about the honey bear bottle in your pantry? With recent confusion over pollen and filtration, the National Honey Board (NHB) wants to clarify any misconceptions surrounding this natural ingredient with harvesting, filtration and nutrition facts about honey. With more than 300 varietals of honey in the United States, honey adds its own unique profile to every recipe. Plus, honey has many benefits before and after it gets to the pantry.

(NAPSI)—Superfruits—fruits that are exceptionally rich in vitamins and antioxidants—are popular ingredients in a variety of healthy foods.

Two organizations will share $10,000 in community benefit funding to be distributed by the city of Galt.

Though it’s not used to quench thirst, Brady Whitlow, president of Corto Olive Oil, looks at the product simply: as freshly squeezed juice.

Shaped by the land and climate and further molded by the economy and markets, Lodi’s agricultural landscape over the decades has evolved from grain to watermelons to grapes.

On a recent spring morning, a chill wind strafes the Lima Ranch west of Lodi.

It sends up missiles of stray alfalfa. Workers bend as they walk into the wind — and keep their jackets zipped to the top.

The wind doesn’t take the edge off Jack Hamm. The dairy’s general manager keeps moving, talking, gesturing.

Wine drinkers have spoken! What they are saying is they love many of Lodi’s wines, from blends to Zins. At the Consumer Wine Awards Competition in April, Lodi-area winery took home awards given by everyday wine drinkers. The awards include these platinum- and gold-winning wines from the Lodi appelation;