June 2-6 2025
A New Kind of Wine Travel

California, here we come! Nestled in the heart of California’s Central Valley, Lodi is an agricultural gem located between the bustling cities of Sacramento to the north and Stockton to the south. Just east of the San Francisco Bay Area, Lodi benefits from the unique climate created by the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains and the cool, refreshing delta breeze that sweeps in through the Carquinez Strait.

While neighboring wine regions may be more often explored, there is a laid-back charm in Lodi that we can’t get enough of. And we’re not the only ones drawn to the region. While Lodi is celebrated for its exceptional wine, particularly its old-vine Zinfandel, the region’s agricultural bounty extends far beyond. The fertile soil and Mediterranean climate create the perfect conditions for growing peaches, apricots, nectarines, watermelons, corn, walnuts, and over 120 grape varieties. From Albarino to Zinfandel, Lodi is an entryway for new winemakers or small labels to access premium grapes while also exploring variety. 

All told, Lodi grows around 20% of California’s winegrapes. And it’s more than just its historic vines; it’s a modern leader in sustainable viticulture. The introduction of the Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing, California’s first certified sustainable winegrowing program, underscores the region’s commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

That same farmer-first ethos extends into Lodi’s food scene and has evolved into a dynamic landscape of local eateries, boutique restaurants, and farm-to-table dining experience that highlight the area’s agricultural riches.

Lodi's tastemakers are passionately cultivating a future where sustainability and quality intertwine. As the community embraces its heritage while fostering innovation, Lodi is poised to leave a lasting mark on the 2025 Field Blends Family. 
images courtesy of Visit Lodi & Randy Caparoso

Gerardo Espinosa, project manager at an architectural firm turned winemaker, embodies passion, heritage, and dedication to the Lodi community and broader California wine industry. Fulfilling as his architecture career was, Gerardo was always drawn to his heritage—the grandson of Mexican immigrants who came to California in the 1940s, worked the fields, saved their money, and purchased property and planted grapevines. Inspired by his family's legacy, Gerardo began making wine from their vineyards, launching his own label, Viñedos Aurora, in 2008, and today under his new label, Anaya Vineyards. In 2015, he partnered with Mark Nureddine to establish Lodi Crush, a custom winemaking facility that has since become a cornerstone of local business.  As Community Partner for Field Blends: Lodi, Gerardo’s collaborative approach and commitment to fostering connection will spotlight that Lodi isn’t just a place where grapes are grown and wine is made; it’s a community where history, creativity, and heritage come together in every glass.