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It’s wine o’clock somewhere and CELLARDOOR wants you to come play! Plain and simple, downtown Lodi’s popular new wine tasting venue, CELLARDOOR, is offering wine tasters the chance to have fun with wine. Whether you are new to the wine scene or a veteran sipper wishing to expand your viniculture horizon, everyone is encouraged to toss out the wine tasting “rule book.” This uncomplicated attitude is what makes CELLARDOOR so appealing to many local and out-of-town wine buffs, and keeps a taster or two coming back, often bringing along friends and new “recruits!” Owing much of the magnum-sized charisma surrounding the tasting room to the good-natured staff, their knowledge of local wine and personal attention to customer service is a pleasure to observe. When Vanessa Foreman signed on as CELLARDOOR’s manager, she brought along an extensive professional background in the hospitality industry and a genuine passion for wine. Her approach is enthusiastic and highly contagious. “Wine should be fun!” Foreman says, while encouraging tasters “Don’t be afraid of what you taste.” Sharing a strong desire to participate in downtown Lodi’s revitalization efforts, local vintners Michael David, Jessie’s Grove, and Van Ruiten Family Wineries realized the mouth-watering potential of pouring an elegant wine tasting venue into downtown Lodi. Since opening last April, it has been successfully spreading the good word about Lodi wine! |
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CELLARDOOR offers tasters a relaxed, contemporary wine tasting locale and the opportunity to sample a variety of outstanding award winning selections crafted by each of the three wineries. The tasting room features an extensive variety of wine selections. The sampling choices rotate twice a month, so visit often to discover different varietals, while taking home a few of your favorites! In addition to tasting, wines are available by the glass, bottle, and case. For your wine pairing enjoyment, small plates will soon be offered. If a sipper wants to begin by sampling a spicy syrah, then move on to a splash of fruity Viognier, there will be no raised eyebrows here. Thankfully, the folks at CELLARDOOR understand that it is not always easy or desirable to taste the “aromas of leather and barnyard” in a glass, even if the cows do come home. Sometimes it just tastes good! Additionally, CELLARDOOR can help guide you when selecting a wine to pair with food. However, visitors are always encouraged to try new combinations. “It’s ok to pair the untraditional,” Foreman says, and adds that wine is like spice when you are cooking. This hip new tasting venue’s interior has the cool elegance of an upscale wine country tasting room, but without the hefty price tag or pretension that usually accompanies. Here, guests can unwind over a glass or bottle of Lodi’s good life, or join in the easy banter and camaraderie at the long, cool tasting bar. Comfortable tables and chairs, plus an inviting sofa encourage sippers to stay awhile, and bistro-style outdoor seating is available for guests who choose to indulge in the popular pastime of people watching in the charming downtown area. And how’s this for refreshing? For solo sippers, CELLARDOOR is especially relaxed and inviting; two characteristics that pair superbly with any wine tasting experience. When planning your next meeting or event, consider using CELLARDOOR’s spacious lower level, which can accommodate up to 45 people. |
For intimate gatherings, a secluded balcony area is available. The tasting room is Wi-Fi accessible. For rental information, contact Vanessa at (209)339-4394. For your enjoyment Live music is performed featuring a variety of local talent that rounds out the Friday evening’s menu. Plan a TGIF night with your friends and relax over a bottle or two of local goodness – a great way to jump-start your weekend! Downtown Lodi’s Thursday Night Farmer’s Market returns in June, so as you stroll between the veggie stands, plan to stop by CELLARDOOR and enjoy a sip or two. In addition to wine and music, CELLARDOOR displays artwork produced by local artists; this work rotates on a regular basis for your enjoyment. When you visit, check out the impressive barrel ring sculpture draping the wall, created by Wanda Bechthold, artist and co-owner of Jessie’s Grove Winery. Along with the diverse selection of Lodi wines, the tasting gallery offers shoppers a distinctive assortment of exclusive wine-themed attire, unique gift items, handcrafted jewelry, and wine accessories. Listed below are just a few of the many fine wines available at CELLARDOOR. Tasting selections may vary, so call ahead for a current tasting menu. Better yet, come on in!
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Michael David
Earthquake Cab – A muscular cab powerhouse packing a wallop! This is plum full-bodied to get your motor runnin’ with a spicy sizzle on the side.
Jessie's Grove
Earth Zin & Fire – If the label doesn’t grab you, the taste will! Berries and spice make everything nice about this jammin’ old vine zinfandel. One bottle is never enough!
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Van Ruiten Family Cab Shiraz – Full of berries and a spellbinding hint of creamy cocoa powdered chocolate truffles, no kidding! Ah, bliss. Pinot Gris – Tropical splashes of peaches and pears make this delightful wine a springtime favorite! At CELLARDOOR, there is no right or wrong way to enjoy a glass of wine, so come out and “play” a visit, experience a flight of Lodi’s best and discover your own taste buds. As Vanessa says, “Get comfortable in your own grape skin!” The CELLARDOOR is located at 21 School Street in Downtown Lodi. Tasting Room hours are Tuesday – Friday 12-7pm and weekends from 12-5pm. For additional information call 209-339-4394 or go online to www.LodiCellardoor.com |
