San Joaquin - Index

San Joaquin - may08 - Index

wine fun
gRaPe aDVenTUReS
Summertime Fun in Wine Country
SPRing anD SUmmeR bring a bouquet of unique
amusements from local wineries that transcend
the traditional sit-and-sip. From bird watching hikes
to musical comedy to blacksmith lessons, Valley
winemakers flavor their summer offerings with fun
that goes well beyond the vines. There’s something for
every taste.
For the Gourmand
Food and wine go together like, well, food and wine.
The combination is nothing new, but knowing just
how to pair the two correctly takes a bit of finesse.
Local wineries are happy to help. Locavores can find
gourmet picnicking supplies at Woodbridge Winery in
acampo (www.woodbridgewines.com). Call ahead to
have a local sandwich shop prepare a $15 box lunch, or
choose from California farmstead cheeses and cured
meats from San Francisco’s molinari Salami Co. Freshfrom-the-fields
produce can be had at Phillips Farms at
michael-David Winery (www.lodivineyards.com), where
the jams are made by winery patriarch Don Phillips.
Stop by the Phillips Farm Café for down-home cooking.
mark your calendar for monthly wine pairing classes from
the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center (www.lodiwine.com),
where local chefs and winemakers share tips and
recipes during cooking demonstrations. Foodies have
been counting on Lodi’s wineries for years to wine and
dine them.
“There are definitely regulars,” says Phillips Farm
Café manager Cecilia Harbin. “it’s like Cheers.”
michael-David Vineyards
Heritage Oak Winery
Lodi Wine and Visitor Center Oak Ridge Winery
54 san joaquin magazine
maY 15 - JULY 1 2008