Our gracious hosts and #WBC16 sponsors Lodi Wine are here to share details on the opening reception for the conference. We’ll have a unique venue and an opportunity for attendees to get a chance to mingle, network and enjoy a beautiful setting in the heart of Lodi wine country.
WELCOME TO OUR HOUSE…
WBC OPENING RECEPTION TO SHOWCASE LODI’S DOWN-HOME HOSPITALITY AND UNIQUE, VINEYARD-DESIGNATE WINES ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, FROM 6:00 PM TO 8:30 PM
We’ve said it time and again: Lodi is nothing if not authentic. So, when we began to consider locations for the WBC16 opening reception on Thursday evening, August 11, we knew we wouldn’t be satisfied to host it at any old hotel conference center or standard event space – no. We knew that the surest way to stay true to our deep roots (pun definitely intended) and impress an educated, discerning audience such as yourselves was to take it down a notch, as in 
“down-home;” keep it real, if you will. And that is exactly what we’re doing.
All WBC16 attendees are cordially invited to the home (yes, home) of fourth-generation Lodi winegrowers Bruce and Peggy Fry, located in the midst of Mohr-Fry Ranches – a picturesque 225-acre ranch comprised of nine separate blocks of own-rooted, head-trained Old Vine Zinfandel along with blocks of 11 other winegrape varieties like Alicante Bouschet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and Sauvignon Blanc, heirloom beans and cherries. Jerry, along with son Bruce, was recently recognized by California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) as 2016 Grower of the Year for his excellence in viticulture.
The evening will begin at 6:00pm with a casual walk-around tasting of a careful selection of Lodi’s premium vineyard-designate wines, many of which are sourced directly from Mohr-Fry Ranches. Just for fun, we’ll have freshly-picked winegrapes from each vineyard-designate wine on hand, ready for you to sample alongside the wines. Guess the Brix level 
that each cluster was harvested at and you could find yourself entered into a raffle to win a hand-selected case of exclusive Lodi vineyard-designate and library wines! As a special bonus, showcasing Lodi vintners will also be offering samples of library wines alongside vineyard-designate wines.
At 7:00pm, we want you to kick back to the enjoyment of our famous Delta breezes and the sounds of live music with Snap Jackson & The Knock on Wood Players. They are an acoustic trio hailing from Stockton, California who blend Americana, Bluegrass, Soul, & Old Time music to create a unique, fresh, & energetic sound. Kick back to some great music while Paul’s Rustic Oven Pizza fills your bellies with the following selection of mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas:
Classic Margherita with Fresh Basil
Italian Combo with Fennel Sausage, Salami, Pepperoni, Bell Peppers,
Caramelized Onion & Black Olive
Prosciutto & Arugula with Black Mission Fig & Marscarpone
Asian Pear with Gorgonzola & Caramelized Pecans
Garlic Chicken with Fresh Spinach, Sweet Onion & Cilantro
Before the night is over, be sure to snap a pic next to a working winegrape harvester or from the inside of an antique winepress in a mock winegrape stomp a la I Love Lucy’s “Bitter Grapes” scene. And don’t forget to tag @winebloggerscon and @Lodi_Wine and use hashtags #WBC16 and #LodiWine.
Looking forward to seeing you all there!
Have you registered? Get on board with #WBC16!
Stay tuned with @winebloggerscon on Twitter for any updates and new information.
OPENING RECEPTION SNAPSHOT:
WHEN: Thursday, August 11, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
WHERE: Home of Jerry & Peggy Fry, Mohr-Fry Ranches, 12609 N. West Lane, Lodi, 95240
WHAT TO BRING: Yourself, a desire to have a great time, and a light sweater or jacket. (We’re serious about the light sweater or jacket. Don’t underestimate Lodi’s diurnal temperature range.)
TRANSPORTATION: Complimentary shuttle service to and from the opening reception will be provided by Lodi hosts from host hotels Hampton Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express, and Best Western on Cherokee Lane. Specific shuttle times will be posted at each host hotel. Attendees may also opt to drive to the location. Limited parking will be available.
INSIDER’S SECRET: Hosts Jerry and Peggy Fry will be celebrating their 53rd wedding anniversary on the day of the opening reception. But shhh… you didn’t hear it from us!
RSVP: Molly Bjork at molly@lodiwine.com or 209.367.4727 by July 29, 2016. RSVP is a courtesy, not a requirement.
Maps to Mohr-Fry Ranch
Can’t wait myself!! #WBC16 #lodiwine
OMG this sounds so amazing – I am really looking forward to this, and also trying my luck with the brix at harvest test!