Taking Over Lodi Wine Country

Come August 11th, Lodi, CA will have been invaded by wine bloggers from all over the world.  Each year Zephyr Conferences hosts the Wine Bloggers Conference to gather bloggers from every scope of the industry together for education, exposure, and simply a great time meeting other bloggers and people in the industry.  This years conference runs from August 11th-August 14th.  It actually begins on August 10th with three pre-conference excursions to Lodi, Livermore and Amador wine countries.  Participants will get the opportunity to visit the vineyards and wineries of some of the top producers in the area.  The getaway also includes dining experiences with the winemakers.

The main event begins Thursday evening by toasting the beginning of a fantastic adventure with an Opening Reception at the home Lodi winegrowers Bruce and Peggy Fry of Mohr-Fry Ranches.  The following Friday is jam-packed with education sessions, live wine blogging, and an opening keynote to be given by world renown Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson.  Later than evening, participants will be treated to additional excursions to Lodi wine country.  Details about the excursions are kept secret until it is time to head off for a great time.

Saturday’s activities will also include a plethora of education sessions.  I am most looking forward to those that are aimed at helping bloggers increase their social media marketing skills.  Many of us are also anxious to attend the “Passion to Pro” session presented by wine industry veterans, Jameson Fink, Debra Meiburg, and Deborah Parker Wong.  There is nothing wrong with getting paid to do what you love.

 And of course, you cannot have a Wine Bloggers Conference without the infamous Wine Blog Awards Ceremony.  This year’s winners are as follows:

Best Blog Post of the Year: HENRI BONNEAU, LE DERNIER ADIEU by Jerry Clark

Best Original Photography or Video on a Wine Blog: Vindulge

Best Winery or Industry Wine Blog: Berry Bros. & Rudd Wine Blog

Best Single Subject Wine Blog: Provence Wine Zine

Best Writing On a Wine Blog: L’Occasion

Best New Wine Blog: Dionysian Impulse

Best Overall Wine Blog: L’Occasion

CONGRATS!!

Sunday will wind down all of the conference fun with some education sessions, Blogger Reports from fellow bloggers, and post-conference excursions with Ironstone Vineyards and the Lodi Wine Commission, to include tours, tastings and dinner.  They both sound like an abundance of fun.

Its going to be a busy week for Lodi, CA and wine bloggers everywhere as they join us or follow us on social media via the hashtag #WBC16.  Don’t miss out on any of the fun!