The upcoming Lodi Wine Festival on March 28 promises to be an exciting event with new features aimed at attracting more attendees. Grape Festival Manager Mark Armstrong announced the introduction of a "Bubble Lounge," where visitors can indulge in sparkling wines from local wineries. This addition is intended to enhance the festival experience, as sparkling wines have seen a surge in popularity.

Guests in the Bubble Lounge, which will admit a maximum of 150 attendees, can enjoy tastings of various sparkling wines alongside light dessert bites. The lounge will operate from 1 to 3:30 PM, and tickets are priced at $120 if purchased in advance, or $135 at the door.

In addition to the Bubble Lounge, there will be a VIP tasting that features light hors d’oeuvres and early access to tastings from nearly 40 wineries, costing $80 in advance and $90 at the event. General admission tickets are available for the Grand Tasting from 2 to 5 PM, priced at $50 in advance and $60 at the door, which include access to artisan vendor booths.

Returning favorites like Klinker Brick Winery and Michael David Winery will be present, alongside newer participants such as Baker Family Wines and Squeakywheel, known for its innovative wine-based cocktails.

The festival will also feature entertainment from Funky Tim & the Merlots, along with amenities such as RV parking and the Ultimate Wine Collection lottery, which allows guests to win over 100 bottles of wine for a $20 ticket donation.

For designated drivers, tickets for the VIP or general tasting are available at $30 and $20, respectively, and options to participate in the Ultimate Wine Collection are also available for $20.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.grapefestival.com or at various local retailers, ensuring that this year’s event continues to build upon its successful attendance from previous years. Armstrong noted that attendees come from across the region, reflecting the festival’s growing appeal.