The virtual masterclass will focus on the historical winegrowing region of Lodi, California. Participants of the virtual masterclass will have the opportunity to earn scholarships toward furthering wine education and certifications through an online timed test.
Led by award-winning author and speaker, Elaine Chukan Brown, the virtual masterclass will take place on September 28 and 30, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM PDT each day. Focusing on innovation and diversity, the masterclass will dive deep into Lodi’s terroir, viticulture and winemaking practices, and cultural history of its people. Throughout the masterclass, Brown will be joined by various Lodi growers and winemakers who will provide firsthand accounts of their experience in the vineyards and cellars. Among others, guest speakers will include winegrowers Markus Bokisch (Bokisch Ranches Inc. and Bokisch Vineyards), Susan Tipton (Acquiesce Winery), and Jeff Perlegos (Stampede Vineyard, Clements Hills AVA). Each of the two days of the masterclasses will be unique in terms of theme, speakers, and wines.
Registration is open to all wine industry trade members. Following the completion of both masterclasses, registered attendees will be granted a one-time access to an online 20-minute timed test through Thursday, October 1, at 11:59 PM PDT. The test will cover information from the masterclasses including, but not limited to, Lodi’s wines, history, and terroir. The test will be scored by the most correct answers given in the shortest amount of time. The top three scorers will receive the following scholarships, to be applied toward wine education as well as access to SommFoundation’s Global Diagram of Wine:
First place: $1,500 plus guaranteed attendance to the 2021 SommFoundation Harvest Enrichment Trip to Lodi, Calif.; Second place: $1,000, and Third place: $500.