Our Own Randy Caparoso Nominated For Old Vine Hero Award – Vote Today

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2024.  BY LODI WINEGRAPE COMMISSION.

Internationally-recognized The Old Vine Conference has nominated Randy Caparoso as one of 16 individuals or organizations considered to be making the greatest contribution towards the movement to recognize, nurture, and value old vines and their wines. Randy has been nominated for the category of “Communication.” Since 2010, in addition to speaking on old vines at events and leading numerous onsite studies of old vines, Randy has created extensive written and photographic documentation of old vines in California. Much of Randy’s work has been focused on Lodi’s old vines and old vine wines, helping to bring both to the attention of trade, media, and consumers.

You can help ensure that Randy and Lodi are recognized on the international stage by casting your vote here. Voting closes at 2:00pm PT on Thursday, March 21.

Pierano Estate Zinfandel planted in the late 1890s.

“Lodi! is a logical outgrowth of Randy’s role as freelance blogger and social-media director for the Lodi Winegrape Commission. Over the past 10 years he has churned out a steady stream of enlightening and entertaining posts, photos, speeches and articles, all about Lodi’s vineyards and wines. With the speed and sharp eye of an owl patrolling a vineyard, he has used that perch for ready access to the sites, archives and key players that define Lodi as a fine-wine region, and now has assembled what he has gleaned into one smooth and authoritative narrative…” – Mike Dunne

Some of the Top Old Vine Blog Posts by Randy Caparoso

The past, present, and future usages of head trained vines in Lodi – March 22, 2019

Classic 8-spur head trained vine in Burness Vineyard on the east side of Lodi’s Mokelumne River AVA.

The significance of own-rooted old vines in Lodi – November 2, 2020

Classic own-rooted Mokelumne River-Lodi Zinfandel in Soucie Vineyard.

Head vs. vertical cordon-trained old vines, and the skilled labor behind it – November 30, 2020

Royal Tee Vineyard 2020 flame tokay harvest.

Why everyone loves old vines – October 8, 2021

Winter pruning of old vines (planted between the 1920s and 1940s) in Stampede Vineyard, one of Lodi’s premier old vine Zinfandel plantings.

A Lodi based sheep company begins work on sustainable vineyard farming – February 16, 2021

Rambouillet (unshorn) and Dorper (dark patched) sheep grazing among 75-year-old Zinfandel vines in Lodi’s Schulenburg Vineyard, under the watchful eye of F Ewe Sheep Company owner Frankie Arburua III.

Plain talk on the increasing mystique and value of old vines – January 12, 2023

Old vine Alicante Bouschet – west side, Mokelumne River.

2023 update on Lodi vineyards finally getting their due by being recognized by Historic Vineyard Society – January 26, 2023

The Historic Vineyard Society-certified Church Block on Mokelumne River-Lodi’s west side, in between January 2023 rains.

Why old vines are more important than ever all around the world – April 18, 2023

Monumentally strong, productive, natural-rooted Zinfandel, planted in 1901 in Lodi’s Marian’s Vineyard.

Ten reasons why old vines are more important than ever to the international wine community – April 24, 2023

Stampede Vineyard in Lodi’s Clements Hills AVA, certified by the Historic Vineyard Society.

Global encompassing The Old Vine Registry launches, with 53 Lodi AVA vineyards – June 26, 2023

Marian’s Vineyard Zinfandel, quintessential Lodi AVA old vines planted in 1901.

Randy Caparoso is a full-time wine journalist who lives in Lodi, California. Randy puts bread (and wine) on the table as the Editor-at-Large and Bottom Line columnist for The SOMM Journal, and currently blogs and does social media for Lodi Winegrape Commission’s lodiwine.com. He also contributes editorials to The Tasting Panel magazine, crafts authentic wine country experiences for sommeliers and media, and is the author of the new book “Lodi! A definitive Guide and History of America’s Largest Winegrowing Region.”