Welcome to the Lodi Chapter of the
Knights Of The Vine
Welcome to the Lodi chapter of the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine, a non-profit organization created to promote American wines and wine producing regions; to introduce and recognize quality wines from around the world; and to rekindle the respect of wine and wine culture for mankind and country.
Events include a formal induction ceremony as well as more casual luncheons, dinners, wine tastings, picnics and seminars. The Brotherhood has many chapters throughout the country. For those persons who are interested in joining the Lodi Chapter, please visit our membership page.
WINE BROTHERHOODS
Around the year 1050, the first wine brotherhoods were formed in France. Members were Knights appointed by the King to serve as administrators of the royal vineyards and protect the royal family and visiting dignitaries from being poisoned by those who coveted the royal throne and power. Today, wine brotherhoods can still be found throughout the world, sharing both formal or informal affiliations and common purposes.
The Lodi Chapter of the Brotherhood is focused on promoting Lodi wines and highlighting local growers and wine makers.
LODI WINE
Lodi and its surroundings are well known for the cultivation of grapes and production of wine. Starting in the early 20th century, and right up to the early 1980s, Lodi promoted itself as the “Tokay Capital of the World” due to the abundance of the Flame Tokay variety in the area. With the replacement by other varietals, primarily Zinfandel, Lodi now refers to itself as the wine-grape capital of California. Lodi is known now as the Zinfandel Capital of the World.
Nearby Woodbridge is the home of the well-known winery, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi. Mondavi grew up in Lodi, and Mondavi Winery is considered to be one of the most influential in the American wine industry.
Scholarships
Another major objective of the KOV Lodi is to award scholarships to students enrolled in a full-time Enology, Viticulture, Hospitality or Culinary Arts program with an emphasis on wine. The awards have ranged from $1000 to $3000 per year as long as the GPA was maintained at 3.00 or better. The applicant must be a resident of a Lodi Appellation Region.
Various fundraisers are hosted throughout the year, with proceeds going towards our scholarship program. To apply, please click on the Contact Us, tab.
INTERNTATIONAL FEDERATION
The international network of wine brotherhoods share common values, around the promotion of the quality and reasonable tasting of wine, the conviviality it allows, the maintenance of cultural and wine-growing traditions to which they are associated and of the harmonious alliance of wine and food. The International Federation of Wine Brotherhoods (FICB), founded in 1964, maintains the friendly relations between the brotherhoods of many countries and promotes its members and their activities world-wide.
For more information on the International Federation, please go to: www.winebrotherhoods.org/en/
MEMBERSHIP
The Lodi Chapter of Knights of the Vine has over 100 active members, called Knights or Gentle Ladies, including Lodi’s premier wine makers and vineyard owners.
Our Grand Assemblage ceremonies are steeped in Old World Tradition with processions, knights, blessings of wineries and colorful regalia reminiscent of their European counterparts.
The organization supports the Lodi wine industries through educational events, scholarships and ceremonies.
Membership in the Lodi Chapter of Knights of the Vine begins by sponsorship from a member in good standing. New members are enthroned each year at the Grand Assemblage.
The Lodi Chapter is a volunteer-run organization. All members are expected to participate to the extent they are able. The management is comprised of the Master Commander, Ken Levy and a Cadre of appointed officers who carry out the organizational duties necessary for a functioning organization.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Lodi Chapter of The Knights of the Vine, please contact a member that you know for an introduction or email our membership director at membership@lodikov.com to request help in becoming a member.
“Water Separates People of the World, Wine Unites Them.” Anonymous
