We are excited to toast to the formation of the Lodi Winery Business Improvement District (LWBID), a bold, unified initiative developed by the wineries of the Lodi wine region and the Lodi Winegrape Commission (LWC). This visionary step forward marks a new chapter in elevating Lodi as a premier wine destination and cultivating a thriving, connected winery community.
Led by Stuart Spencer, Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission, the LWBID was designed with a singular goal: expand the Lodi winery customer base through strategic marketing and promotional activities, elevate brand awareness, and strengthen the businesses that make Lodi wine country extraordinary. The LWBID will operate for an initial five-year term, backed by an anticipated first-year budget of $575,000, funded through a 1.5% assessment on direct-to-consumer sales revenue from about 70 wineries.
Investing in Lodi’s Future: Strategic Use of Funds
LWBID funds will power a comprehensive strategy that enhances both external visibility and internal strength across the Lodi wine region. Through a robust and integrated marketing program, the LWBID will promote Lodi as a world-class wine region and drive qualified visitation to participating wineries. Planned activities include digital marketing, advertising campaigns, PR efforts, event activations, influencer collaborations, and content creation, each aligned with LWC’s brand to reinforce Lodi as a premium wine destination.
Strengthening Wineries & Fostering Community
Beyond marketing, LWBID resources will support business development and workforce training, enhancing wine quality, service excellence, and operational success. Educational initiatives will focus on hospitality, winemaking, management, and sales. The district will also spearhead efforts to unite winery voices, coordinate with key partners like Visit Lodi and local chambers, and advocate on economic and regulatory issues. The LWBID will leverage winery dollars with the Lodi Winegrape Commission (grower dollars) and Visit Lodi (hotel dollars) to bring more new wine-interested consumers to Lodi. This investment model recognizes that Lodi’s organizations are stronger together than apart, ensuring the entire winery community benefits from LWBID efforts.
“This district represents a strategic step forward for Lodi wine. In an era where regions across the world are investing in tourism and insight, the BID ensures Lodi has stable funding to promote our wines, welcome visitors, and keep our region competitive. It’s not just about marketing; it’s about creating opportunities for every winery to be seen, experienced, and celebrated,” says Jeremy Trettevik, of Jeremy Wine Company.
As Lodi continues to grow as a nationally recognized wine destination, the formation of the LWBID ensures a sustainable future, powered by wineries, for wineries. Civitas is proud to have partnered on this important initiative and congratulates the Lodi Winegrape Commission and the entire Lodi wine community on this achievement.
