Lodi Grape Festival & Natl Wine Show

Literally the worst wine festival ever!!!! Not coordinated at all and a waste of money! I will never attend again!

Came here today with my husband (free admission today from 12- 5 pm today) because we just happened to be in the area and thought about checking this out. I would have to say that this is definitely smaller than a county fair. There is your usual carnival/ fair rides and food on a stick and deep fried (although I am pleasantly surprised with some healthier food choices like a chicken or Khalua pork plate from the Aloha Diner and gyros and Greek salad from the Greek food stand). There is a small area for vendors inside an air conditioned room and some vendors outside as well.Liked the displays and art projects, photos, etc made from students and adults.Liked that there is wine tasting opportunities as well (after all, this is the grape festival). Although parking is $5, we were able to find plenty of (free) street parking within a close and reasonable walking distance. Overall, thought the fair was just okay, nothing really exciting and memorable about it. Would have been disappointed if I had to pay for regular $9 admission price, but was worth a visit for getting in for free.

I must say that the festival was pretty cool. There wasn't a wide selection of wines as I had expected, but it was fun nonetheless.

I am a 67 yr old retired professional. On the evening of 9/14/2013 while passing through a metal detector at the festival ticket counter I showed a very Unprofessional security person the 3 inch Swiss type pocket knife I've carried for over 40 yrs. More of a small tool than a knife. I was told I would have to take it back to my car or give it to security. I understood their concern. Since I have difficulty walking, I opted to give it to security until they said it would not be returned but be destroyed. A security person held his hand out for my pocket knife. Of course I said I would take it to the car since it had sentimental value. At that point I was told that I was denied admission no matter what I did then the security person unbelievably radioed for backup " double time" the surreal scene escalated to 7 persons surrounding me with the original security person lying that I made some racial slurs and used profanity. I asked for the fair manager Mark Armstrong who I mistakenly thought would posses some logic, came out with an attitude towards me due to believing the outright lies security told him. It reminded me of the Rolling Stones hiring the Hell's Angels for security at their Altamont concert. (with grave consequences) He also denied me admission. He did this in spite of my willingness to comply and character witness testimony from lifelong friends that happened by as they were leaving. I felt more humiliated, helpless and traumatized than I have ever been in my life. Essentially being "punished" because I didn't want my possession destroyed. Advice is to steer clear due to the lack of professionalism, logic and respect from staff and management. The toll on my pride, self esteem and faith in fellow man was immeasurable. I learned later that the festival is its own entity therefore they are entitled to treat any customer with impunity the same arrogant, rude disrespect, as they have no one to answer to.