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Laic Collective

Laic Collective

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Science, experience, and a deep respect for place all come together in the work of Bryce Willingham, the next winemaker we’re highlighting in our series recognizing women who support the Lodi Appellation Inclusion Collective (LAIC). With formal education in wine and chemistry and 18 vintages of hands-on experience across diverse vineyard sites, Bryce has developed a thoughtful, terroir-driven approach to winemaking. Through Willingham Wine Consulting, she collaborates with Bokisch Vineyards in the Lodi AVA, helping craft vibrant wines, from expressive Spanish varieties to innovative sparkling style, known for their precision, texture, and aromatic expression. At Bokisch Vineyards, diversity and inclusion are central to the winery’s story. Founders Markus Bokisch and Liz Bokisch built the winery on a foundation shaped by global roots and a pioneering spirit. Markus brought his heritage from Germany and Spain when he immigrated to the United States, while Liz’s family were among the early settlers in California in the late 1800s. That blend of perspectives continues to inspire the winery today, fueling creativity, strengthening collaboration, and encouraging innovation across the Lodi wine community. Through their support of LAIC, Bokisch Vineyards and winemakers like Bryce help champion a future where diverse backgrounds, experiences, and voices continue to strengthen the wine industry. #wine #community #diversity #inclusion #change 03/13/2026

Science, experience, and a deep respect for place all come together in the work of Bryce Willingham, the next winemaker we’re highlighting in our series recognizing women who support the Lodi Appellation Inclusion Collective (LAIC). With formal education in wine and chemistry and 18 vintages of hands-on experience across diverse vineyard sites, Bryce has developed a thoughtful, terroir-driven approach to winemaking. Through Willingham Wine Consulting, she collaborates with Bokisch Vineyards in the Lodi AVA, helping craft vibrant wines, from expressive Spanish varieties to innovative sparkling style, known for their precision, texture, and aromatic expression. At Bokisch Vineyards, diversity and inclusion are central to the winery’s story. Founders Markus Bokisch and Liz Bokisch built the winery on a foundation shaped by global roots and a pioneering spirit. Markus brought his heritage from Germany and Spain when he immigrated to the United States, while Liz’s family were among the early settlers in California in the late 1800s. That blend of perspectives continues to inspire the winery today, fueling creativity, strengthening collaboration, and encouraging innovation across the Lodi wine community. Through their support of LAIC, Bokisch Vineyards and winemakers like Bryce help champion a future where diverse backgrounds, experiences, and voices continue to strengthen the wine industry. #wine #community #diversity #inclusion #change

A spirit of generosity and community is something that runs deep in Lodi wine—and today we’re highlighting a winemaker who embodies both. Meet Melinda Kearney, co-founder and winemaker of Lorenza Wine, and a supporter of the Lodi Appellation Inclusion Collective (LAIC). After 18 years of making wine in the Lodi AVA, Melinda has built a deep connection to the region and the community that surrounds it. Through Lorenza, she has helped highlight the beauty and potential of Lodi fruit while contributing to a vibrant and collaborative wine culture. Being part of LAIC allows her to give back to the very community that helped shape her journey. “After making wine in Lodi for 18 years, it is a privilege to be part of LAIC. It has given me the opportunity to give back to a community that has been so generous to us over the years.” LAIC works to increase diversity within the Lodi wine region and the industry at large by introducing students to the many careers in agriculture and wine—from vineyard work to winemaking, sales, and marketing. #wine #community #bethechange #bettertogether inclusion 03/13/2026

A spirit of generosity and community is something that runs deep in Lodi wine—and today we’re highlighting a winemaker who embodies both. Meet Melinda Kearney, co-founder and winemaker of Lorenza Wine, and a supporter of the Lodi Appellation Inclusion Collective (LAIC). After 18 years of making wine in the Lodi AVA, Melinda has built a deep connection to the region and the community that surrounds it. Through Lorenza, she has helped highlight the beauty and potential of Lodi fruit while contributing to a vibrant and collaborative wine culture. Being part of LAIC allows her to give back to the very community that helped shape her journey. “After making wine in Lodi for 18 years, it is a privilege to be part of LAIC. It has given me the opportunity to give back to a community that has been so generous to us over the years.” LAIC works to increase diversity within the Lodi wine region and the industry at large by introducing students to the many careers in agriculture and wine—from vineyard work to winemaking, sales, and marketing. #wine #community #bethechange #bettertogether inclusion

Today we’re shining a light on another inspiring voice supporting the Lodi Appellation Inclusion Collective (LAIC), Eliza Hess, Director of Operations and Winemaker at The Lucas Winery in the Lodi AVA. Eliza’s journey into wine began far from California. Growing up in a small farming town in Illinois, she developed an early appreciation for agriculture and the rhythms of the growing season. That passion led her to study horticulture at the University of Illinois, where she focused on viticulture and enology, studied abroad in France, and ultimately made the move to California to pursue winemaking. Her path to Lodi began as a harvest intern at Lucas Winery under winemaker Heather Pyle, a role that grew into a long mentorship and a lasting career. Today, Eliza helps lead the small family-owned winery that has been part of the Lodi community since 1978. Eliza supports LAIC because she understands firsthand how powerful opportunity, mentorship, and access can be. Her own path into the wine industry was shaped by education, travel, and guidance from others along the way—advantages not everyone has. “Opening doors matters. Programs like LAIC help introduce more people to the many careers within the wine industry and show that there is a place for them here.” For Eliza, the wine industry should feel welcoming and accessible. There is no single path into this work, and the more we can do to make the industry visible and approachable, the stronger our wine community becomes. Follow along as we continue highlighting the women helping expand opportunity and strengthen the future of Lodi wine. #wine #community #inclusivity #opportunity #united 03/13/2026

Today we’re shining a light on another inspiring voice supporting the Lodi Appellation Inclusion Collective (LAIC), Eliza Hess, Director of Operations and Winemaker at The Lucas Winery in the Lodi AVA. Eliza’s journey into wine began far from California. Growing up in a small farming town in Illinois, she developed an early appreciation for agriculture and the rhythms of the growing season. That passion led her to study horticulture at the University of Illinois, where she focused on viticulture and enology, studied abroad in France, and ultimately made the move to California to pursue winemaking. Her path to Lodi began as a harvest intern at Lucas Winery under winemaker Heather Pyle, a role that grew into a long mentorship and a lasting career. Today, Eliza helps lead the small family-owned winery that has been part of the Lodi community since 1978. Eliza supports LAIC because she understands firsthand how powerful opportunity, mentorship, and access can be. Her own path into the wine industry was shaped by education, travel, and guidance from others along the way—advantages not everyone has. “Opening doors matters. Programs like LAIC help introduce more people to the many careers within the wine industry and show that there is a place for them here.” For Eliza, the wine industry should feel welcoming and accessible. There is no single path into this work, and the more we can do to make the industry visible and approachable, the stronger our wine community becomes. Follow along as we continue highlighting the women helping expand opportunity and strengthen the future of Lodi wine. #wine #community #inclusivity #opportunity #united

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Acampo, CA
95220