Laic Collective

Laic Collective

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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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