The 2019 Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival kicks off with a dinner and the opening of the festival art show at Lodi’s Hutchins Street Square on Friday, Nov. 1.  Festival activities, including the art show, informative presentations, children’s activities, an exhibit hall and wildlife tours continue on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 2 and 3. Weekend activities at Hutchins Street Square are open and free to the public.

Hawk’s Landing Wine Cellars is releasing a Lodi old vine zinfandel featuring a beautiful Sandhill Crane photo on the label. A portion of sales will benefit the Lodi Sandhill Crane Association.

Program information is available online at www.cranefestival.com.

“We are excited about release of the crane-labelled old vine zin that will debut at this year’s Sandhill Crane Festival opening dinner,” said Ken Nieland, association president. “Event organizers have long recognized that many festival attendees, initially drawn to our area by the cranes, return again and again to not only see the birds but to also explore Lodi’s wide range of excellent wineries. We appreciate this association with Hawk’s Landing.”

Hawk’s Landing Wine Cellars is a division of Miramont Estate Vineyards and Winery, a 21-year old producer of award-winning wines. According to General Manager Michael Webster, “Last year we released a new brand/label under our Hawk’s Landing brand called Avialae. Avialae refers to the prehistoric class of bird from which all other birds descend. Our goal for Avialae is to raise an awareness for the conservation of birds and other wildlife and the places they inhabit.”

Avialae is offered in five different varietals - Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Blend, Rose, Chardonnay, and Symphony, all grown, produced and bottled in the Lodi, Ca. appellation. The front label for each varietal features a different species of bird photographed from around the world by James Hoagland, a friend of the winery owner.