Greg La Follette, MS , FS&T, UC Davis, Marchelle Wines

Randy Caparoso is one of those dyed-in-the-wool writers who have helped to shape the fine wine and dining scene over decades. After all these years, Randy has kept it all relevant and his influence fresh with his most recent advocation (ironically) of ancient vines and particularly the Lodi area, where the greatest concentration of old vines in California are located.

How has Randy built such a sterling reputation among winemakers, restaurateurs and wine aficionados over the years? It is not magic, it is good old fashioned research and attention to detail, which exactly describes Randy's approach to defining issues in the food and wine industry. The magic of Randy's work comes in his careful wordsmithing of complex issues, breaking concepts down into digestible pieces that his audience can consume and understand in an easy manner without sacrificing the heart of any technical issue.

Randy is not just the consummate writer of all things vinous. He is also a fair and measured person who listens carefully to those around him, making him not just a good friend, but an even better journalist, as listening is a cornerstone of the word craft. Randy's friendship and kindness to others informs his work not just as a writer, but as a valued consort. Randy's work and his relationships stand for who he is on its own terms.

Mike Dunne, Sacramento journalist

Early in Randy Caparoso’s 15-year stint as writer, photographer and all-around documentarian and ambassador for the Lodi Winegrape Commission, I became familiar with and appreciative of his personable skills as a reliable, accurate, quick and candid source of information on anything dealing with Lodi grape growing and winemaking. By that time, I had been writing of wine for some 30 years, and had gained respect for several members of the public relations and marketing community who were dependable, honest and frank, but Randy stood apart for the depth of his knowledge, his intensity, his balance, and most of all, for his candor. 

It stood to reason that he would be the person to write the most comprehensive, intelligent, colorful and telling story of Lodi’s wine culture, which he published in 2021 as Lodi! The definitive guide and history of America’s largest winegrowing region. The exclamation point of the book’s title reflects Randy himself, always alert, sharp, smart and pointed. I will always look forward to following Randy on his adventures through vineyard and cellar, and continue tapping him for his thorough insights.

Markus Bokisch, Bokisch Vineyards

We first met Randy Caparoso a good seven or eight or so years before his move to Lodi in 2010. From the start, he impressed us with his vast knowledge of wine as a sommelier and wine writer; and of course, for his deep interest and enthusiasm for American grown Spanish grapes. He was quick to understand our story and the drive behind what we do. Perhaps because of his upbringing, and his prior career as a multi-unit restaurateur constantly on the move, he was exposed to seeing the world, and wine, on a global scale, without dogma or prejudice. He immersed himself in the Lodi community with the passion of an explorer, seeking treasure where others would not think to look.

The treasure he exposed was a wine region deeply proud of its past, while embracing a vibrant future. In our appellation, old vine Zinfandel, Carignan and Cinsault coexist seamlessly with Albariño, Grüner Veltliner and Assyrtiko. Randy not only helped shed a spotlight on Lodi’s historic varieties, but he was formative in ushering in the appreciation and understanding of all the new varietals. He capped his experience here by writing the essential book on the wines in his book entitled Lodi!. Few appellations have a tome dedicated to describing their history, and thoroughly explaining the terroir, like the one Randy single-handedly composed. 

I think less known is the fact that Randy has also mentored countless young people of various backgrounds and ethnicities in their quest to find their place in our industry. He serves as the perfect example of an individual who makes everyone feel at ease at a wine tasting, soliciting ideas, and combining those thoughts with his insight developed over more than 40 years of experience in our industry.

Dr. Liz Thach, MW, Wine Market Council, Stanford Continuing Studies, Sonoma State University

For years I have been impressed by Randy Caparoso's knowledge and passion for the wine industry. Not only is he a very talented wine writer, but his photography skills are on level with the very best global photographers, and are a true form of art. He has also worked as a professional sommelier, so his ability to pair wine with many different types of cuisine is exceptional.

Given that Randy grew up in Hawaii you would not expect him to become so enamored of ancient historical vines of California.  But that is what happened, and he ended up writing a beautifully illustrated book of some of the most exquisite old vines in the world, located in Lodi, California. In addition, he has written many compelling wine articles over the years. For his efforts, he has received awards and recognition for his portrayal of heritage vines, and the sculpted beauty and hope they bring to the world—not to mention the delicious wines they produce, brimming with terroir and authenticity.

I would recommend Randy Caparoso for any job that calls for passion, authenticity, wine knowledge, and writing and photography skills. I will never forget the whole day I spent with Randy touring the vineyards of Lodi; his knowledge and down-to-earth style, plus engaging presentation style with bright bursts of humor, made the day—including a tailgate picnic in the vineyards—one of the most memorable of my wine career.

Ann-Marie Koth, Mokelumne Glen Vineyards

Our family first met Randy Caparoso in 2010 when he arrived in Lodi. Ever since then, Randy has been an important partner for Mokelumne Glen Vineyards, planted to over 50 German and Austrian grape varieties. He has gone to great lengths to promote the uniqueness of the entire Lodi wine region. For us, no one has done more to promote our vineyards, especially by connecting us with numerous winemakers throughout California who share the same passion for alternative grapes.   

Meeting Randy was a game changer for Mokelumne Glen Vineyards. For that we owe him an outsized debt of gratitude. We came to appreciate his passion for and breadth of knowledge of wine in general; especially his tireless advocacy of lesser-known varieties. Regularly and consistently throughout the years, he brought industry professionals (wine journalists and bloggers, wine influencers, podcasters, sommeliers and restaurateurs) to our vineyards for tours and tastings. Because of Randy, our family vineyards were introduced to people we could have only dreamed of meeting.

Besides being a champion of Mokelumne Glen Vineyards, over the years Randy has become a friend of the family. We can only give the highest personal and professional recommendation to Randy Caparoso from our collaboration and friendship over the last 15 years. Thank you, Randy! 

Jason Mikami, Mikami Vineyards

Randy has significantly elevated Lodi's place in the wine world with his ability to connect readers to his writings and photos. His creative blogs tie relevant industry and cultural information to the local farmers, families, and wines, and educate people with unique and distinctive information about Lodi. He has helped grow Lodi's stature over the years with his deep connections in the wine industry and been part of critical efforts to bring Lodi more notoriety. On a personal note, Randy has never hesitated to provide insights/advice on relevant trends in the industry and has helped shaped my thinking of what we can do in Lodi to be a successful vintner.