Lodi-area wine leaders are raising a glass to a new state law that protects the name “Lodi” on labels. Wine from the 552,000-acre Lodi American Viticultural Area must include the “Lodi” name, regardless of whether the labels include more specific vineyard locations in the region. The bill, AB 2397, was favored by winegrape growers and wineries concerned about Lodi losing its name recognition. The federal government designated Lodi as a viticultural area in 1986, giving winemakers the option of including “Lodi” rather than “California” on the label. The Lodi appellation has about 75,000 acres of vineyards and more than 60 wineries. The new law, which goes into effect next year, will make Lodi similar to Napa, where wineries can use subregions such as “Yountville” or “Springs Mountains District” on the label if they also include “Napa.”