In the heart of California is Lodi, a top producer of some of America’s favorite grapes. However, Lodi has more to offer than just vineyards and wineries. It is also a beautiful destination for outdoor recreation, temperate weather, fewer crowds, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful getaway, Lodi has something for you.
Your journey begins at Wine & Roses, a locally-owned resort nestled into jungle-like surroundings. The resort’s rooms open up to the sounds of a waterfall and birdcalls, creating a serene atmosphere for your stay. Wine & Roses also houses the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center, where you can learn about and taste regional wines without ever leaving your resort. Excellent food is steps away from your room at Towne Corner Café & Market, which offers fresh pastries, sandwiches, and coffee. The resort’s Towne House Restaurant, along with the adjoining bar, offers fine dining and hand-crafted cocktails.
Wine & Roses is an unforgettable experience, with stunningly beautiful grounds overflowing with hydrangeas in every hue, canopies of trees, leafy ferns, and fountains. Parrots greet you as you walk by, and live music serves as a backdrop to the spirited atmosphere in the bar. Wine & Roses offers special events throughout the year, such as their Easter Brunch that kicks off spring in style. Take a stroll around the gardens of Wine & Roses, and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the resort, just a short drive from all that Lodi has to offer.
Lodi’s central location makes it easy to get to everything you want, from wine to cycling to kayaking. A short drive will take you to your choice of outdoor recreation. Dip your toes and paddles into picturesque Lodi Lake, where you can kayak or paddleboard your way through beautiful lagoons. Headwaters Kayak will hook you up with classes and everything you need to see the waterbird life, tall grasses, turtles sunning on rocks, and beautiful resident homes that pop up at various portions of the lake and its lagoons. Don’t miss the 8th annual Paddlefest on April 15 at Lodi Lake, where you can bring your family to enjoy food trucks, live music, and all the watersports you can handle.
Lodi is a great destination for cyclists, with relatively flat terrain and comfortable weather. Rent bikes from local shops like Lodi Cyclery and take a spin on routes that can challenge or are a pure breeze. You can even bike through wine country, arriving at Oak Farm Vineyards, a truly gorgeous estate. Take a stroll around the grounds to see the restored white colonial home built in 1876 and surrounded by ancient oak trees. Then step into the breathtaking tasting room and ask for the estate grown Fiano.
For a little peace and tranquility or to recharge your batteries before your next winery, visit the completely unexpected and incredibly impressive Micke Grove Japanese Garden. This secret hideaway beckons you across its red arched bridge to meander along a babbling brook, where waterfalls splash into a koi fish pond. Follow the stepping stones around the stone lanterns that rise up out of the landscape, and stop to appreciate the maple trees bursting through the sea of lush green landscape.
To sample a variety of grapes, belly up to the tasting bar at the eclectic Michael David Winery, which offers wine for varying tastes. Sip their popular Inkblot Petit Syrah under a covered, pond-side cabana and hear the story of how their whimsical labels were designed. Grab some lunch at the on-site farmstand Cafe & Bakery, where the locals flock for homemade pies and meat sourced from the local 4H program.
If white wine is more your speed, Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards is for you. Their small batch productions of Roussanne 2020 and Grenache Blanc 20202 have won Best of Class awards, and their Clairette Blanche and double gold medal 2021 Belle Blanc are divine. Bokisch Vineyards, with hilltop views of the vines and the sunset, made an Alberiño lover out of me.
Lodi offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation, wine, and natural beauty that make it one of California’s hidden gems. Plan your trip to Lodi now and experience what this beautiful destination has to offer.
