Are you a wine lover looking for an off-the-beaten-path vacation spot? Look no further than Lodi, California, where approximately 20% of the state’s wine grapes are grown. Here, you can combine your passion for wine with the great outdoors, temperate weather, and natural beauty.
Start your trip by checking into Wine & Roses, a locally-owned resort hotel nestled in a jungle-like setting. The grounds are stunningly beautiful, with overflowing hydrangeas in every hue, canopies of trees, leafy ferns, and fountains. The Lodi Wine & Visitor Center is located on the grounds, allowing you to learn about and taste regional wines without ever leaving your resort.
The resort’s Towne House Restaurant is open for weekend brunch, lunch, and dinner and, along with the adjoining bar, offers fine dining and hand-crafted cocktails. And the resort offers special events throughout the year, including their Easter Brunch.
A stroll around the resort’s gardens is a study in beauty and tranquility. You can fling open your double doors to the sounds of a waterfall and birdcalls, and settle into your surroundings to take in the sights and sounds of your temporary home.
From Wine & Roses, it’s easy to get to everything you want, from wine to cycling to kayaking. Just a short drive will take you to your choice of outdoor recreation.
Dip your toes and your paddles into picturesque Lodi Lake, where you can kayak or paddleboard your way through beautiful lagoons. Headwaters Kayak offers 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.
Cycling enthusiasts can rent bikes from local shops like Lodi Cyclery and take a spin on routes that can challenge or are a pure breeze. Go for a bike ride through wine country and arrive 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. Dedicated by the Joaquin County residents of Japanese ancestry, 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. And be sure to 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, don’t miss a visit to Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards. 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, is the perfect place to sip a wine and just take in the beauty of Lodi. Their Alberiño is a standout, and taking a seat in a red Adirondack chair and gazing out at the hearty vines spread before you is a true pleasure.
In summary, a trip to Lodi, California is a must for any wine lover looking for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path vacation experience. With stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and a wide variety of wine tasting opportunities, Lodi is quickly becoming one of California’s hidden gems.
