Lodi, California – A Hidden Gem for Wine Lovers and Outdoor Enthusiasts
If you’re a wine lover or an outdoor enthusiast, you should consider adding Lodi, California to your travel bucket list. Lodi is a leading producer of America’s favorite grapes, with approximately 20% of California’s wine grapes coming from the area, according to the Lodi Winegrape Commission. But that’s not all Lodi has to offer. It’s also a prime destination for outdoor recreation, temperate weather, fewer crowds, and natural beauty.
Start your Lodi adventure by checking into Wine & Roses, a locally-owned resort hotel nestled in jungle-like surroundings. You’ll be welcomed by the sound of a waterfall and birdcalls, and be able to settle into your surroundings and have everything you need within reach. On the stunningly beautiful grounds of Wine & Roses, with overflowing hydrangeas, canopies of trees, leafy ferns, and fountains, you’ll find the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center. Here, you can learn about and taste regional wines without ever leaving your resort.
When it’s time to eat, you won’t have to go far either. Steps outside of your room, you can grab a coffee and fresh pastries and sandwiches at Towne Corner Café & Market. The resort’s Towne House Restaurant is open for weekend brunch, lunch, and dinner and, along with the adjoining bar, offers fine dining and handcrafted cocktails. The sounds as you tour the property are unforgettable, from the parrots that say hello as you walk by to the splash of water just outside your spa treatment room, to the live music serving as a backdrop to the spirited atmosphere in the bar. Wine & Roses also offers special events throughout the year, with their Easter Brunch kicking off spring in style.
A stroll around the gardens of Wine & Roses, a resort hotel just a short drive from all Lodi has to offer, is a study in beauty and tranquility. But Lodi’s central location makes it 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.
If you’re a water enthusiast, 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. On April 15, don’t miss the 8th annual Paddlefest where you can bring the whole family to enjoy food trucks, live music, and all the watersports you can handle.
If biking is more your speed, take advantage of the relatively flat terrain and comfortable weather to rent bikes from local shops like Lodi Cyclery. Both avid cyclists and casual riders will love taking a spin on routes that can challenge or are a pure breeze. Choose your route, set your course, and get some exercise while soaking up this beautiful part of California. 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. Dedicated by Joaquin County residents, 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.
When it’s time 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. If you’re an Alberiño lover, Bokisch Vineyards, with hilltop views of the vines and the sunset, should be on your list.
In conclusion, Lodi is a hidden gem that marries wine with the great outdoors, offering visitors the opportunity to indulge in both. Whether you’re a wine lover or enjoy outdoor activities, Lodi offers something for everyone. So get there before everyone else discovers it, and check out these upcoming wine events when making your plans.
