Lodi, California: The Perfect Wine and Outdoor Adventure Destination
Approximately 20% of California’s wine grapes come from Lodi, according to the Lodi Winegrape Commission. True wine lovers know that Lodi is a leading producer of some of America’s favorite grapes. But did you know that it’s also a prime destination for outdoor recreation, temperate weather, fewer crowds, and natural beauty? Whether you are a wine enthusiast or an adventurer seeking new experiences, Lodi has something to offer everyone.
Start your trip by checking into Wine & Roses, a locally-owned resort hotel with rooms nestled into jungle-like surroundings. You will fling open your double doors to the sounds of a waterfall and birdcalls, settle into your surroundings, and have everything you need. On the grounds, you will find the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center, where you can learn about and taste regional wines without ever leaving your resort.
The resort’s Towne House Restaurant is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner and, along with the adjoining bar, offers fine dining and hand-crafted 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. 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.
Wine & Rose’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. Headwaters Kayak will hook you up with 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 through Lodi’s quaint town and out into the vineyards is a joy too – but the wine that awaits you is an extra treat.
Bokisch Vineyards, with hilltop views of the vines and the sunset, can make an Albariño lover out of anyone. This winery is nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills and offers an array of wines to please any palate. Lodi marries wine with the great outdoors, and I consider it one of California’s hidden gems. Get there before everyone else discovers it, and check out these upcoming wine events when making your plans.
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. 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.
For a little peace and tranquility, 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.
In conclusion, Lodi is not your typical wine region. It is a place where the great outdoors meet some of the best wines California has to offer. From picturesque Lodi Lake to breathtaking vineyards, Lodi is an enchanting place to explore. Whether you are a wine enthusiast or an outdoor adventurer, Lodi will not disappoint.
