If you’re a wine lover looking for a new adventure or a lover of the great outdoors seeking some peace and tranquility, Lodi, California is the perfect destination for you. According to the Lodi Winegrape Commission, approximately 20% of California’s wine grapes are grown in Lodi, making it a leading producer of some of America’s favorite grapes. But there’s much more to Lodi than just wine. The region boasts temperate weather, natural beauty, and is a prime destination for outdoor recreation. In this article, we’ll explore the best things to do and see in Lodi, including wine tasting, outdoor activities, and more.
Where to Stay
Start your trip by checking into Wine & Roses, a locally-owned resort hotel with rooms nestled into jungle-like surroundings. Located on stunningly beautiful grounds with overflowing hydrangeas in every hue, canopies of trees, leafy ferns, and fountains, this hotel is a nature lover’s dream. You’ll 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. Here, you can learn about and taste regional wines without ever leaving your resort. The resort’s Towne House Restaurant is also a must-visit, open for brunch, lunch, and dinner and offering fine dining and hand-crafted cocktails. The resort offers special events throughout the year, with their Easter Brunch kicking off spring in style. A stroll around the gardens of Wine & Roses is a study in beauty and tranquility.
Outdoor Activities
Lodi’s central location makes it easy to get to everything you want, from wine to cycling to kayaking. Dip your toes and your 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.
For a cycling adventure, 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 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.
Wine Tasting
Of course, no trip to Lodi is complete without sampling its world-famous wines. And there’s no shortage of wine tasting opportunities here. For 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 have won Best of Class awards, and their wines are divine. Bokisch Vineyards, with hilltop views of the vines and the sunset, is also a must-visit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a new adventure or just seeking some peace and tranquility, Lodi is the perfect destination for you. With its world-famous wines, beautiful natural surroundings, and outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone here. So book your trip today and prepare to fall in love with this hidden gem of California.
