Nestled in the heart of California’s wine country, Lodi is a hidden gem that offers much more than just world-class wine. According to the Lodi Winegrape Commission, approximately 20% of California’s wine grapes come from Lodi, making it a leading producer of some of America’s favorite grapes. However, Lodi is also a prime destination for outdoor recreation, temperate weather, fewer crowds, and natural beauty.
Starting your trip in Lodi couldn’t be easier with Wine & Roses, a locally-owned resort hotel with rooms nestled into jungle-like surroundings. From the moment you arrive, you’ll fling open your double doors to the sounds of a waterfall and birdcalls, settle into your surroundings, and have everything you need. The resort’s stunningly beautiful grounds, overflowing with hydrangeas in every hue, canopies of trees, leafy ferns, and fountains, offer endless picturesque backdrops for your vacation memories.
For wine lovers, Wine & Roses is the perfect base for exploring Lodi’s vineyards. On the grounds, you’ll discover the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center, where you can learn about and taste regional wines without ever leaving your resort. When you’re ready for a meal, you can grab fresh pastries and sandwiches at Towne Corner Café & Market or dine at the resort’s Towne House Restaurant. This restaurant is open for weekend brunch, lunch, and dinner and, along with the adjoining bar, offers 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, and with their central location, it’s easy to get to everything you want, from wine to cycling to kayaking.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Lodi Lake is a must-visit. Just a short drive from Wine & Roses, the picturesque lake offers opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding 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 15th, 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.
Lodi’s relatively flat terrain and comfortable weather make it an ideal place 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.
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.
Tasting a variety of grapes is a must-do when in Lodi, and there’s no better place to do it than Michael David Winery. This eclectic winery offers wine for varying tastes, and you can 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. For red wine lovers, Bokisch Vineyards, with hilltop views of the vines and the sunset, is a must-visit. The Alberiño is a standout, and you can take a seat in a red Adirondack chair and gaze out at the hearty vines spread before you.
In conclusion, Lodi, California, is a hidden gem that everyone should visit. Whether you’re a wine lover or an outdoor enthusiast, Lodi has something for everyone. With its picturesque vineyards, temperate weather, and natural beauty, Lodi should be at the top of your travel list. Start your trip at Wine & Roses, and let the adventure begin!
