Are you a true wine lover looking for your next adventure? Look no further than Lodi, California. This region is home to approximately 20% of California’s wine grapes, according to the Lodi Winegrape Commission. But there’s more to Lodi than delicious wines. It’s a prime destination for outdoor recreation, temperate weather, fewer crowds, and natural beauty.
Start your trip by checking into Wine & Roses, a locally-owned resort hotel with rooms nestled into jungle-like surroundings. You’ll be greeted by the sounds of a waterfall and birdcalls, and you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips. On the stunningly beautiful grounds, you’ll find the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center. Here, you can learn about and taste regional wines without ever leaving your resort.
But the resort’s offerings don’t stop there. Steps outside of your room, 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 offers fine dining and hand-crafted cocktails. The resort also has live music, parrots that say hello, and special events throughout the year, including a springtime Easter Brunch.
Take a stroll around the gardens of Wine & Roses, and see for yourself the beauty and tranquility of the resort hotel, just a short drive from all that Lodi has to offer.
Conveniently located, Wine & Roses 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. For a fun day on the water, dip your toes and your paddles into picturesque Lodi Lake. 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.
Prefer to stay on land? 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 are pure breeze or that can challenge you. You can even bike through wine country, arriving at Oak Farm Vineyards, a truly gorgeous estate surrounded by ancient oak trees.
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. 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 comes to wine tasting, Lodi has plenty of options. For a variety of grapes, belly up to the tasting bar at the eclectic Michael David Winery. 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.
Bokisch Vineyards, with hilltop views of the vines and the sunset, is another must-visit. You’ll have a front-row seat to the Lodi wine country view while sipping on their standout Alberiño.
All in all, Lodi, California, effortlessly marries wine with the great outdoors, making it one of California’s hidden gems. Plan your trip soon so that you can experience it before everyone else discovers it.
In summary, for a wine and outdoor getaway, look no further than Lodi, California. Wine & Roses Resort offers a prime location to explore the region’s wineries, as well as providing opportunities for relaxation and delicious dining. Outdoor activities such as kayaking and biking ensure that there’s something for everyone. And with multiple wineries, including Michael David Winery and Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards, offering a variety of tastings, you’ll be able to sip on some of the best wines in California. Don’t wait to book your trip to Lodi – this hidden gem won’t stay hidden for long.
