Located in California, Lodi is responsible for producing approximately 20% of the state’s wine grapes, according to the Lodi Winegrape Commission. While wine tasting is a popular activity in the area, it’s not the only reason to visit. Lodi also offers excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation, features temperate weather, fewer crowds, and natural beauty.
For an immersive experience in Lodi, start your trip by checking into Wine & Roses, a locally-owned resort hotel. You’ll be surrounded by jungle-like surroundings and enjoy the peaceful sounds of a waterfall and birdcalls. On the grounds, you’ll find the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center, where you can taste and learn about regional wines without ever leaving your resort.
The Towne Corner Café & Market, located just steps outside of your room, is ideal for grabbing coffee, fresh pastries, and sandwiches. The resort’s Towne House Restaurant is open for weekend brunch, lunch, and dinner and offers fine dining and hand-crafted cocktails in addition to excellent food. The resort also hosts special events throughout the year, with their Easter Brunch being a popular one.
Stroll around Wine & Roses’ gardens to experience the tranquility of beautiful surroundings, lush with overflowing hydrangeas, canopies of trees, leafy ferns, fountains, and stunning vistas. The sounds of parrots saying hello as you walk by, the splash of water outside your spa treatment room, and live music as you tour the bar area are unforgettable.
Lodi’s central location makes it easy to access all of the outdoor recreation the area has to offer. Just a short drive away is Lodi Lake, where you can kayak or paddleboard through beautiful lagoons. Try Headwaters Kayak for classes and guided tours to see waterbird life, tall grasses, turtles sunning on rocks, and beautiful homes surrounding the lake.
If cycling is your preference, rent a bike from local shops like Lodi Cyclery and take advantage of the area’s relatively flat terrain and comfortable weather. There are routes to challenge both avid cyclists and casual riders. You can even bike through wine country, arriving at Oak Farm Vineyards, a truly beautiful estate surrounded by ancient oak trees.
Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards is a great place to sample white wine. Their small-batch production 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, head to Bokisch Vineyards and take a seat in one of their red Adirondack chairs. The hilltop views of the vines and sunset, paired with their Alberiño, will make you fall in love with Lodi.
If you need a break from wine tasting and outdoor activities, visit the completely unexpected and incredibly impressive Micke Grove Japanese Garden. A stroll along the babbling brook, where waterfalls splash into a koi fish pond, is sure to be a highlight of your trip. The garden is dedicated to the Japanese ancestry of Joaquin County residents and features stone lanterns rising out of the landscape.
In summary, visit Lodi for wine, outdoor activities, tranquility, and natural beauty. Stay at Wine & Roses, experience the surrounding gardens and dining options, then venture out to Lodi Lake, Oak Farm Vineyards, and Micke Grove Japanese Garden for more activities. Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards and Bokisch Vineyards are also great places to sample a variety of grapes.
