Lodi, California, a Hidden Gem for Outdoor Enthusiasts and Wine Lovers
Approximately 20% of California’s wine grapes come from Lodi, according to the Lodi Winegrape Commission, making it a leading producer of some of America’s favorite grapes. However, Lodi has more to offer than just wine. It is also a prime destination for outdoor recreation, temperate weather, fewer crowds, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a wine lover, outdoor enthusiast, or both, Lodi has something for you.
Wine & Roses Resort and Lodi Wine & Visitor Center
Start your trip by checking into Wine & Roses, a locally-owned resort hotel with rooms nestled into jungle-like surroundings. The double doors will open to the sounds of a waterfall and birdcalls, where you can settle into your surroundings and have everything you need. On the grounds (which are stunningly beautiful, with overflowing hydrangeas in every hue, canopies of trees, leafy ferns, and fountains), you will find the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center. Here, you can learn about and taste regional wines without ever leaving your resort.
Food options are steps outside of your room, where you can grab coffee, fresh pastries, and sandwiches at Towne Corner Café & Market. The resort’s Towne House Restaurant is open for weekend brunch, lunch, and dinner, along with the adjoining bar, offering 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. The resort offers special events throughout the year, with their Easter Brunch kicking off spring in style.
Lodi’s Central Location for Outdoor Activities
Wine & Roses’ central location makes it easy to get to everything you want, from wine to cycling to kayaking. A short drive will take you to your choice of outdoor recreation. 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.
For the cycling enthusiasts, take advantage of the relatively flat terrain and comfortable weather to rent bikes from local shops like Lodi Cyclery. 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.
Micke Grove Japanese Garden
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. 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.
Wineries and Vineyards
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 Café & 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, made an Alberiño lover out of me.
Final Thoughts
Lodi marries wine with the great outdoors, making 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. Lodi’s temperate weather, beautiful surroundings, and outdoor activities will not disappoint, whether you’re a wine lover or an outdoor enthusiast.
