California’s Hidden Gem: Lodi – A Wine and Outdoor Lover’s Paradise
Located in California’s San Joaquin Valley, Lodi is a hidden gem for wine and outdoor enthusiasts. 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. But Lodi has much more to offer than just wine. With its temperate weather, natural beauty, and fewer crowds than other California destinations, Lodi is the perfect place for outdoor adventures and relaxation.
Where to Stay: Wine & Roses Resort Hotel
Start your trip by checking into Wine & Roses Resort Hotel, a locally-owned resort hotel with rooms nestled into jungle-like surroundings. As soon as you fling open your double doors, you will be greeted by the sounds of a waterfall and birdcalls. The resort’s grounds are stunningly beautiful, with overflowing hydrangeas in every hue, canopies of trees, leafy ferns, and fountains. You’ll find the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center on the grounds, where you can learn about and taste regional wines without ever leaving your resort.
When it comes to dining, you won’t have far to go. 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 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. A stroll around the gardens of Wine & Roses is a study in beauty and tranquility.
Outdoor Recreation: Wine, Kayaking, and Cycling
Wine tasting opportunities abound, but don’t forget to explore Lodi’s great outdoors. Wine & Roses’ central location 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.
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 water bird 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.
Cycling is another favorite pastime in Lodi. Lodi Cyclery offers bikes for rent, and both avid cyclists and casual riders will love taking a spin on routes that can challenge or are a pure breeze. 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.
Other Hidden Gems: Japanese Garden and Michael David Winery
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.
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 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, made an Alberiño lover out of me.
In conclusion, Lodi is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a wine lover or an outdoor enthusiast, Lodi has something to offer everyone. From luxurious resort stays to peaceful Japanese gardens, and from kayaking to cycling, it’s a paradise for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy all that California has to offer.
