Approximately 20% of California’s wine grapes come from Lodi, according to the Lodi Winegrape Commission. Lodi, California, is not just a leading producer of some of America’s favorite grapes but also a prime destination for outdoor recreation, temperate weather, fewer crowds, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a wine lover or an outdoor enthusiast, Lodi has something to offer for everyone.
Start your trip by checking into Wine & Roses, a locally-owned resort hotel with beautiful rooms nestled into jungle-like surroundings. As you fling open your double doors, the sounds of a waterfall and birdcalls will greet you, and you’ll settle into your surroundings with everything you need. On the resort’s stunningly beautiful grounds, you’ll find the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center, where you can learn about and taste regional wines without ever leaving your resort.
The resort also boasts excellent food options, from the Towne Corner Café & Market, where you can grab coffee and fresh pastries and sandwiches steps outside of your room, to the Towne House Restaurant, open for weekend brunch, lunch, and dinner. The adjoining bar provides fine dining and hand-crafted cocktails, while live music serves 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.
Take a stroll around the gardens of Wine & Roses, a resort hotel just a short drive from all Lodi has to offer, and explore the beauty and tranquility that surrounds you. Wine & Roses’ central location makes it easy to get to everything you want, from wine to cycling to kayaking. Just a short drive away is 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.
Cycling through Lodi’s quaint town and out into the vineyards is a joy, and the wine that awaits you is an extra treat. Rent bikes from local shops like Lodi Cyclery and 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, and then step into the breathtaking tasting room and ask for the estate grown Fiano.
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. Alternatively, Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards offers small batch productions of award-winning wines, such as the Best of Class awards Roussanne 2020 and Grenache Blanc 20202, 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 also a great spot to sip a wine, and the Albariño is a standout.
In conclusion, Lodi marries wine with the great outdoors, making it one of California’s hidden gems. With its stunning scenery, friendly locals, award-winning wineries, and outdoor recreation opportunities, Lodi is a destination not to be missed. Get there before everyone else discovers it, and check out these upcoming wine events when making your plans.
