Lodi, California: Blending Wine and Outdoor Fun
Approximately 20% of California’s wine grapes come from Lodi, according to the Lodi Winegrape Commission. Wine tasting opportunities abound, including right here on the grounds of Wine & Roses. True wine lovers know that Lodi, California is a leading producer of some of America’s favorite grapes. But did you know that it’s also a prime destination for outdoor recreation, temperate weather, fewer crowds, and natural beauty? Lodi marries wine with the great outdoors, and I consider it one of California’s hidden gems.
Start your trip by checking into Wine & Roses, a locally-owned resort hotel with rooms nestled into jungle-like surroundings. You’ll fling open your double doors to the sounds of a waterfall and birdcalls, 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.
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, along with the adjoining bar, 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, a resort hotel just a short drive from all Lodi has to offer, is a study in beauty and tranquility. The 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. You can take advantage of the relatively flat terrain and comfortable weather by renting bikes from local shops like Lodi Cyclery. Both avid cyclists and casual riders will love taking a spin on routes that can challenge or are a pure breeze.
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. Lodi also has a 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 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 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, is another must-visit winery. Made an Alberiño lover out of me, they have a delightful selection of wines to match their sophisticated setting. Enjoy your wine while seated in a red Adirondack chair and gaze out at the hearty vines spread before you.
Lodi, California, certainly gives Napa and Sonoma a run for their money. With unparalleled outdoor activities, art, wine, and food, it’s no wonder Lodi is known as “Wine Country on the Rise.” Plan your next wine-tasting trip to Lodi and discover California’s hidden gem!
