One reason I love living in California is the enormous range of places to visit. From progressive cities and awe-inspiring mountains to rugged coastline, sea caves and eucalyptus-lined farm roads, Northern California has a bit of it all. And of course, we can’t forget about wine country. For a wine geek like me, Lodi is so much fun. Not only is it affordable and small enough to make visiting easy, Lodi is full of surprises, including some of the country’s oldest historic vines. Plus there are plenty of things to do in Lodi besides taste wine. Whether you’re looking for a Lodi weekend away with friends or a getaway as a couple, this guide will help you get the most of a visit to Lodi.
Lodi is also an agricultural area. You won’t find the rolling hills of Napa Valley or the tiny, tree-lined roads of Sonoma County. Instead, what impresses me about Lodi is its small-town, family-friendly, personable feel. You won’t find pretentious wine country or big crowds. Instead, you’ll meet the people who live here because they love it, and the winemaker might even chat with you about their wines.
30 things to do in Lodi, California:
The wine…
There’s so much going on here for people who like wine, want to learn about wine, or maybe just want to enjoy the sophisticated yet down-to-earth atmosphere of this thriving agricultural region. Lodi’s Mediterranean climate of sunny days and cool nights means that a huge variety of grapes can grow well here, and most Lodi winemakers use that variety to create wines that people may not expect from Zinfandel country. Now around 100 grape varieties grow here!
Lodi appellations are the largest producers in the state of California of Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay, but Lodi is also home to less-known grapes like Kerner (Lodi is the only grower of this German variety in the U.S.), Albariño (a Spanish white wine grape), Clairette Blanche, and Verdelho (a Portuguese white wine grape).
Where to taste wine in Lodi:
With over 80 wineries to choose from, there’s something for everyone in Lodi. Most tastings are just $10 per person, and the tasting fee is waived with a bottle purchase or wine club membership. We’re going to start by heading west and then making our way back toward Lodi.
Oak Farm Vineyards
Located on a historic farming estate, Oak Farm Vineyards is a favorite for its elegant tasting room, outdoor spaces and award-winning wines. You really can’t go wrong here with the wines, but don’t miss the Tievoli red blend, and their Barbera is always a crowd pleaser.
Local’s tip: This place gets crowded on weekends, so try to arrive soon after the winery opens at 11 a.m.
Oak Farm Vineyards, 23627 Devries Rd, Lodi, just off I-5. This winery is the closest to Sacramento.
Open daily 11-5. The winery is 21 and over only.
m2 Wines
Located on Peltier Road east of Oak Farm Vineyards, m2 Wines is a first-rate winery in the Lodi area. Winemaker Layne Montgomery takes his craft seriously; sourcing grapes from some of the region’s finest vineyards, he aims to make small-lot wines that express the character of the individual vineyards.
Don’t miss the Lodi Native Soucie Vineyard Zinfandel, the velvety Vinedos Aurora Petite Sirah, and the Lani’s Vineyard Syrah. There are some tables overlooking the vineyards, making this a nice winery to relax with some wine and picnic supplies. And the winery is open 11:00-5:00 7 days a week!
Local’s tip: Check out their special events, which include wine and cheese tastings and a summer concert series. If Layne happens to be behind the counter when you visit, you’re in luck! He’s a real character and is a great source for the scoop about Lodi wine country.
m2 Wines, 2900 East Peltier Road, Acampo, just west of Lodi
Open daily 11-5, tastings are $10. Dogs and children are allowed.
St. Jorge
The Lodi and Sacramento regions are home to many descendants of immigrants from the Azores, a Portuguese archipelago. Winery owner Vern Vierra brings his family’s Portuguese heritage into every detail at St. Jorge winery, from the style of wines to the décor. With colorful tiles, terracotta walls and bubbling fountains, it feels like you’ve landed in Europe, but the hospitality is straight from Lodi. Vern and his wife are often behind the counter chatting with visitors, and the place exudes a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere.
Local’s tip: This is one of Lodi’s most picturesque wineries, so don’t forget to bring your camera!
St. Jorge’s Winery, 22769 North Bender Road, Acampo
Open Friday-Sunday 11-5, guided tours are available by appointment
Fields Family Wines
I sometimes ask the winemakers whose wine (besides their own, of course!) they like to drink, and Fields Family Wines is the most common answer. Their wines have been some of the best coming out of Lodi for years, and they’ve been smart to focus on just a few good ones and stay small. This winery is known for its highly-regarded Old Vine Zinfandels and Syrahs but they’ve also started making some whites and red blends.
Fields Family Wines, 3803 Woodbridge Rd E, Acampo, just northeast of Lodi
Open Thursday thru Monday 11am to 5pm, $5 tasting fee waived with a bottle purchase
Heritage Oak Winery
I haven’t tasted wine at Heritage Oak but included the winery because of its focus on nature. Visitors are encouraged to take a hiking trail from the winery to the Mokelumne River and to bring picnic supplies and dine outside at their wooden tables. They have monthly bird walks with a birding expert for $20 per person, and they offer camping in their tent cabin near the Mokelumne River. See more here.
Heritage Oak Winery, 10112 E. Woodbridge Rd., Acampo, east of Lodi
Open Monday-Friday 12-5 and weekends 11-5, tasting fee is $10, waived with a purchase
Acquiesce Vineyards
Located on a peaceful property on a small country road east of Lodi, Acquiesce is a unique winery thanks to its owner’s passion for French white wines. Even those who claim to be red wine drinkers would love tasting the whites at Acquiesce! Owner and winemaker Sue Tipton makes dry whites from French cuttings sourced from the famed Château de Beaucastel of Châteauneuf du Pape. Besides the award-winning Viognier and Grenache Rosé, other wines are rare varietals in the U.S. such as Clairette Blanche, which grows on only about three acres in the entire United States!
Local’s tip: Every tasting comes with a small food pairing meant to enhance the wine tasting experience. Some of the items used are imported from France and are available for purchase in the tasting room.
Acquiesce Vineyards, 22353 N. Tretheway Road, Acampo, CA, about 10 minutes east of Lodi
Open Friday-Sunday 11-5, tasting fee $10
Note: no one under age 21 allowed on the property, no groups over 6 people, and no outside food
Bokisch Vineyards:
This winery keeps winning awards for their wines from Spanish varieties. At the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle competition, the 2014 Tempranillo won best in class. Winery owner Markus Bokisch spent summers in Spain as a child and later, he and his wife moved to Spain and worked in the Spanish wine industry. Once they returned to California, they purchased their Terra Alta Vineyards property in the Clements Hills outside Lodi and started a winery dedicated to the wine traditions of Spain. The winery is set among beautiful vines and has a large oak tree under which you can picnic.
Bokisch Vineyards, 18921 Atkins Rd, Lodi, about 10 minutes east of Downtown Lodi
Open Friday-Monday 11-5, tasting fee is $10 for 5 tastes per person, pet friendly
Riaza Wines
Riaza Wines’ focus on Spanish style wines is a unique take on winemaking in California. The secrets to Lodi’s quality wines are that just about any grape variety can grow there, and the winemakers are not afraid of taking risks. For winemaker Rick, this means traditional grapes from Spain (Verdejo, Tempranillo, Garnacha, etc.) are used to make Old World style wines more reminiscent of Europe than California. This family-run, small-production winery is laid back and fun and offers special events like “Wine & Cheese 301.”
Riaza Wines, 2441 South Stockton St. #1, Lodi
Open Friday-Sunday 12:00pm – 5:00pm, $7 per person for a tasting, which is refunded with a purchase
Harney Lane Winery
The coziness and family feeling of this winery made me want to stay here for hours. The owners, Kyle and Jorja, are the 5th generation growers; the property was purchased in 1900, and in 1907, the first Zinfandel grapes were grown. This winery is not only beautiful, it produces great hand-crafted wines in small quantities, all from estate grapes and using sustainable growing methods. When I join a Lodi wine club, this winery will be at the top of the list — their wines are consistently good, and their Lizzie James Old Vine Zinfandel is a beautiful expression of the grape.
Local’s tip: This is one of the few Lodi wineries open daily.
Harney Lane Winery, 9010 East Harney Lane, Lodi
Open daily 11-5, $10 per person for a flight of 5 wines, tours are also available
Weibel Family Winery
One of over a dozen tasting rooms in Downtown Lodi, Weibel has been here making sparkling wines for three generations. This is a nice stop if you’re on your way to dinner downtown or if you’re hitting the downtown tasting rooms and want to try something a little different from the popular Lodi reds.
Weibel Family Winery, 9 N. School St., Lodi
Open Sunday-Tuesday: 11am-6pm, Wednesday 11am-7pm, and Thursday-Saturday 11am-8pm
McCay Cellars
Lodi is known for its old vine Zinfandel, and McCay Cellars specializes in wine made from old vines. In fact, the vines are so old that many refer to them as “ancient” vines. Winemaker Mike McCay has a hands-off method of winemaking, meaning that he does very little to alter the wine during the winemaking process. This minimalist approach allows the character of the grapes from these very special vineyards to shine. Don’t miss the Trulux Zinfandel and the light-bodied Cinsault from the world’s oldest Cinsault vineyard.
McCay Cellars has a new downtown tasting room complete with plentiful outdoor seating.
Local’s tip: Friendly, welcoming Alan brings his passion for wine to his work pouring McCay’s wines. He happily shares his favorites and sets up comparison tastings to give you a better understanding of the wines. This winery is also very convenient–located downtown and open daily!
McCay Cellars, 100 S. Sacramento St., Lodi
Open daily 11-5 and open late on Farmer’s Market nights (May 17-August 30)
Jeremy Wine Co
While you’re downtown, pop into this tasting room for easy-drinking reds and the uniquely decadent chocolate port. The staff always seems to be smiling, and the atmosphere here is casual and fun. But don’t miss the historic and quirky details—originally a bank in the early 1900s, the tasting room includes a beautifully restored 19th-century saloon bar plus wine served on tap and in jugs!
Local’s tip: The back patio is a shaded, relaxing place to enjoy your wines. Live music happens here on select nights. And the tasting room sells some cute local products if you’re looking for souvenirs.
Jeremy Wine Co. is open daily 12-5 and open late on summer Farmer’s Market nights.
What to do in Lodi besides taste wine:
Get to know California’s Vineyard of the Year
The small Bechthold vineyard was named the 2014 California Vineyard of the Year (by the California State Fair, where a panel of wine professionals do wine judging every year). Just 25 acres of Cinsault grapes are organically grown and dry farmed in this vineyard in Lodi, planted in 1886. It’s the oldest continually-farmed vineyard in Lodi! But, because this variety of grape was not in high demand, for most of the vineyard’s life, the grapes were sold for almost nothing as a grape to be added to blends. In recent years, however, the innovative and evolving winemakers in Lodi realized the worth of this vineyard and started making 100% Cinsault.
Ask at the Lodi Visitors Center — they can help you find the wines made from these grapes and point you in the right direction if the vineyard is open for a visit.
Learn about Lodi Rules:
Stop at the Visitors Center as you enter town–if you let them know what you’re interested in, they’ll give you a map and help you decide where to go. But don’t forget to ask about Lodi’s innovative Lodi Rules program, a reflection of the area’s commitment to sustainable wine production. This was the first organized sustainability program in the wine industry. Many of the growers are committed to being environmentally friendly, socially equitable, and economically sustainable. Of the area’s 100,00 acres, about 20,000 are certified sustainable, and more than 20 wineries have the Lodi green seal on their wines.
Calivirgin shop and groves:
On your way into town, make a stop at Calivirgin for some olive oil and vinegar tasting. Many of the olive oils here are made from the olives growing right in the groves that surround the property. The specialty oils, however, are made from olives that are hand-picked from select old olive trees in various locations around Lodi. The deep, rich flavors of these oils are not to be missed, but the vinegars and spicy oils are also outstanding. It’s hard to leave without buying some to take home! After you’re done, check out the olive groves that surround the building.
Calivirgin Lodi Olive Oil, 13950 N. Thornton Rd, Lodi
Open M-F 9-5 and Saturdays 11-4, free
Strawberry stands
A must in the summer. Look for white stands selling fresh local strawberries, especially the big one on Lower Sacramento Rd. by Vine Street.
Fresh produce on Turner Road
I love driving down Turner Road from I-5 to Lodi. Besides old vines and grazing sheep, you’ll see signs for farm fresh produce–eggs, walnuts, persimmons, cherries, and more. The choice varies depending on the season, of course, but if you’re a persimmon fan, the house on Turner Road just off east of I-5 sells persimmons from their trees for super low prices.
Cheese Central
Cindy, the cheesemonger and owner of Cheese Central, is happy to share her knowledge of cheeses and help customers select a cheese for a particular wine or beer. Customers can try a variety of cheeses and then take their purchases to try with wine at a nearby winery or tasting room.
Cheese Central has more than 100 cheeses, but it’s about much more than cheese. Locally made olive oil is available to taste and purchase, and in the increasing interest of sustainability, repeat customers can bring in their glass oil container to refill. Cindy is also a chef and member of Slow Food U.S.A.; she offers regular cooking classes and sells carefully selected craft beers, honey, and chutneys.
Cheese Central, 11 N School St., downtown Lodi
Open Monday-Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 1-6
Kayaking at Lodi Lake
Rent a kayak at the docks at Lodi Lake and slip into the peaceful Mokulemne River. There are miles and miles of calm, quiet water to explore, and the view continually changes, with old oak trees and birds along the shores. It’s easy to rent a kayak here — enter Lodi Lake, park in the lot, and look for Headwaters Boathouse. They rent basic kayaks by the hour or half-day as well as tandem kayaks, standup paddleboards, pedal boats, and more, and they even offer kayak lessons and tours of the river if you’d like. See more about kayaking Lodi Lake here.
Headwaters Boathouse, 1101 W Turner Rd., Lodi, 209-471-5988
Open May-September. Kayaks start at $14 per hour.
See sandhill cranes
Sandhill cranes migrate every year and make a long stop near Lodi every winter. From November through early spring, you can visit one of the wetland preserves to see the enormous cranes. They’re also a threatened species as numbers have dropped considerably over the last several decades. Stop at Isenberg Crane Reserve west of Lodi or Cosumnes River Preserve northwest of Lodi. In my experience, there are more birds at Isenberg but nicer sunset views and walking trails at the latter.
Farmers Market
The Lodi Farmers Market is one of the best I’ve seen in Northern California. Thanks to the abundance of fruit, vegetables and nuts that grow around Lodi, the market has a huge selection of items for sale (including organic produce). Local businesses spill out onto the sidewalk with their wares or free samples, there’s live music, and local wineries offer tastings, plus some downtown tasting rooms, like McCay Cellars and Jeremy Wine Co., stay open late. If you can bike, the Farmers’ Market has free bike valet available during the market times.
Every Thursday evening, 5:00-8:30 p.m., from mid-May through the end of August on School Street in downtown Lodi
Paint pottery at the Mud Mill
Painting pottery is a favorite activity in my family, especially before the holidays when handmade items make nice gifts. The Mud Mill in downtown Lodi is a nice place to try it out — the space is bright, and the staff is friendly and helpful. After you finish painting, you leave the piece so it can be fired. If you’re unable to stop back to pick up your pottery, I think you can have it shipped to you.
The Mud Mill, 115 S. School St. Suite #1, downtown Lodi
Antique shopping in Downtown Lodi
Downtown Lodi is home to several good antique and consignment stores. Just park on School Street, the main drag downtown, and walk the charming streets. Besides the stores selling second-hand goods, there are plenty of cute boutiques, gift shops, and a used book store.
World of Wonder Science Museum
This small science museum, conveniently located in downtown Lodi, is a favorite for families in the region. The museum offers hands-on exhibits, experiments and a maker’s space for kids small and big.
WOW, 2 North Sacramento Street, downtown Lodi, look for free parking in the parking structure
Open Wednesday through Monday 10-5. Tickets are $5 for kids over 2 and $7 for adults.
Idol Beer Works
An old tire shop in downtown Lodi has been transformed into a fun, community-focused brewery and taproom. The Scottish owner and head brewer brings a European sensibility to his beer making, which means that instead of leaning heavily to IPAs, the beer menu has plenty of ales from light to dark. Look for games, indoor and outdoor seating, live music and food trucks.
Idol Beer Works, 100 S. Sacramento St., Lodi
Open Thursday 2-9, Friday and Saturday 12-10, and Sunday 12-7. Closed Monday through Wednesday.
Where to eat in Lodi:
The Dancing Fox
A busy yet cozy space on the main street of downtown Lodi, Dancing Fox is not just a restaurant; it’s also a bakery, brewery and winery. Make an easy meal of the mandarin orange salad with homemade focaccia or the veggie delight sandwich with sweet potato fries. The baked goods here are especially good, and this is the perfect place to grab a baguette to go with cheese and wine tasting. The Dancing Fox also makes surprisingly good beer — try their rotating IPAs. Complimentary wine tasting is also offered in the back for diners.
The Dancing Fox, 203 S School St., Lodi
Pietro’s
This casual Italian restaurant is a locals’ favorite for its hearty Italian-inspired fare. Try an insider’s choice that’s not on the menu: the gnocchi with peas in tomato cream sauce. If the weather is nice, settle in at a table on their beautiful patio. What’s especially impressive is the raised beds full of herbs and produce that’s used to supply their kitchen. So California!
Pietro’s can get busy so make a reservation if possible. Located at 317 E. Kettleman Lane, Lodi; open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.
Towne House
James Beard award-winning Chef Bradley Ogden creates a sophisticated California-inspired menu with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients (some of which come from their own garden!). Towne House has a selection of over 70 wines from Lodi — it’s a good place to try out a local wine paired with food. I’ve eaten here several times and find the food to be hit and miss, at least for the price, but have heard that the brunch is amazing. Next time I’d opt for brunch or lunch and, if weather permits, would definitely sit outside on the gorgeous patio.
Located at Wine and Roses as you come into town, 2505 W. Turner Road, Lodi. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
West Oak Nosh
West Oak Nosh is one of the newer restaurants in Lodi. Expect a refined take on a German-inspired menu with house made sausages, craft cocktails and good craft beer. Located at 10 W. Oak St., Downtown Lodi.
A&W
Lodi is home to the original A&W Rootbeer from 99 years ago. If you’re like me, you love anything retro and will love the memorabilia. Located at 216 E Lodi Ave, Lodi.
What are your tips for what to do in Lodi?
Want more about visiting Northern California wine country?
My story about visiting Lodi for Visit Lodi
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