Lodi: Your New Favorite Agritourism Destination
If you’re a fan of world-class wines, farm-fresh produce or fabulously flavored olive oil, it’s time to start planning your trip to Lodi. Here’s everything you need to know.
If you’re a fan of California wines, you’ve undoubtedly heard of Lodi. The region is famous for its inimitable Zinfandel and lays claim to the oldest Cinsault vines in the world. However, many people outside of the wine world have never even heard of Lodi – and as far as we’re concerned, that’s a crying shame. Lodi is home to world-class wineries, farm-fresh fare and family-friendly agritourism experiences that rival anywhere else in the state.
Where is Lodi?
Lodi is located at the northern end of California’s Central Valley, about an hour south of Sacramento. This area is world-renowned for its agricultural abundance – so much so that it’s often called the nation’s breadbasket. With over 68,000 residents, Lodi is big enough to support plenty of incredible restaurants and shopping – but not so big that it loses that small-town feel.
Stuart Spencer, executive director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission says, “I think what sets Lodi apart is really the people. This truly is still an agricultural farming community. We have fourth and fifth generation farming communities that are growing the grapes and making the wine today. And it gives it a really authentic small town charm that you don’t see in other wine growing regions.”
What grows in Lodi?
With its temperate weather and fertile soils, a better question might be, “What doesn’t grow in Lodi”. While winegrapes are obviously Lodi’s marquis crop, local farmers also grow olives, walnuts, almonds, cherries, berries, stone fruit and (much) more. Lodi is also home to numerous dairies, cattle ranches and chicken farms.
What types of wines are made in Lodi?
Over 100 different types of winegrapes are grown in Lodi. From the usual suspects like Zinfandel, Chardonnay and Merlot to unexpected varietals like Anglianico and Picpoul Blanc, there’s something for everyone (and every palate) in Lodi.
History of winemaking in Lodi
Winegrapes have been grown in Lodi since the late 1800s. Historically, those grapes were used for jug wine or sold to larger wineries in areas like Napa or Sonoma. Robert Mondavi’s Woodbridge winery was the first big-name operation to establish a presence in Lodi. Mondavi helped to reshape the culture of winegrape growing in Lodi – preaching the idea of quality over quantity. This one seemingly simple change played a huge role in transforming the Lodi wine industry. Local growers had always known that Lodi was an ideal place to grow winegrapes, and they were invigorated by this renewed focus on quality. By 1991, Lodi winegrape growers banded together to promote and improve Lodi’s wine industry. They formed the Lodi Winegrape Commission, and ultimately, Lodi Rules, one of the state’s first sustainability certification programs.
The effects of Lodi Rules cannot be overstated. The region’s commitment to sustainable winegrape growing drastically improved Lodi’s image in the winemaking community. Over the next few decades, a number of local winegrape growers ventured into winemaking. In the 90s, there were less than ten wineries in Lodi. Today, you’ll find over 85 – many of which have earned worldwide acclaim.
Why should you visit Lodi?
There’s so much to see, do and taste in Lodi! Lodi is incredibly family and pet-friendly, likely because many businesses and farms are family-owned (and often multi-generational). Although the wineries are world-class, there’s no sense of pretense. When you visit tasting rooms in Lodi, you’ll often have an opportunity to chat with the owner or winemaker. At farm stands or farmers markets, you can meet the farmers and get the insider scoop on weekly offerings.
Lodi is an easy day trip for visitors from the Bay Area and Sacramento – but with so much to explore, why not spend the whole weekend?
What to do in Lodi – an agritourism itinerary
Ready to start planning your Lodi getaway? First things first: you’ll need a place to stay. Book a room at Wine and Roses. Conveniently located in the heart of Lodi, this hotel and spa is known for an incredible selection of Lodi Wines, farm-to-table fare, gorgeous on-site gardens, live music, and more!
Visit the Lodi Wine and Visitors Center
Whether it’s your first trip to Lodi or you’re just looking for a refresher on the region, the Lodi Wine and Visitors Center is an excellent place to start. Their knowledgeable staff suggest and pour a variety of regional wines, offers tasting flights, and share personalized winery recommendations. An adjacent demonstration garden introduces guests to a few of the region’s more popular varietals. This “outdoor classroom” was designed to share information about sustainable farming and how winegrapes are grown.
Schedule a tasting:
No trip to Lodi is complete without tasting some of the incredible wines that have put this region on the map. But which winery should you visit? There are no bad choices…but these are a few of our favorites.
CaliVirgin/CaliVines (wine + EVOO too!)
If you think all olive oil is created equally, you’ve obviously never tried CaliVirgin Olive Oil. By co-milling fresh produce like citrus, basil and peppers with the olives, they infuse the resulting olive oil with big, bold flavors. Stop into their gorgeous Lodi tasting room to enjoy an olive oil tasting with a glass of their CaliVines wine. CaliVirgin regularly hosts special events, so keep an eye on their website for can’t miss tastings, crafting sessions and more!
Michael David Winery
If you only visit one winery in Lodi, visit Michael David Winery. From the pet-friendly tasting room, to the children’s play area, pollinator garden and bocce court, there’s truly something for everyone at this family-owned winery. The wines themselves aren’t too shabby either – Michael David Winery was named Winery of the Year in 2020.
Harney Lane Vineyards
Harney Lane Vineyards should be on every wine lover’s bucket list. This family-owned winery has the distinction of owning Lodi’s oldest Zinfandel planting, the Lizzy James Vineyard. Enjoy a glass of wine on their beautifully landscaped patio or book an estate tour and tasting to learn more about this fifth-generation Lodi family.
Acquiesce Winery
Can a glass of wine really change your life? If you ask Sue Tipton, the owner of Acquiesce Winery, the answer is a solid “yes”. After falling in love with a white Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine, Sue was inspired to plant a selection of rare white grapes. You won’t find a Zinfandel at Acquiesce, or any other red wines for that matter, but you will find an unmatched and unforgettable selection of unique white wines.
Mettler Family Vineyards
Cabernet Sauvignon…from Lodi? When the Mettler family founded their winery in 1998, they decided to set themselves apart from other local wineries by focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon instead of Zinfandel. Plenty of people thought this was a strange decision, believing that Lodi was too warm to make a quality Cab. Mettler Family Vineyards proved them all wrong. Their 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon scored a place in Wine Spectator’s “Top 100 Cabernet Sauvignons in the World”.
McCay Cellars
Lodi is home to the world’s oldest Cinsault planting, the storied Bechthold Vineyard. Planting in 1886, these gnarly vines still produce sensational wines. You’ll want to take home a bottle of McCay’s Cinsault Reserve as well as the Cinsault Rosé – it’s not just wine, it’s history.
Lange Twins Family Winery
At Lange Twins Family Winery and Vineyard, every decision is filtered through one lens – sustainability. It turns out the same choices that ensure the next generation’s future result in some really delicious wine. Don’t miss their Centennial Zinfandel (from one of Lodi’s oldest vineyards) or the brilliantly hued Aglianico rosé.
Oak Farm Vineyards
Set on 70 verdant acres, this lovely Lodi winery is as chic as it is serene. Book the Historical Legacy Tour, where you can learn more about the winery’s impressive history (some buildings date back to the 1800s!) while sipping on their award-winning wines.
Explore Downtown Lodi
Be sure to carve out a few hours to explore downtown Lodi. The tree-lined streets and old-fashioned brick facades house a charming collection of family-owned shops and restaurants. Stop in to Olive Crush Farms, a small boutique showcasing olive oils produced in Lodi and the neighboring four counties. Owner Christine Mouton is proud to offer visitors and locals a true taste of the region, and eagerly shares Lodi’s rich agricultural history with anyone who steps foot into her store.
Walking through downtown Lodi, you’re bound to work up a thirst. Belly up to the bar at Jeremy Wine Company’s downtown tasting room. Enjoy a glass of wine in their pet-friendly courtyard – and if you’re a fan of their small-batch wines, be sure to take home a refillable one-liter growler.
Maybe you’re looking for more than a drink? Visit one of our favorite downtown Lodi restaurants, The Dancing Fox. This enchanting restaurant pairs its California-style riff on pub fare with Lodi wine and brandy.
Visit a local farm, farmstand or nursery
As you explore Lodi, you’re sure to come across an abundance of roadside farmstands. Stop in and stock up on some of the freshest, best produce you’ll ever taste! The Fruit Bowl is one of Lodi’s most famous roadside stands, offering a variety of produce, snacks, olive oil and wine. The adjacent bakery serves up homemade sandwiches, pies and even ice cream.
Phillips Farm Café and Bakery, at Michael David Winery, offers a selection of fruits and vegetables grown by the Phillips family, along with freshly-baked pies made with Micheal and David’s grandmother’s recipes.
Want to learn how some of your favorite crops are grown? Maybe enjoy a dinner in the orchard or pick your own cherries? Many local farms offer special events and activities. If you’re visiting in the spring, don’t miss Lodi Blooms at Chinchiolo Farming Co. Guests can schedule a photo shoot in the cherry blossoms, enjoy a dinner in the orchards, or even partake in a sunset cherry-picking session. Machado Farms regularly hosts field trips and farm tours upon request, along with daily fitness classes (cheekily named Crop Fit) on their family’s farm.
A visit to Lodi is sure to pique your interest in farming – but if you don’t have acreage (or experience), why not start with succulents? At Star Succulent Nursery, owner Crystal will set you up with everything you need to successfully grow and propagate your very own succulent garden.
Eat Farm-to-Table Meals
Many of these locations have been mentioned throughout this article, but here’s a list of spots where you can sit down for a taste of in-season, farm-to-table goodness, a few with gardens or farms onsite!
Pietro’s Trattoria
For over 40 years, Pietro’s Trattoria has proudly served farm-fresh fare – some of which is even grown on-site! Guests can walk through the garden on their way into the restaurant, where they’ll find a menu loaded with seasonal dishes, like Central Valley Fig + Stone Fruit Caprese, and a robust California wine list.
Bonus: Pietro’s Trattoria boasts plenty of gluten-free + vegetarian options.
Guantonio’s Wood Fired
We love a good pizza + wine pairing and Guantonio’s Wood Fired never disappoints. Their incredible wood-fired pizzas are made with in-season, local ingredients like Jimmy Nardello peppers. Looking for something a little lighter? Their small bites are equally amazing. We’re still dreaming of Guantonio’s Hana Acre Farm’s Heirloom Costada Zucchini with cherry tomatoes & walnuts. Choose a glass of wine off of the expertly curated wine list (all from California, of course) and you’ve got yourself the perfect meal.
Bakery at Michael David
Don’t miss this grab & go farm market and bakery at Michael David Winery. Be sure to order a slice of their homemade pie. It’s made with fresh local fruit (using David’s grandmother’s recipe!) and is just as famous as Michael David’s iconic wines. If you visit in the spring, try David’s favorite, local blueberry pie paired with a glass of Cabernet Franc.
Set off on an outdoor adventure
Lodi offers plenty of unique opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, like kayaking at Lodi Lake or birdwatching on the Consumnes River. Lodi is relatively flat, making it a great place for cycling. Visitors can easily rent a bike and spend the day riding between wineries.
Check for special events
Lodi regularly hosts special events, so check to see if any coincide with your visit! Look for outdoor concerts, pumpkin patches, holiday Wine Trolley Events, the annual Wine and Chocolate and Lodi Wine Festivals, Downtown Lodi’s Wicked Wine Stroll and more!
Article by Hilary Rance. Photography by Hilary Rance, Alycia Moreno and James Collier.