Lodi Wine Country is a premier destination in Northern California. With 85+ boutique wineries and 70 tasting rooms, Lodi has the country’s largest acreage of old and ancient vineyards. Although known as the “Zinfandel Capital of the World,” the Lodi appellation also produces Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Conveniently located 90 miles east of San Francisco and 35 miles south of Sacramento, Lodi is an unexpected and more approachable alternative to other famous California wine regions. In 2015, Lodi was named Wine Enthusiast’s Wine Region of the Year.
But Lodi offers more than wine. Families love to visit Micke Grove Zoo and Lodi Lake, which provide an area to swim, fish, or take a nature walk. Lodi’s historical downtown showcases diverse cuisine, breweries, eclectic shops, and galleries. Winetravelers can sample gourmet cheeses from all over the world at Cheese Central or stroll and sip at some of the seven downtown tasting rooms. In the evening, downtown comes alive with music around every corner. For those who love cooking, the region has some excellent olive oil tastings at CaliVirgin/CaliVines.
So, whether you’re looking to taste Lodi’s world-class wines or bring the family to this alluring wine destination, you’ll find plenty to do, taste, and see.
Wines of Lodi
The region is known for its “big reds” and supplies grapes to Napa Valley and other prominent players in the wine industry. Lodi is known as “Zin City” and the Zinfandel Capital of the World. However, it is also one of the largest producers of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet. It’s known for its diversity, as grape growers experiment with different varietals. Travelers visiting the region can “taste the globe” with more than 100 grape varieties that range from Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Southern Rhône, South African, and others.
Lodi enjoys a moderate, Mediterranean-style climate and loamy soil. The rich soils of Lodi’s vineyards are crosscut with creeks. The Mokelumne River also flows through the Lodi appellation. The nearby Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, where California’s two largest rivers meet, delivers cooling breezes in the evening while the Central Valley climate provides lots of sunshine during the day.
Lodi produces 20% of California’s wine, providing Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, and other popular varieties to other wineries throughout the state.
The History
Lodi has been growing wine grapes since the mid-1800s. Today, it is one of California’s largest appellations with over 100,000 acres in production and more vineyard acreage than Napa and Sonoma combined. It’s also one of the most diverse, with 125 varieties in production.
Lodi was an early wine capital of the West. Some Zinfandel vines here are over 130 years old. Lodi is home to California’s highest concentration of own-rooted old vines. The old vines were cultivated by five generations of family wine growers and winemakers, today still crafting vineyard-driven varietal wines of distinction from them.
Travel Logistics
Lodi, a small city in the heart of California’s Central Valley, is the gateway to Lodi wine country, and is easily accessible from Sacramento and the Bay Area. Sacramento International Airport (SMF; 46 miles north of Lodi) is the closest major airport to Lodi. Travelers may also consider San Francisco International Airport (SFO; 99 miles west of Lodi), Oakland International Airport (OAK, 82 miles west of Lodi), or Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC; 89 miles west of Lodi). The Stockton Metropolitan Airport (SCK; 20 miles south of Lodi) currently offers direct flights from Las Vegas, NV, and Phoenix, AZ through Allegiant Air.
The drive from Sacramento takes approximately 45 minutes, while the drive from San Francisco International Airport is approximately two and a half hours. Follow Interstate 99 or 5 from Sacramento, depending on where you start your wine tour.
If you’re traveling by train, the Amtrak San Joaquin line and Greyhound Bus Lines service Lodi. However, renting a car offers the ideal mode of transportation.
If you’re traveling by air, you can get updates on flight deals as they arise with Kayak.
Wine Tours in Lodi and Unique Tasting Experiences
The Lodi Wine Trolley runs on weekends and offers wine tasting at three wineries plus a made-to-order lunch. Coche Vino and Destination Drivers lead winery outings, transporting guests to a collection of Lodi wineries on day trips. Vintage Limousine Service offers upscale transportation for guests.
Because many of the wineries are close to each other, some visitors prefer cycling on their Lodi wine adventure. Check out this suggested bike route, including one bakery stop.
Alternatively, you can have local wine experts guide you throughout the Lodi wine region. Bk Best Wine Tasting Tours offers day tours for one up to 14 passengers, and provides pickup and drop off to your hotel. You can choose from many of the top Lodi wineries we recommend below.
Best Wineries to Visit in the Lodi California Wine Region
Acquiesce
22353 N. Tretheway Road, Acampo
What Guests Like About It: Tasting room in the century old barn house, specializes in white wines only.
Sample southern Rhone-inspired white wines at Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards. Owner Sue Tipton has long been a fan of the white wines made by Chateau de Beaucastel in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, so she tapped Tablas Creek Vineyard in Paso Robles (owned by Chateau de Beaucastel) for cuttings and tips on growing Rhône varietals in California.
The tasting room is in a 100-year-old barn surrounded by vineyards. Acquiesce is the only winery in Lodi that produces only white wines. A flight of four wines is $20 per person. Open Thursday – Sunday from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. Reservations recommended but walk-ins welcome subject to availability.
Bokisch Vineyards
18921 Atkins Rd, Lodi, CA 95240
What Guests Like About It: Spanish varieties, exceptional wine pairing dinners, sunset vineyard views
Bokisch specializes in Spanish varietal wines made by owners Markus and Liz Bokisch. Wines produced range from Albariño, Verdejo, Garnacha Blanca, Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha, to Monastrell. They also make a Late Harvest Graciano, a Malbec, and an Old Vine Zin.
Locals agree that the dinner and wine pairing nights are unforgettable. They have hosted tapas, Catalan barbeque, and paella pairing dinners—all put together by Liz Bokisch. Charcuterie boxes, cheeses, and tapas are available for purchase in the tasting room.
The views are incredible—there is no better way to take in a sunset than from the top of the vineyard hills at Bokisch. The winery uses a vintage Shasta camper-turned bar set among the vineyards for special events.
Tasting fee is $15 – 25 per person, waived with a minimum bottle purchase. Open daily from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm.
D’Art Wines
13299 N. Curry Avenue, Lodi
What Guests Like About It: The artwork, Saturday night live music
This family-owned winery combines art and wine in a hip, inviting, and eye-catching tasting room. The estate vineyard was planted in 1999 with Clone 8 Cabernet Sauvignon on freedom rootstock. While D’Art Wines also produces Barbera, Tempranillo, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and a Dog Day Red Blend, its Cab remains the most popular wine.
Enjoy winemaker Dave Dart’s art on the wall while enjoying D’Arts delightful wines. Charcuterie boards are available for purchase. During the summertime, the winery hosts live music on Saturday nights. Tasting fee is $15 per person and waived with each bottle purchased. Open Thursday – Monday from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. Reservations recommended.
Fields Family Winery
3803 E. Woodbridge Road, Acampo
What Guests Like About It: Winemaking style reflects the vineyards where the grapes are grown
Fields Family Winery is a small winery that produces handcrafted, low-intervention wines. Owners Russ and Melinda Fields purchased the property in 2005 with a vision to restore it and start a winery. They grow Syrah, Mourvèdre, Tempranillo, Grenache Blanc, and Vermentino. The winery sources Cinsault and Carignan from the Bechtold Vineyard in Lodi and Zinfandel and Cabernet from a dedicated block in Dr. Konrad’s Vineyard on Mt. Veeder in Napa Valley.
Tasting fee is $10 per person and includes taste of six wines. Fees for two people are waived with one bottle purchased. Open daily from 11 am – 5:00 pm. Reservations recommended but not required.
Harney Lane Vineyards
9010 E. Harney Lane, Lodi
What Guests Like About It: Wine tasting under the cedar trees and in the garden
Harney Lane provides a casual home ranch indoor tasting room with an option for outdoor patio garden seating. The family grew grapes for 100 years until its winery opened in 2006. Its portfolio features a diverse array of award-winning estate wines and guided grape-to-glass tours and tastings.
The tasting fee is $20 per person, waived with a one-bottle purchase. $45 for wine and cheese tasting. $50 for a vertical tasting of six vintages side-by-side. $40 for the estate tour and tasting. Open daily from 11 am – 5:00 pm. No reservations required.
Jeremy Wine Co.
6 W. Pine Street, Lodi (downtown Lodi tasting room)
16750 CA-88, Lockeford (winery tasting room)
What Guests Like About It: An interesting mix of small lots of Italian, Spanish, French, and Old Vine Zinfandel, dog-friendly
Jeremy Wine Co. operates two tasting room locations, one in downtown Lodi with a garden patio and the other at the Lockeford winery in the Barrel Room. The winery produces premium small lots of Italian, Spanish, French, and Old Vine Zinfandel. Owner and winemaker Jeremy and his wife, Choral, maintain a small marketplace and gift shop at the Lockeford location. Guests can purchase an assortment of snacks, charcuterie, and local cheeses.
The tasting fee is $15 per person but waived with a bottle purchase per flight. Open daily (both locations) from 12:00 – 5:00 pm. No reservations for parties less than six. Both tasting rooms are dog friendly.
Klinker Brick Winery
15887 N. Alpine Road, Lodi
What Guests Like About It: Tasting Old Vine Zinfandels on the patio with a view of Mt. Diablo
Fifth-generation grape growers and winery owners Steve and Lori Felten welcome guests to their Old Ghost House tasting room at Klinker Brick Winery. The winery offers several other award-winning varietals for tasting, as well as Old Vine Zinfandels made from 100-year-old vines.
The tasting fee is $10 for a Retail Flight of six wines, $15 for a Limited Production Flight of six wines, $20 for the Light & Bubbly Flight of six wines, or $20 for the Reserve Flight of six wines. Open daily from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. Reservations are highly encouraged.
The Lucas Winery
18196 N. Davis Road, Lodi
What Guests Like About It: History of the winery and its owners, wines that reflect their environment
Lucas Winery was established in 1978 by winemakers David Lucas and Heather Pyle-Lucas. Both cut their teeth at Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville before opening their joint venture. Lucas Winery specializes in Chardonnay and Zinfandel single-varietal wines that they have perfected through years of trial and error. The grapes are grown organically on-site and are hand-harvested. This boutique family winery has focused on sustainability for over 45 years.
This unpretentious winery is loaded with the history of the Lodi wine region’s origins. Every guest enjoys a guided tour of the vineyards, the barrel room, and the soil samples from around the world on display in the tasting room.
Guided tastings are $20/per guest and include an etched wine glass for each guest to take home. The experience is complimentary to wine club members. Open Thursday – Sunday from 11:00 am – 4:30 pm. Reservations recommended.
Michael David
4580 W. Highway 12, Lodi
What Guests Like About It: Expansive grounds and beautiful scenery, onsite cafe
This family-owned winery has been making award-winning wines for over 35 years and offers a lot to visitors of all ages and tastes.
At Michael David Winery, guests can enjoy a tasting experience at the wine bar inside or outside. The experience includes five wines and reserve selections, and guests learn about the winery’s history and sustainable farming practices.
Guests can also reserve a relaxation station next to one of the winery’s water features or the children’s play area. For $25 per person, visitors get a designated server, a bottle of wine, and access to the bistro menu. Guests enjoy wine and food while relaxing in the beautiful scenery and listening to the soothing sounds of water. The relaxation stations are available from March through November.
Of course, no visit to Michael David Winery would be complete without exploring its expansive grounds, onsite cafe, gourmet produce, and award-winning bakery. Seasonal selections of produce grown onsite or locally in Lodi are available at its farmstand, or take home one of their signature pies. Guests can also enjoy a full breakfast and lunch menu at the café.
Tasting at the wine bar for up to six people costs $10 per person and lasts approximately 45 minutes. For groups from seven to 12 people, the cost is $20 per person and lasts approximately 90 minutes. Open daily from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Reservations recommended.
Farm café is open daily from 8:00 am – 3:00 pm. The store/bakery is open daily from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Oak Farm Vineyards
23627 Devries Road, Lodi
What Guests Like About It: Gorgeous property, onsite food service, Thursday night music and local guest chefs
The 70-acre Oak Farm Vineyards is truly stunning. Old oak trees and even older vines surround a Colonial Revival-style historic home built in 1876. There is a pond where waterfowl sit stoically and a landmark barn outfitted with string lights and chandeliers. The tasting room opened in 2014 and is a spacious and handsome place to unwind. There are many tables on the shaded patio. Next to the patio is a lawn area with additional seating and a bocce ball court.
Oak Farm grows many of its grapes and sources some from local vineyards. Owners Dan and Heather Panella focus on grapes that speak to Dan’s Italian heritage. In addition to the Lodi classics, Chardonnay and Zinfandel, the winery produces Falanghina, Fiano, and Sangiovese.
Oak Farm serves breakfast and lunch daily from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. The Thursday night music and food event with local chefs is a favorite with guests. The tasting room is open daily from 11:00 am – 5:00. Tasting fee is $20 per person for a flight of five wines, waived with a two-bottle purchase. Reservations are required on weekends.
Peltier Winery and Vineyards
22150 N. Kennefick Road, Acampo
What Guests Like About It: Great reds and diverse selection of white, Rosé, and sparkling wines; friendly staff
Third-generation Lodi grower Rodney Schatz and his wife Gayla have been farming 40 acres of Old Vine Zinfandel in the heart of the Lodi Appellation for 40 years. They have been producing wine under their own Peltier label since 2005.
Tasting is available in the indoor tasting room or on the patio amongst the olive trees. The tasting experience is customized to each guest with a hotel-like key card to pour a taste, a half glass, or a full glass from the tasting station. 24 varietals are available daily. Open daily 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. Reservations recommended.
St. Amant Winery
1 Winemaster Way, Lodi
What Guests Like About It: Food-friendly, distinctive wines from Portuguese, Spanish, Italian varietals, plus Zinfandel
Originally owned by Tim and Barbara Spencer, St. Amant Winery was founded in 1979. In an unassuming industrial tasting room, Stuart Spencer, the next generation of the Spencer family, continues the legacy of creating great wines and ports. Although the tasting room is nothing fancy, the winery produces good wine coupled with genuine hospitality.
The tasting fee is $10 per person for six wines. Open Thursday – Monday from 11 am – 4:00 pm, closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Seated tasting by appointment. No reservations required for drop-in tasting at the bar.
Where to Eat
Pietro’s Trattoria
317 E. Kettleman Lane, Lodi
Pietro’s Trattoria is an old-fashioned Italian restaurant that is popular with locals and visitors. An extensive menu of starters, entrees, and pizza offers something for everyone.
The Dancing Fox Winery & Brewery
203 S. School Street, Lodi
The Dancing Fox Winery & Brewery is a family-run establishment located in a historic brick building in downtown Lodi. Its onsite restaurant serves pub style food for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday, and brunch on Sunday.
Towne House Restaurant at Wine & Roses
2505 W. Turner Road, Lodi
Enjoy indoor and al fresco dining at Towne House Restaurant at Wine & Roses. It offers culinary experiences created by award-winning chefs, an extensive cocktail menu, a wine list including over 70 wines from the Lodi Appellation, and nightly music.
Where to Stay
One of Lodi’s most popular hotels is Wine and Roses, a locally owned and operated wellness-resort. It features 66 uniquely designed guest rooms and suites with amenities including a pool, hot tub, and a fitness center.
Candlewood Suites Lodi features spacious studios and one-bedroom suites with full kitchens in every studio. Outdoor grills and a wide array of cookware are available for guests who want to barbecue during their stay.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott features 72 guest rooms and free hot breakfasts, plus a pool and jacuzzi spa.
What to Pack
When visiting the Lodi Wine Region, it is important to pack appropriately for the weather conditions. Visitors should pack light, breathable clothing such as cotton or linen for daytime visits during the summer and a hat to protect themselves from the sun. Summertime temperatures can average between 88 and 93 degrees during the day. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes are also essential. The temperature drops in the Spring and Fall evenings, and visitors should pack a light sweater or jacket to keep themselves warm.
Visitors should pack layers of clothing during the winter months to stay warm during the cooler mornings and evenings. Wintertime temperatures can average between 59 degrees and 67 degrees during the day. Warm jackets, scarves, and gloves are also recommended. Comfortable walking shoes are still essential.
It is important to note that the Lodi Wine Region is a casual destination, and there is no need to dress formally. Visitors can wear casual, comfortable clothing during their visit, particularly when visiting the wineries and cellar doors.
Peruse the Winetraveler Shop for trendy casual vineyard-hopping apparel, ideal for exploring the vineyards and indulging in the region’s famous wines.
Other Attractions in Lodi
Spend the day at Lodi Lake Park for kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, fishing, and scenic nature trail. Top off your adventure with a sunset boat tour down the Mokelumne River.
Visit the World of Wonders Science Museum for family fun. It’s a colorful place with hands-on activities that make learning about science fun.
Micke Grove Park is a favorite with locals and visitors. It includes the Micke Grove Zoo and the San Joaquin County Historical Museum.
Stroll through downtown Lodi to tour the Walldog Murals, a series of historical paintings that tell the town’s history.
Visit the local Farmers’ Market held during the summer in downtown Lodi on Thursday evenings from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. It features live music, fresh produce, food trucks, and food stands.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lodi Wineries
Lodi has 85 wineries and 60 tasting rooms including nine in the historic downtown.
When planning a delightful day trip through Lodi’s wine country, it’s all about striking the perfect balance to make the most of your experience. While the number of Lodi wineries to visit can vary based on your personal taste, travel tempo, and the particular vineyards on your list, most #Winetravelers aim for 3 to 4 wineries in a day. This leisurely pace allows you to savor the wine tastings, embark on fascinating tours, stop for a bite of lunch, and truly appreciate the landscapes without any time pressure.
Featured image courtesy Visit Lodi.