Discover Lodi: California’s Laid-Back Wine Country Gem

Attention wine lovers: Lodi is the wine destination you’ve been dreaming of!

Dive into a world of award-winning wines, explore legendary old vines, and experience the charm of our one-of-a-kind wine-country escape. Your next unforgettable getaway in Lodi Wine Country starts here.

Lodi Offers an Approachable Experience

In Lodi, we’re all about keeping it friendly and laid-back, giving guests a chance to go at their own pace and really soak in everything our region has to offer.

  • Affordable: If you are looking for a quality wine country getaway that won’t break the bank, Lodi is a fantastic choice! Expect moderate price points on award-winning wine without having to sacrifice quality. Tastings typically fall under $20 and are often waived with a bottle purchase.
  • Hassle-Free Reservations: In Lodi, you typically do not need a reservation for a great time! Our tasting rooms welcome walk-in standard tastings. As always, we do encourage larger parties or those interested in specialty tastings to inquire directly with their winery of choice.
  • Uncrowded: Skip the crowds and enjoy a relaxing experience, whether at a tasting room bar or enjoying a bottle on an estate patio. Nothing kills the vibe of a wine country getaway faster than crowded spaces, fighting for parking, and sitting in traffic.
  • Boutique Wineries: Enjoy the luxury of experiencing unique, one-of-a-kind bottles that can’t be purchased in a grocery store. Lodi Wine Country is full of charm, thanks to our boutique wineries, where you might end up chatting with the owner or winemaker themselves. There’s nothing quite like hearing the story behind the wine straight from the artist who created it!
  • Family Friendly & Pet-Friendly: Families with little ones and furry friends looking to enjoy a wine country getaway don’t have to worry; Lodi is known for its family and pet-friendly attitude!Many wineries in Lodi offer experiences the whole family can enjoy. Spots like Michael David, Nostra Vita, and Durst Winery & Estate provide family-friendly spaces, complete with grassy areas perfect for picnics, playing cornhole, or relaxing with your four-legged friends. For a full list of family-friendly activities, visit the blog here!

Discover Award-Winning Wines

The Lodi AVA is California’s largest grape-growing community, making up roughly about 20% of California’s wine grapes, and is most famously known as the Zinfandel Capital! However, the fun doesn’t stop there. With 85 wineries and over 125 varietals grown in our region, local winemakers are producing fabulous Lodi wine. But don’t just take our word for it; award-winning wines are easy to come by in our region, where many vintages have taken home gold and platinum in wine competitions around the world – notably, Acquiesce Vineyards, Peltier Winery, Drava Wines, Oak Farm Vineyards, Prie Winery, and many more. Discover more on Wine Enthusiasts: “10 Outstanding American Wines for Under $25”.

Some interesting varietals to explore in Lodi include:

  • Albariño, a Spanish white wine available at Bockisch Vineyards.
  • Teroldego, a medium-bodied red Italian varietal, available at Peltier Winery.
  • Clairette Blanche, a white Rhône-style varietal available at Acquiesce Vineyards.
  • Cinsault, enjoy this variety from the Bechtoldt Vinyard (oldest Cinsault vineyard in the world), at Jessie’s Grove Winery.
  • Assyrtiko, a beautiful Greek white wine varietal from Perlegos Family Wine Co., available at the Lodi Wine Visitor Center.

Take a Sip of History

In Lodi, we’re home to the highest concentration of California’s old vines. Here, you’ll discover old-world varieties like Zinfandel and Cinsault—including the oldest Cinsault vineyard in the world—still producing outstanding wines. Every sip is a taste of viticultural history, as these old vines tell the story of our rich agricultural heritage.

Lodi Leads in Sustainability

Lodi has been a leader in implementing eco-friendly practices that preserve natural resources and promote long-term environmental health. The region is home to LODI RULES, California’s first third-party-certified sustainable winegrowing program, which emphasizes responsible farming, water conservation, soil health, and biodiversity.

Decadent Pairings

Food and wine are the perfect duo, and in Lodi, you can enjoy the best of both with the freshest local ingredients around! Whether you’re in the mood for a food and wine pairing or just want a tasty dinner after a day of wine tasting, Lodi’s farm-to-table vibe is everywhere. Check out spots like Towne House Restaurant, Guantonio’s, Zin Bistro, and Airport Cafe for seasonally driven menu’s that go perfectly with a glass of Lodi wine!

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Nataile Morlino

Author

Nataile Morlino

Community Engagement & Communications Manager

Natalie is a natural storyteller eager to make authentic connections with her community. An avid world traveler, she’s always ready to pull up a barstool at a cozy restaurant, meet new people, and spot a Lodi wine on the menu. Since trading city life for wine country, you’ll find her in Lodi shopping the farmers market, hunting for antiques, or exploring a new winery with her fiancé, son, and their pug — glass of Zin in hand, of course.

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