Have a Girlfriends’ Getaway in Lodi Wine Country

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There’s nothing like getting away with the girls for a few days. Leave the guys and kids behind. Let your hair down for some girl talk, great wine, delicious food, shopping, the spa and a night on the town.

Spa seekers will feel in heaven with luxurious massages and wraps. Shoppers will want to leave some extra room in their luggage for organically made olive oils, one-of-a-kind gifts, and artisanal foods. Foodies will enjoy the area’s diverse palate offerings, some from James Beard award-winning chefs. Wine lovers will discover why Lodi is regarded as a region of escalating quality, drawing frequent comparison to wines from the regions France, Italy, and Spain, but with its own unique fruit forward distinctions. Lodi has over 100 varieties from 85+ wineries specializing in handcrafted wines. On our suggested itinerary, you’ll find an easy way to add other activities depending on your groups’ interests.

Day 1

The first step is deciding where to stay. Lodi has a wide selection of award-winning accommodations at every price point and in every style. There’s something suited for any group size you are traveling with. There are accommodations with outdoor firepits, indoor fireplaces, decks or simple rooms; perfect for relaxing and catching up with lifelong friends. After dropping off your bags, a getaway with your girlfriends should start at the Downtown Lodi Visitors Center. Located in the heart of downtown, it’s the perfect place to grab a Visitor Guide, wine trail map, free wine tasting coupons, and insider tips from local experts who can tell you everything about the hidden gems in the area to make the most out of your girlfriend getaway. Walk a few shops over to the award-winning Cheese Central, purveyors of the world’s finest cheeses, and delight your taste buds with over 80 different gourmet cheeses. Afterwards, head on over to the ten tasting rooms or the four breweries in the downtown area – all within walking distance of each other. You can’t go wrong starting off with afternoon champagne and snacks at Pop the Bubbly or chocolate port at Jeremy Wine Co.,and then tasting Michael David’s famous Petite-Petit and Freakshow at Cellardoor. As you make your way to the next tasting room, be sure to visit the charming boutiques and antique shops along the way such as Stella Mitchell, The Fashionable You, PretFrench at Heart, the Precilla’s Pantry, and many more. Do you need to find a unique gift? You’ll definitely find it here. Take a delicious lunch break at Lodi’s famous West Oak NoshDancing Fox Winery & BreweryLodi Beer CompanyM Sushi BistroSmack Pie Pizza, or Shangri La Asian Bistro. For dessert, you must try Brew House Coffee’s gelato or visit Double Dip where you can enjoy fine art and ice cream. Try Rocky Mountain Chocolates for a gourmet treat. There’s also reliable Cold Stone creamery as well. Finish off the day dancing the night away at Ollie’s Pub or Blend Ultra Lounge. You can also wind down at 20 North, where they offer over 300 fine spirits and their legendary signature cocktails.

Day 2

First things first. Call up Coche Vino or Destination Drivers to take you around to a dozen of the 85+ unique wineries. Today is a day for visiting the wineries out in the countryside. Before heading out, stop by for some home cooking at Avenue Grill. You haven’t tasted country cooking unless you have tasted breakfast at one of these places. With its Mediterranean climate and cool delta breezes, Lodi has the perfect environment for producing award-winning wines. Historically, the region is known for its 100+ year Old Vine Zinfandels. Now it is regarded as a region of artisanal winemakers making headlines with a diverse portfolio of unique Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, German and Rhone-Style varietals that reminds you of the quality wines of Europe with a little more distinction. Spend the day tasting unique European varietals like Rousanne, Bourboulenc, Clairette Blanche, Grenache Blanc, Sangiovese, Primotivo, Tempernillo, Graciano, Garnacha and more!  To see a full list of wineries click here.

Not to be outdone are Lodi’s famed Old Vine Zinfandels. With plantings from as far back as 1888, fans of Zinfandel will not be disappointed. Lodi winemakers love to show-off what they can do with this fruit-forward varietal. If you are saving your appetite for some fine dining, then we have just the place for you. Get dressed up and head on over to Wine & Roses’ The Towne House. Or to Pietro’sWoodbridge CrossingZin Bistro, or Brick House Restaurant. With so many award-winning restaurants to choose from, you will want to visit them all. Be sure to make reservations early because they are always popular… and for a good reason too. Cap the night off listening to some live music at The Lounge at Wine & Roses (live piano music), Scotto’s Wine and Cider, Cellar Door or at many of the wineries.

Day 3

Start the day doing some yoga on the water or stand-up paddling through Lodi Lake with Lodi Boathouse. Or walk the Sunshine Trail at Lodi Lake, that recreates a trip across California from east to west including waterways, bridges and native California plants, while being guided along the trail by special markers and audio stations. Take in some historic sites by visiting the birthplace of A&W rootbeer, our historic Spanish style Lodi Mission Arch, Hutchin’s Street SquareMicke Grove Zoo and the Japanese Garden, or the San Joaquin County Historical Museum where you’ll discover the fascinating history of the region, from the Yokuts and Miwok through Captain Charles Weber (founder of Stockton and first farmer in the area) and the development of modern agriculture. The Museum has eight exhibition buildings, four historic buildings — including the Charles Weber cottage (1847) and Calaveras School (1866) — and features room dioramas of Weber family furnishings, a children’s gallery, and large displays of hand tools and agricultural equipment. Catch up on the latest movie at Lodi Cinema where you have your own luxury recliners and gourmet food from Hollywood and Wine Bistro.

Day 4

It’s SPA DAY!!! No girlfriends’ getaway would be complete without a day of pampering. Start the day off with mimosas and brunch at Mimosa’s GourmetMichael David Winery Café or the Hidden Tea Room. Then pamper yourself and the girls at The Spa at Wine & Roses, Perfect Balance or Dermal Clinic. Get your nails done and tension out. Since you’re working on your health today, head on over to Calivines Winery & Olive Mill and taste what fresh, organic, pure olive oil tastes like. You’ll be amazed at the fresh taste. Then get in touch with your creative side by visiting our five different art galleries in Lodi, finding our 9 different murals around town or the Lodi Community Art Center. Brick-cobbled streets lined with Elm trees will enchant you as you are welcomed into our boutiques and unique shops. If being more hands-on is your thing, make your own keepsakes at Lodi’s popular Mud Mill, where you can walk in anytime and paint your heart out. Choose from over 300 bisque designs, 70 different colors and make your own custom pottery. Getting away is always a good idea. Plan your Lodi retreat today!