Plan an Unforgettable Date in Lodi Wine Country

Nothing says romance like wine country, where wineries, tasting rooms, and decadent sweet treats set the stage for the perfect date. But why stop there? Keep the magic going with unforgettable experiences. Elevate your day with exciting activities like pottery making, bowling, or paddling on the lake. With this perfect itinerary, you’ll surprise your date with a day full of unforgettable moments.

Below, we’ve rounded up a list of romantic ideas to help you curate the perfect date in Lodi, California!

A Day of Wine Tasting

Lodi Wine Country makes a stunning backdrop for a perfect date, with over 85 wineries to choose from, set the mood with an experience, scene, and wine for every palate. Whether the perfect date looks like an immersive vineyard tour, or enjoying a bottle relaxing on an estate patio with delicious snacks, Lodi will be sure to deliver.

Switch up from the normal routine this time around – book a food and wine pairing experience, and enjoy discovering the unique flavors you each pick up along the way! Whether you are a wine lover or just discovering your interest, a food pairing can be a delicious and approachable way to incorporate wine tasting into your date. Some fun wine and food pairing experiences that you can book in Lodi Wine Country include a Wine + Cheese Pairing at Bokisch Vineyards, Sips + Chips Tasting at Harney Lane Winery, and the Wine + Olive Oil Pairing at Calivines Winery & Olive Mill.

Are you visiting during the weekend and want to try new wineries without the hassle of getting around? Book a Lodi Wine Trolley experience and explore our region in style aboard this iconic trolley for a lineup of tastings and lunch.

Seek Adventure

Pick up a paddle board or kayak rental at Lodi Boathouse and venture off on Lodi Lake and the Mokelumne River to take a relaxed paddle in the serene waters. Pack some light bites and stop along the way to enjoy the sights around you. If you would rather take your adventure by land, explore the nature trail at Lodi Lake Park or venture downtown to Lodi Cyclery to rent gear for an afternoon of biking around the stunning vineyards in Lodi Wine Country!

Plan a Picnic at Micke Grove Park

Pack a picnic or charcuterie box (we love grabbing to-go bites from Cheese Central & Delicious Boards) and plan a romantic afternoon exploring Micke Grove Regional Park. Start at the Japanese Tea Garden to take in the area’s beauty. This is a great spot for a romantic stroll and great conversation. Take in the sounds and sights of this gorgeous respite filled with cherry trees, a Koi pond, and more. After your stroll, unpack your picnic outside of the gates of the Japanese Tea Garden (open food is not permitted inside the garden) and see where the afternoon takes you! With options like the Micke Grove Zoo and the San Joaquin Historical Museum, you can easily spend an entire afternoon on the perfect date.

Downtown Strolls

The tree-lined streets of Downtown Lodi, dotted with incredible shopping and dining, make the perfect backdrop for a romantic stroll. Discover fun boutiques like Earth & Wares for one-of-a-kind vessels and homewares or Her Pretty Things for clothing and fun gifts. Grab a sweet bite at Ruby’s Bakery & Cafe, delicious ice cream and a side of art at Double Dip Gallery, or fill up a basket with all the candy your date desires at Sweet Aftrlife.

Want to shake things up a bit? Take a free Historical Walking Tour of Downtown Lodi, where you and your date can take a step back in time and discover the rich history of Lodi’s historic downtown area. *Pro-tip: Wear your walking shoes and be ready to transport yourself back into time as your guide, fully dawned in suffragette-era clothing, guides you through our exciting Wild West past!

Check out other fun things to discover in our Downtown Lodi blog, which is available here.

Get Creative Together

Looking for a date night that’s unique, interactive, and full of flavor? Skip the usual dinner and drinks and step into the kitchen together at Cheese Central! A cooking class is the perfect way to spice up your night, whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this is a fun, hands-on experience that lets you learn new skills, laugh together, and, best of all—enjoy a delicious meal you created together.

Unleash your creative side at Meet the Maker, where you and your date can create memorable ceramics! Don’t worry if you aren’t a pro; the fun of this is learning along the way. We highly suggest the “One and Done” wheel option, which is perfect for a beginner’s date night. This package includes a guided intro with two clay pieces on the wheel and a trim, glaze, and fire to your instructions. What better way to remember the romantic evening than taking home a one-of-a-kind ceramic that you made together?

Drinks and Bowling

Have some fun competition at Lodi Bowling Lounge & Bar, where their state-of-the-art bowling alley is met with a swanky bar and restaurant lounge to spend the evening laughing, snacking, and bowling the night away.

Delicious Dining

Dinner is the hallmark of any great date night, and Lodi offers an array of stellar dining options to set the perfect mood. If you’re looking for an elegant, multi-course dining experience, Towne House Restaurant is the place to be. Start the evening with craft cocktails and live piano music in the lounge before transitioning to the stunning dining room, where a chef-driven menu is sure to impress your date.

For those who believe Italian cuisine is the way to the heart, Pietro’s Trattoria delivers authentic regional flavors alongside beloved Italian-American classics. If the weather is on your side, opt for a seat in the outdoor garden, where twinkling lights, elegant fountains, and lush greenery create a romantic, intimate ambiance that will make your evening even more special.

Please visit here for a full list of dining options to enjoy on your date night in Lodi.

Whether you are wining and dining your date, or getting out for an afternoon of adventure together, Lodi has everything that you need for an unforgettable experience!