When most of us think of California wine country, the first places that come to mind are most likely Napa and Sonoma. Some might not even realize that California is actually home to 139 AVA’s (American Viticultural Areas).

While it’s the largest winegrowing region in California (it’s twice the size of Napa Valley!), Lodi is one of the west coast’s most underrated wine regions. It’s the source for many grapes added to the blends of large Napa and Sonoma wines, but Lodi is still building its reputation as an independent, must-visit wine region.

Home to some of the oldest vines in California, Lodi is the birthplace for much of California’s wine scene (and also birthplace of the wine icon, Robert Mondavi). Not only do these old, powerful vines root Lodi in the state’s history of wine, but they also produce incredibly complex, age-worthy wines, namely from Zinfandel.

If you’re interested in visiting Lodi, it’s a great spot for a chill, affordable wine tasting adventure. I emphasize “chill” because this region is not a place for party buses and bachelorette parties. Often when you visit a Lodi winery, you’ll be greeted by the winemakers themselves and probably pay no more than $20 for a tasting. Compared to Napa’s $50+ tasting flights, that’s a steal.

But even if you’re not on a budget, you’ll fall in love with Lodi’s small-town hospitality and discover some wine gems you probably didn’t know existed.

The 5 Best Wineries to Visit in Lodi, California

Planning a wine tasting trip to Lodi can be tough, considering there are more than 85 wineries in the region. I’ve narrowed down a list of five of the best wineries to visit in Lodi and I’m also sharing some tips on how to get there and where to stay.

If you’re planning a trip to Lodi, you’ll also want to bookmark this post for a list of the best restaurants in Lodi and more Lodi wines to try.

Where is Lodi?

Lodi is located in the middle of California’s Central Valley, between the San Francisco Bay and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Getting there might seem like you’re driving into the middle of nowhere, but if you follow this guide, you’ll discover some hidden gems most people don’t know exist there.

There are seven sub-AVA’s within Lodi, each with unique microclimates and soils.

lodi ava wine map — Map courtesy of Lodi Wine

How to get to Lodi

If you’re flying, it’s easiest to fly into the Sacramento Airport (SMF) and drive about an hour south to Lodi. You’ll want to rent a car to get around to the wineries, so you might as well pick one up at the airport.

Where to stay in Lodi

The “city” center of Lodi isn’t huge, but you’ll want to stay somewhere central to easily get around to the wineries and restaurants.

I enjoyed staying at the Wine and Roses Hotel, which is conveniently attached to the Lodi Wine Visitor Center. You can even pop in there for a glass upon arrival to get your wine weekend getaway started.

where to stay in lodi california — Image courtesy of Wine and Roses Hotel

What wine is Lodi known for?

Lodi is most famous for its Zinfandel; however, there are over one hundred grape varieties planted here, so I’d say there’s something for everyone.

The region is known for being home to the oldest vines in California, including the Bechthold Vineyard (Cinsault planted in 1886) and Lizzie James Vineyard (Zinfandel planted in 1901).

Other styles of wine you’ll find in Lodi include those made from Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Petit Sirah, Albariño, Grenache, and more.

old vines in lodi ca — Old vine Zinfandel in the Lizzie James vineyard

Best Wineries to Visit in Lodi

Now that you’ve figured out how to get to Lodi, it’s time to start planning your itinerary. Here are five must-visit wineries in Lodi.

Tasting room at Bokisch Vineyards in Lodi

1. Bokisch Vineyards

This family-owned winery specializes in wines made form Spanish grape varieties, including Graciano, Verdejo, Albariño, and Garnacha.

Husband and wife team, Markus and Liz Bokisch, began producing these unique wines in the early 2000’s as tribute to their Spanish heritage. Led by head winemaker, Elyse Perry, Bokisch Vineyards farms organically and sustainably in the Clement Hills AVA of Lodi.

Visit the Bokisch Vineyards tasting room for a flight of current releases, take a vineyard tour, or enjoy their “Sunset Sippin’” series with live music and wine.

Image on the left courtesy of Lodi Winegrape Commission

2. Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards

Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards is unique amongst most Lodi wineries because they only produce white and rosé wines. After falling in love with Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc, Sue Tipton was inspired to craft premium wines from white Rhone varieties.

Tipton works with unique grapes like Grenache Blanc, Picpoul Blanc, Roussanne, Viognier, Clairette Blanche, Bourboulenc, and more. She was recently awarded the well-deserved title of Best Woman Winemaker of 2022 at the International Women’s Wine Competition.

If you’re visiting Lodi in the summer, this is the perfect stop for a refreshing break from the big, bold reds. Stop by Acquiesce’s tasting barn and take in the 18 acres of vineyard views.

Image on the left courtesy of Peltier Winery

3. Peltier Winery

Husband and wife, Rodney and Gayla Schatz, established Peltier Winery in 2001. Rodney is a third generation winegrower and he fulfilled his dream of owning his own vineyard after meeting his wife and co proprietor, Gayla. The two seized the opportunity to make their own wines during a year of surplus grapes, when many boutique wineries began in Lodi.

Today, winemaking is led by Susana Rodriguez Vasquez, who is originally from Bolivia. Susy crafts incredible white and red wines, and I especially love her sparkling wines.

Visit Peltier for a tasting on the patio, or grab a key card to pour yourself some tastings from their WineStations.

4. Harney Lane Winery

Husband and wife duo, Kyle and Jorja Lerner, have continued their family heritage of wine-farming and are now producing excellent wines. Still family-owned and operated, Harney Lane specializes in old vine Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Sirah, and Albariño using.

The beautiful tasting room and shaded gardens are the perfect setting to enjoy a wine-filled afternoon. This is also a great opportunity to taste Zinfandel from the historic Lizzie James Vineyard (planted in 1901).

Visit Harney Lane Winery for a Home Ranch tasting and tour, or grab a bottle to enjoy in the peaceful gardens.

5. Michael David Winery

This is a must-stop for your next trip to Lodi. If you’ve tried wine from Lodi before, chances are you’ve tasted a Michael David wine. If not, I’m sure you’d recognize some of their eclectic and iconic wine labels, like Freakshow or Petit Petit.

Michael David Winery is known for putting Lodi on the radar as its own wine region, so you can’t miss a stop to this historically important place.

You could spend an entire afternoon here, enjoying wine and delicious wood fired pizza, and relaxing in the garden, surrounded by tranquil fountains. Don’t forget to pick up a freshly baked pie from the cafe and bakery.

I hope this list helps you decide which wineries to visit in Lodi and inspires you to explore this hidden gem wine region of California! If you’re planning a trip, check out this post for some of the best restaurants in Lodi and more Lodi wines to try.

Be sure to join our Wine Tasting Club that allows you to connect with wine lovers around the world and be a part of at least two virtual wine tastings per month (plus so many more perks)! You can also check out our upcoming sommelier-led virtual and in-person wine tasting events or book a private wine tasting experience here.

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