5 Reasons to Visit Lodi Wine Country in California
I recently visited Lodi on a harvest trip hosted by Lodi Wine and Calhoun & Company.
Of course everyone has tried a Lodi Zinfandel, but this hidden gem wine region has so much more to offer than just great wines. I was blown away by the hospitality, history, and people of Lodi.
Spending time with the faces behind one of California's most historically important wine regions allowed me to see how much pride and passion goes into the making of these wines, giving me all the more reason to fall in love with them.
Enjoying a glass of old vine Zinfandel from Harney Lane right in the source - the Lizzie James Vineyard, planted in 1901.
5 Reasons to Visit Lodi Wine Country in California
Lodi is a wine region in Northern California, located about 35 miles south of Sacramento.
While still seemingly undiscovered, Lodi is actually the largest wine-growing region in California, with over 100,000 acres under vine.
Until recently, the area has been known for mass producing grapes to sell to large wine companies. Now, more people are starting to discover this little hidden gem that is Lodi, and the quality wines this region produces.
Here are 5 reasons why you should go wine tasting in Lodi, California.
1. Lodi is home to some of the oldest vines in the world.
Get up close and personal with vines that could tell stories from more than a century ago. They stand alone, with thick trunks and crazy branches - these vines are not like any you’ve seen before.
Some notable ancient vineyards include Bechthold (Cinsault planted in 1886) and Lizzie James (Zinfandel planted in 1901).
This age on a vine results in wines with more depth and complexity, so if you see these vineyards on a wine label, snag that bottle!
120-year-old Zinfandel vine from the Lizzie James Vineyard in Lodi, California.
2. Lodi is the birthplace for much of California’s winemaking history.
While Lodi hosts less than 100 wineries, it’s actually California’s largest winegrowing region. Wine grapes have been planted here since the mid-1800’s, and you’ll meet many people who are 6th generation winegrowers.
Fun fact: Lodi is the hometown of Robert Mondavi. While he made a name for himself in Napa Valley, he also started Lodi’s Woodbridge Winery in 1979.
If you want to learn the real history of California winemaking, this is a great place to start.
Sunrise over the Primitivo vines at Michael David Winery’s Bare Ranch Vineyard in Lodi, California.
3. The people you’ll meet in Lodi will welcome you with open arms.
Most establishments in Lodi are family-owned, and the local comradery is contagious. Everyone seems to be proud of their home, and most people are happy to answer any questions you have.
When you visit a winery, you’ll meet the actual family members or the winemakers behind the wines you’re tasting. They might even make you feel like you’re part of the family and prepare you a home-cooked meal!
Overall, Lodi is a relaxed environment, and wine snobs wouldn’t last long here.
Mother-daughter team, Mindy Kearney and Michele Ouellet Benson, of Lorenza Rosé
4. Lodi produces great quality wines for reasonable prices.
While you’ve most likely tried a Zinfandel from Lodi, there are actually over 100 grape varieties planted in the region.
With its Mediterranean climate, Lodi seems to thrive with grapes that are also grown in Italy, Southern France, and Spain. Some of the unique wines that I didn’t expect to see there were Albariño, Kerner, Graciano, Cinsault, Sangiovese, and Barbera, to name a few.
The QPR (quality to price ratio) of Lodi wine is off the charts.
Wine tasting in the barrel room at Bokisch Vineyards in Lodi.
5. Lodi is a hidden gem with less crowds than other california wine regions.
Since Lodi is still undiscovered, you won’t run into the same crowds you might in other wine tasting destinations. This also means tasting room prices are lower, and your accommodations will be generally more affordable.
Get there while it’s still flying under the radar!
Harvesting Primitivo grapes at Michael David Winery’s Bare Ranch Vineyard in Lodi, California.
Best Wineries to Visit in Lodi
Bokisch Vineyards - Husband and wife team, Markus and Liz Bokisch, producing excellent Spanish varieties. The head winemaker, Elyse Perry, is a force to be reckoned with.
Acquiesce Winery - White wines inspired by the Rhone Valley and crafted by Sue Tipton.
Peltier Winery - Loved their wines, and the winemaker, Susy Vasquez, is the cutest!
Harney Lane - Husband and wife team, Kyle and Jorja Lerner, continuing their family heritage of wine-farming and now producing excellent wines. A great opportunity to taste Zinfandel from the historic Lizzie James Vineyard.
Michael David Winery - A true icon of Lodi. You may have tasted their 7 Deadly Zins or Petit Petit before, but the winery is a peaceful setting to hang out in all day. Enjoy one of their woodfired pizzas, and don’t forget a fresh pie for the road!
Best Lodi Wines to Try
If you don’t have a trip planned soon, you can still taste through the region. Here are some of my top wines to try from Lodi.
Selection of local wines at Guantonio’s restaurant in Lodi.
Best Restaurants in Lodi
Guantonio’s - Amazing pizza + salads made with local, seasonal produce. They also have a selection of natural wines and soft serve that you don’t want to miss!
Pietro’s - Homestyle Italian cooking. I was also impressed with their use of local ingredients and the overall vibe was very comforting.
Ignis Provisions Co. - They aren’t necessarily a restaurant, but we had a dinner catered by them and it was delicious, so I had to give them a shout-out.
“Women in Wine” wine pairing dinner in Lodi prepared by Ignis Provisions Co. Hamachi Crudo paired with Acquiesce Belle Blanc.
If you’ve been to Lodi before, drop your recommendations below!
Special thanks to everyone who made this trip possible, especially Lodi Wine and Calhoun & Company.
P.S. Did you know that my virtual and in-person wine tastings are completely customizable? If you want to learn more about wine, book a wine tasting with me or check out my Wine Tasting Club to join our community of wine lovers.
Ready to further your wine education? Enroll in a WSET class today and use code LexiStephens for a discount.
