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Loving Lodi California Wine Country

Sherianne Higgins·
CaliforniaFood and Wine
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Loving Lodi California Wine Country

Lodi California Wine Country is 1.5 hours east of San Francisco in the San Joaquin Valley. Credence Clearwater Rival wrote a song about Lodi and Sons of Anarchy referenced the town often, but did you know Lodi is a major player in California’s wine industry? It’s True! In fact, Wine Enthusiast named it the Wine Region of the Year in 2015. The area has a Mediterranean climate and is situated geographically for natural temperature control.

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Viaggio Estate and Winery Lodi California Wine Country
Viaggio Estate and Winery

Lodi produces 600,000 tons of wine grapes each year. It is the Zin Capital of the World and produces 40% of California’s Zinfandel. 75 varietals are grown in Lodi California Wine Country, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc.  There are 85+ Wineries and 70+ Tasting Rooms. These are 4th and 5th generation family winemakers. They care deeply and participate in sustainability programs. Lodi California is a small town of 60,000, it is comfortable and relaxed. Lodi is very much a community. Everyone is connected, they know and support one another.  Lodi California Wine Country is a must-visit for wine lovers!

Behind the Wine in Lodi California Wine Country

I winery hopped via Sip and Shuttle and it was so much fun! While I ‘sipped back and enjoyed the ride’, I learned all about the geography of the area, the grapes, and the community. We also played trivia games to win free wine tastings.  For example, if you were asked: What country produces the most wine? and excitedly answered: France, you would get a free tasting card. You’re welcome!

Lodi Visitor Center Lodi California Wine Country things to do three day itinerary
Lodi Visitor Center

Our first stop was the Lodi Visitor Center. This is a must-stop in the area. You will be educated about the wine and can partake in tastings. You will then be referred to wineries in the area based on your preferences. They will even give you a map.

Next, we visited Acquiesce for a tasting of premium white wines. Not only was the wine superb, but the pairings were also amazing! Do not miss the 2016 Grenache Blanc paired with Gouda Thyme Cracker with Violet Flower Confit… HEAVEN! They even make their own crackers… and will share the recipe! Have I mentioned yet that I love Lodi?

The final Sip and Shuttle stop was M2 Wines. Their tagline is: intelligent. accessible. slightly outspoken. First, their wine is amazing. Then there’s the owner, you NEED to spend some time with the owner, preferably after a couple glasses of wine. He summed M2 up best when he stated he “didn’t want to make a fake Italian Villa with a parking lot. This place is young, artsy, and full of energy”.

I was lucky to spend the evening with the owners of Viaggio Estate and Winery. Of course, there was more wine and only praise to be given. I was served a fabulous dinner any food blogger would die for and took a tour of the grounds. If I lived in the area I would spend lazy afternoons on their patio, next to the river, sipping wine and eating wood-fired pizza FOR SURE. And, if you are ever looking to hold an event in Lodi California Wine Country, check this place out and look no further.

Behind the Vineyard Lodi California Wine Country

Sons of Anarchy was set in a fictional town between Lodi and Stockton; the town’s name was Charming. I have a theory the producers came up with the name after spending some time in Lodi because it is CHARMING!  Downtown Lodi is four tree-lined blocks of boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, and tasting rooms. Stop in the visitor center for more information and current events.

Main Street Lodi California Wine Country things to do three day itinerary
Main Street

Grab a coffee or gelato at School Grounds and go explore Lodi’s history through murals, you can pick up a free map at the visitors center.

Stop in Cheese Central for a picnic lunch, Cindy knows her cheese and creates AMAZING pairings.

Spend some time on the water and go kayaking on Lodi Lake. Or fish. Or paddleboard. You can even inner tube down the river.

Check out Lodi’s food truck scene, I highly recommend the Cajun Shrimp Sandwich and Pesto Fries from A Movable Feast.

Enjoy a root beer float at the birthplace of A&W Root Beer while exploring memorabilia.

Have dinner at the Dancing Fox. This is a family-run winery, restaurant, bakery, and brewery. Ask them to tell you the story behind their labeling. I highly recommend the Mandarin Almond Salad and Veggie Twist Wood Fired Pizza.

Listen to music at Scotto’s Wine and Cider. While you are there try a flight of Cider, you won’t be disappointed.

Visit Olive Drop for a tasting. I fell in love with the owner, the grounds, and the product. This is a must-stop, everything I tasted was outstanding and I brought three home.

Pick blueberries at K&S Blueberries, they are soo good.

Check the Lodi Wine Country website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.

Bookmark and Pin Lodi California Wine Country

A huge thank you to Lodi Conference & Visitors Bureau for hosting me in Lodi. As always, all opinions are my own.

Plan Your Trip to Lodi California Wine Country

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24 Responses

  1. I’m happy to read the positive comments about my hometown! Born and raised in Lodi I worked on my Grandfather’s ranch which included wine grapes. I’m a proud 5th Generation Lodian. I now reside 30 miles north in Sacramento but spend most weekends in Lodi with my large family and network of friends. Lodi was basically a growing region for the big boys like Gallo & Mondavi. The late great Robert Mondavi built a winery here in the 70’s (Now known as Woodbridge Winery) because he knew the quality of Lodi grapes since he grew up in Lodi. Finally in the early 80’s one renegade, David Lucas of Lucas Winery, started his own boutique winery. Most old timers were happy to have long term contracts with Gallo & Mondavi and thought he was crazy. Slowly, and I mean very slowly, the new generation of growers realized they could still sell to the big boys and start their own winery. Today these early adopters are in their 60’s & 70’s. Most are 3rd, 4th, & 5th generation growers, and now winery owners. Great examples of these old Lodi families are the Phillips family of Micheal-David Winery, Lange Twins Winery, the Hoffman’s of Heritage Oak, the Felton’s of Kilnker Brick, and the Mettler-Lerner’s of Harney Lane just to name a few. You won’t find big crowds or crazy tasting fees like Napa-Sonoma here. Don’t be surprised to be waited on by the grower-owner or winemaker in the tasting room. Visit lodiwine.com for a winery list and check out their facebook pages and websites for upcoming events. Hit me up on twitter for any tips!

  2. I love exploring wineries and tasting all the different wines. I am from a wine region in New Zealand so it’s my favourite hobby 😉

  3. I’ve lived in California almost my whole life and have never heard of Lodi! It looks like such a quaint place to be. I feel like everyone just goes to Napa instead for wine. Would be nice to try something different

  4. I’ll admit, I’ve never even hard of Lodi Wine Country! But I LOVE California wine so it’s definitely going on my list. What a beautiful and charming area! Thanks for sharing and happy travels 🙂

  5. Lodi looks like a great place for wine tasting and seeing vineyards. I loved the first picture of sculpture couple holding wine and grapes. Apart wine, the place has so much else too offer and it has already excited me. Will love to visit it for sure.

  6. Wine tours are just so exciting! Especially for those who love culinary travel.
    They give a perfect reason to unwind, relax and EAT and DRINK! 🙂 Nice to see there’s more to this place than wine and cheese. Love Kayaking! 🙂 Definitely going to try that out.

  7. Hi Sherianne,

    Pesto fries! Delicious. I do recall the Sons references and know it was based in that general region. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Ryan

  8. I’ve drank a lot of Zins from Lodi, but never made it out there for winery visits and tastings. The downtown looks really nice, and love that you can go kayaking and tubing nearby as well. There are quite a few new producers in that region, thanks to its cheaper real estate cost compared to the craziness of Napa/Sonoma. Next time I’m in Northern California, I need to visit!

  10. Such a fine and tasty adventure. I love your enthusiasm and Lodi looks likes so much fun. Have to confess the A&W memorabilia alone would have me turning towards Lodi. Big fan growing up.

  11. This is so much full of fun and excitement with all that wine and cheese. 🙂 Looks like a excellent weekend getaway! Sometimes I like the wineyards more than the wine. 🙂

  12. What a fun way to explore wine country. I learned a lot from this post as I’d never even heard of Lodi before. Clearly I need to watch more Sons of Anarchy!

  13. Sounds elegant and exquisite. Wine tasting and a good meal always pair themselves up perfectly! I have been to the Nappa Valley and seems now I have to explore some places new on the state! @ knycx.journeying

  14. What a delicious place to visit! I love a good winery weekend. Especially when paired with really good food.

  15. FOR SURE if I lived in the area I would spend many lazy afternoons sipping wine and hanging with the producers. What a gorgeous and tasty part of the world. ?

  16. Lodi sounds like a perfect place for a getaway. The wine and the food look so delicious. I wanna be there!

  17. Lodi is not the first place I think of when I think of wine, but it looks amazing! Were in Oregon, so well have to make a trip down for some wine tasting! 🙂

  19. You can’t beat a good wine tour! I did a cycling one in South Africa once, but I’m not sure cycling and wine are such a great combination!! Having a shuttle service sounds much more sensible, and this looks to be the perfect experience.

  20. I’m a certified wine geek and really appreciate this! Lodi sounds like the perfect wine tasting site that’s not overrun with tourists but also serves some of the best wine in the world, CA Zin! Yummy! Lodi’s now on the list. 🙂

  21. This looks like a beautiful area. I love that wine, great food and good old A & W (which I have not enjoyed in years) is featured in your article. I’m also ready to go pick some fresh blueberries, you have my mouth watering!

  22. I first learned about Lodi about a year ago when I visited Paso Robles. I was saying how much I loved zinfandels and that I wanted to avoid the crowds at Napa…so it’s so great to hear another opinion saying Lodi is the place to be! Can’t wait to check it out sometime.

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