13 Best Lodi Wineries to Visit [+a Bonus]

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If you’re a wine lover visiting California, you won’t want to miss the Lodi wine region. Located just a short drive from Sacramento, Lodi is home to over 85 wineries and over a hundred thousand acres of vineyards, making it one of the most prolific wine destinations in the state. With its Mediterranean climate and diverse soil types, Lodi is known for producing some of the best Zinfandel wines in the world.

When you visit Lodi wineries, you’ll have the opportunity to taste a variety of wines, including Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and many others. Just because they focus on Zinfandel doesn’t limit the number of other grapes being grown there. You might find yourself surprised!

Lodi wineries and vineyards

Many of the wineries offer tastings and some tours, giving you a chance to learn about the winemaking process and the history of the region. And with so many wineries to choose from, you can hit up some small, family-owned wineries alongside bigger modern wineries.

To help you plan your visit, we’ve put together a list of the top Lodi wineries to visit. These are some of the best places to taste and learn about wine in the region. We’ve been to them all ourselves and can personally vouch for the quality of the wine and experience. So grab a glass and get ready to explore the world of Lodi wine.

Key Takeaways

  • Lodi is a top wine destination in California, known for producing some of the best Zinfandel wines in the world.
  • When you visit Lodi wineries, you’ll have the opportunity to taste a variety of wines and learn about the winemaking process and the history of the region.
  • We’ve put together a list of the top Lodi wineries to visit, from family-owned vineyards to large-scale wineries, to help you plan your visit.
Lodi Downtown

Where is Lodi & How to Get There

Lodi is a small town in California’s Central Valley, located just a short drive from Sacramento and San Francisco. It’s a great destination for a weekend getaway, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and attractions to explore. Lodi is also known for its friendly and welcoming community, small and down-to-earth.

Lodi has a rich history of winemaking that dates back to the 1850s. The region’s winemaking traditions were first established by early settlers who recognized the potential of the area’s fertile soil and Mediterranean climate. The first commercial winery in Lodi was established in 1858 by a German immigrant named Johann Sutter.

To get there, you can fly into Sacramento and drive about 45 minutes south to Lodi. If you need to rent a car, we suggest booking through Discover Cars to get the best deal from all the rental companies. You can also drive from San Francisco or San Jose in 1 hour 30 minutes, or from Los Angeles in 5 hours 30 minutes.

Why Visit Lodi Wineries

While you might not have heard a ton about Lodi – which seems to perpetually be living in the shadow of its more famous neighbors (I’m looking at you, Sonoma and Napa) – it’s home to some great wineries, producing high-quality wines that are gaining recognition from top wine critics. The warm Mediterranean climate, combined with the fertile soil, provides an ideal environment for growing a diverse range of wine grape varieties.

The region is home to over 100,000 acres of wine grapes farmed by 700+ growers, making it the largest winegrowing region in California, twice the size of Napa Valley. Despite its size, Lodi is still an underrated wine region that is building its reputation as an independent, must-visit wine destination.

I’ll admit that we put off a trip to Lodi ourselves while in pursuing the best wine regions in California, but we found that there are many great reasons to visit Lodi wineries, and we even found reasons why Lodi is better for visitors than other California regions. Stick with me here.

Lizzy James Vineyard
Lizzy James Vineyard

Quality Wines

Lodi’s climate and soil are ideal for growing a wide variety of grapes, resulting in high-quality wines that are rich in flavor and aroma. The region is known for producing old vine Zinfandel, obviously, but the Lodi Viticultural Area is vastly prolific. There are over 125 grape varieties planted in the region.

According to multi-award winning wine journalist, Randy Caparoso, “Simply put, this is where the California wine industry sources most of the grapes going into wines sold for $10 and under, which is about 74% of all the wine sold in the U.S. […] Lodi also furnishes a huge percentage of grapes going into premium priced (anything above $10) California wines.”

The Lodi Winegrape Commission received the California State Fair’s Wine Lifetime Achievement Award for its contributions to the wine industry. The commission has also been recognized by the Wine Business Monthly as one of the Top 10 Wine Industry Organizations in North America.

Style and Variety

Lodi is also home to the Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA), which is one of the best known in the country. The AVA is made up of seven sub-appellations, each with its own unique characteristics.

Lodi wineries offer a diverse range of wine styles, from bold and complex reds to crisp and refreshing whites. Many Lodi wineries also offer red wine blends and dessert and Port-style wines, as well as unique varietals that are exclusive to the region, like Vermentino, Picpoul, and Pinotage, to name but a few.

Wine Country Experience

Lodi is a charming and picturesque wine country destination, with rolling hills, vineyards, and wineries dotting the landscape. Visiting Lodi wineries is not just about tasting wine, but also about experiencing the beauty and culture of the region. Many wineries offer tours, tastings, and events that allow you to learn about the winemaking process and the history of the region.

The only thing that Lodi doesn’t have that other regions, like Temecula Wine Country, do is winery restaurants and hotels. Their zoning laws prohibit it at the time of writing. I still hold out hope that this will change in the future.

Where to Stay in Lodi

Wine & Roses Hotel

Wine & Roses hotel
Wine & Roses hotel
Wine & Roses hotel
Wine & Roses hotel

Lodi offers a range of hotels to suit any budget, but we highly recommend the Wine & Roses Hotel, Restaurant, and Spa as the best option in town. Not only is it a locally owned Lodi business, it offers a very comfortable luxury stay, and it has every amenity you might want, including a pool, restaurant, spa, easy access to the wine visitor center, the Towne Corner Cafe & Market, beautiful grounds, and a few EV charging spots.

We stayed for 5 very lovely days. We had everything we needed. We got breakfast and coffee at Towne Corner, did some wine tasting at the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center on site, swam in the afternoons, and had a great dinner at Towne House Restaurant. I can’t see staying anywhere else in Lodi.

Top Lodi Wineries to Visit

Harney Lane Vineyards

Harney Lane
harney lane winery
Harney lane outdoor area
Lizzy James Vineyard
Lizzy James Vineyard

Harney Lane Winery is a 5th-generation family-owned winery that has been growing grapes since 1907 on their beautiful property on Harney Lane and started making their own 100% estate-grown wine in 2006.

They feature a stunning old vine Zinfandel from the Lizzy James Vineyard that was planted in 1904, but also produce two lovely Chardonnays, an Albarino, Rose, and a few others. One of the many wines we really enjoyed was the Patriarch’s Promise, which is made from a grape that was planted years ago by George Mettler, the Patriarch of the family. Although this grape doesn’t grow well in the area, they’ve kept it and continue to make this wine in honor of George. You can try to guess the grape varietal, but they keep that a secret.

The tasting room is located on the property of their historic Home Ranch farmhouse and offers a modern and inviting atmosphere, with a large garden full of cozy seating areas with Adirondack chairs, and plenty of shade for those hot summer days.

Address: 9010 E Harney Ln, Lodi, CA 95240
Hours: 11am to 5pm everyday

Michael David Winery

Michael David tasting room
Michael David wines
Freak Show wine display

Michael David Winery, established in 1984, is known for producing bold and flavorful wines and they are particularly well-known for their Zinfandels and Petite Sirahs. You may have heard of the 7 Deadly Zins, which you can readily purchase at most stores. Released in 2002, it was named for the 7 different old vine zinfandel that were blended into the wine. In 2018, it was bought by The Wine Group, and Michael David Winery turned its attention to their Freakshow, Earthquake, Petite-Petit, and other lines.

The tasting room is located in a converted 100-year-old barn and offers a rustic and charming atmosphere. Michael David Winery has previously been named Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast. During our visit on a Saturday, it was quite busy, but we were hosted by Danny in the member’s tasting lounge, and he expertly took us through a guided tasting that blew us away.

While you’re there, be sure to try the Bechthold vineyard Cinsault (the oldest planted vineyard on the Jessie’s Grove property, but managed by Michael David), and the Earthquake Zinfandel, from grapes planted in 1906, named after the 1906 earthquake in the area.

Address: 4580 CA-12, Lodi, CA 95242
Hours: 8am to 5pm daily

Bokisch Vineyards

Bokish wine tasting
Bokish wine
Bokish seating

Bokisch Vineyards is a family-owned winery that specializes in Spanish varietals. Markus Bokisch and his wife Liz founded the winery in 1999 and have been producing award-winning wines and welcoming visitors to their gorgeous vineyards in the scenic Clements Hills ever since.

If you’re looking for a winery with a great view for a tasting and perhaps a light picnic lunch, this is the place to go. They even have some charcuterie for sale, including cheeses from Cheese Central in town. The lawn overlooking the vines is arranged with plenty of comfortable covered seating, with a nice breeze blowing through.

Their vineyards are sustainably farmed according to the Lodi Rules program and they use minimal intervention in the winemaking process to let the grapes speak for themselves. We loved the Garnacha Blanca, Trencadis, and Albarino.

They also have a special wine and cheese experience with 3 cheeses paired with wines for $25. There are two wine flights to choose from, the Clasico menu for $15 or the Reserva tasting for $25 (refundable with a 2-bottle purchase).

Address: 18921 Atkins Rd, Lodi, CA 95240
Hours: 11am to 5pm everyday

St. Amant Winery

St. Amant wines
St. Amant
St. Amant port

St. Amant Winery is a boutique winery that was founded by Tim and Barbara Spencer in 1979. Now owner and winemaker Stuart Spencer is dedicated to producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of Lodi and because of that the wines have a great balance and elegance.

Although the winery is in a more industrial setting in town, it doesn’t disappoint in terms of experience. We had a great tasting with Nate, who cheerfully shared stories and antidotes of the winery and Lodi in general. They began focusing on port-style wines, but were thwarted by phylloxera.

Tim worked out a deal with the Lodi Winegrape Commission for area growers to bring them 2 tons of grapes in exchange for 25 cases of the wine made from it. They would then keep the rest for themselves. They had many takers from this deal and it helped them thrive to this day.

The tasting room is small and unassuming, but you also don’t need reservations. Just rock up to the bar and do a tasting. There are many great wines on the list, like the Mohr-Fry Old Vine Zinfandel and The Bootleg Society Cabernet Sauvignon. We were really blown away by many of the wines.

Address: 1 Winemaster Way, Lodi, CA 95240
Hours: Thursday – Monday: 11AM– 4PM

Acquiesce Winery

Acquiesce Winery
Acquiesce tasting
Acquiesce grapes

Acquiesce Winery is the only winery in Lodi we visited that specializes in white wines, breaking the mold in a region predominantly known for Zinfandels. Rhône varietals like Grenache Blanc and Viognier grace the palate, showing off their finesse and sophistication, and in the most beautiful bottles, as well.

The winery’s tasting room is housed in a renovated barn that oozes rustic charm. The barn was redesigned for the tasting room after the owner and winemaker, Sue, decided to expand operations, after 6 years of making just a small amount of cases and consistently selling out. Now she makes just over 4,000 cases a year and sells only direct to consumer from the wine tasting room.

Something else we really enjoyed about this winery is the elevated tasting experience that pairs 4 of their award-winning wines with savory bites. It’s a fun way to appreciate the balance between food and wine.

You can visit Thursday through Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm; just remember, they’re quite popular, so it’s a good idea to book your tasting appointment in advance, to ensure they have the proper amount of food. Our favorite wines were the Belle Blanc, Picpoul, and Grenache Blanc, but I don’t think you can go wrong with any. They’re all very good. They also have a few sparkling wines!

Address: 22353 N Tretheway Rd, Acampo, CA 95220
Hours: Thursday – Sunday 11am to 5pm

Jessie’s Grove Winery

Jessie's Grove Cinsault Rose
Jessie’s Grove Cinsault Rose
Jessie's Grove Tasting Room
Jessie's Grove Cinsault

By now, you’ve read a few things about Jessie’s Grove Winery and hopefully your interest is piqued. It is a Lodi staple with vines that have been part of the landscape since the 19th century. The family history is enchanting. So a visit to this winery is about more than just tasting wine. It’s also a history lesson.

In fact, the deed for the original purchase of the land by Joseph Spenker, back in 1886, was signed by Ulysses S. Grant, and is hanging on the wall in the tasting room, that has recently been renovated in a more modern style. Upon Spenker’s passing, his daughter Jessie took over management of the vineyard and kept the tradition alive, until her granddaughter Wanda and her husband Al Bechthold took over. In 1994, Jessie’s great grandson, Greg, became the 5th generation to farm the land. He’s now also the winemaker.

The winery serves up reds like Zinfandel, Carignane, Merlot, and Petite Sirah that taste like sips of California heritage. That lauded Bechthold cinsault vineyard can be found at the back of the property. It definitely lives up to the hype.

The estate also hosts occasional concerts and events, making it a cultural cornerstone in Lodi’s wine community.

Address: 1973 W Turner Rd
Hours: 12 pm and 5 pm everyday

Intercoastal Vineyards

Intercoastal
Intercoastal wines
Intercoastal bottles

Intercoastal Vineyards is Lodi’s curveball. If you’re the type who enjoys the unexpected, you’ll appreciate their experimental approach to winemaking, from unique blends to varietals that take advantage of Lodi’s versatile terroir.

A great example of this is their Pinotage Bianco, which is a rare white wine made with the typically red Pinotage grape. They also have a Rose of Pinotage, if you love that varietal as much as we do. And another surprising one is the Teroldego, a Northern Italian varietal that you don’t see much outside of Italy. They also have a few sparkling wines made in the méthode champenoise.

Rachele and Mitch Spaletta, the owners, have a deep passion for farming and winemaking that truly shows in the wine. The signature “S” on their label represents both the curves of the waterways along the vineyards and their family name. Their motto, “Embrace Every Moment” can also be found printed on every bottle of their roughly 12,000-case annual production.

When you visit, you’ll be able to pick 5 wines to try from the current list, however difficult that might be. They have a nice seating area outside, as well as some tables around the tanks inside, for a more immersive experience. I also suggest checking out their events page in case you’re lucky enough to visit during one of their fun events.

Address: 13731 N. Highway 88
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 11:00AM – 5:00PM

Lucas Winery

Lucas Winery
Lucas winery
Lucas Winery

The Lucas Winery is one of the oldest wineries in Lodi, when David Lucas opened the winery in 1978. Through the years, he became a pioneer and legend of Lodi wine.

Together, David and his wife, Heather Pyle Lucas, both having worked for many years for Robert Mondavi’s wineries, started to diversify their offerings to include Chardonnay along with their famous old vine Zinfandel from the ZinStar vineyard on their property.

A guided tasting at Lucas Winery is a full-service experience. You’ll be given a short history of the Lucas Winery, then taken for a walk in the historic ZinStar vineyard. Tasting the wine amidst the grapes, especially just before harvest, is a truly special thing. Then you’ll be shown the Grand Chai, their barrel room, before finishing up in the tasting room with a Late Harvest Dessert Wine and dark chocolate pairing. The cost is $20 and includes a complimentary glass to take home.

Our favorite wine, among many, at Lucas Winery was the CTZN Zinfandel from the Nova vineyard, which has thicker skins than the ZinStar and thus makes a punchier wine. The Estate Chardonnay is bright and fresh, perfectly balanced.

Address: 18196 N. Davis Road, Lodi, CA
Hours: Thursday-Sunday 11:00-4:30. Make a reservation online.

Jeremy Wine Co.

Jeremy Wines
Jeremy vineyard
Jeremy downtown tasting room

Jeremy Wine Co. serves up a relaxed experience that pairs well with its bold, fruit-forward wines. There are two locations you can visit – the winery in Lockeford and the tasting room downtown. This is great for visitors who maybe don’t have time to get out to the winery itself. Think of it as the winery equivalent of a friendly neighborhood pub.

The vines in the Jeremy vineyard date back to the early 1920s – more of that distinctive old vine Zinfandel we love so much. It’s on the tasting menu along with other favorites, like the Budbreak Blend, Gentleman Blend, and Sangiovese. For whites, they’ve got an Albarino, Chardonnay, and even a few sweet whites, which isn’t something you typical find.

In both locations you can do a seated flight of 3 2-ounce pours for $10, or enjoy by the glass or bottle. You can sit inside among the barrels or outside on the patio.

Address: 6 W. Pine St, Lodi, CA 95240, and 16750 CA-88, Lockeford, CA 95237
Hours: Both locations open daily 12pm – 5pm

Van Ruiten Family Winery

Van Ruiten
Van Ruiten 1906
Van Ruiten barrel room

Van Ruiten Family Winery is a family-owned winery that produces a variety of wines, including Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Chardonnay. The tasting room is located in a historic building that was once a fruit packing shed. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, making it a great place to relax and enjoy some wine.

We had the pleasure of speaking in depth with the winemaker, Duane Dappen, and tasting through their extensive lineup. All but the Montepulciano grapes are grown by the family on their 800 acres of wine grapes. For me, the stand out is the 1906 Ancient Vine Blend, which is a blend of Zinfandel and Carignane, both from vines planted in the iconic year of 1906, when the area suffered a major earthquake.

Making about 12,000 cases a year, there are many varietals to try during a tasting, and you can choose 5 wines from their two lists – Family label wines and reserves. Be sure to try the Chenin Blanc and Old Vine Zinfandel on the Family list and the Happy Holmes Syrah off the reserves list.

As a bit of history, Happy Holmes was the name of the dairy that John Van Ruiten Sr. bought just after WWII that began the history of the Van Ruiten wine legacy.

Address: 340 W Hwy 12, Lodi, CA 95242
Hours: 11am to 5pm every day

Klinker Brick Winery

Klinker Brick Winery
Klinker Brick Winery
Klinker Brick Winery

Klinker Brick Winery is known for producing award-winning Zinfandels. Their Grenache Blanc was recognized by Wine Spectator as one of the Top 100 Wines in 2020. The winery’s old vine Zinfandel has also been awarded a score of 90 points or higher by Wine Spectator for several years in a row.

Steve and Lori Felten, fifth generation grape growers, decided to start making their own wines with the grapes from the one vine Zinfandel vineyards that their ancestors planted in the early 1900s, rather than sending it off to private wineries elsewhere and we’re all glad they did.

They produce other varietals, like Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, but the Old Ghost award winning old vine zin is the star of the show.

The tasting room is located in a beautiful Mediterranean-style building and offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. On the weekends, you can pre-order a charcuterie board to try with your wines.

Address: 15887 N. Alpine Road, Lodi, CA 95240
Hours: 11am to 5pm every day

Calivines

Calivines Tasting Room
Calivines Tasting Room
Calivines Tasting Room

Calivines Winery and Olive Oil is an experience you won’t want to miss. This boutique winery is has an intriguing twist. Unlike establishments that solely focus on grape-to-glass creations, Calivines merges the worlds of exquisite wines and premium olive oils, providing a multifaceted tasting journey. This duality gives Calivines its unique character.

The winery itself has both rows of vines and olive trees. The modern winery/olive mill has a very modern ambiance, with weathered wood, polished concrete floors, and panoramic windows that offer sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.

As for the tasting experiences, they are thoughtfully curated. You can do a wine or olive oil tasting (why not both?) or go for the sommelier food and wine pairing, where each wine is paired with a bite that incorporates a different olive oil. We enjoyed the olive oil so much that we joined their olive oil club!

Location: 13950 Thornton Rd, Lodi, CA 95242
Hours: 10am to 5pm every day

Oak Farm Vineyards

Oak Farm Vineyards

Oak Farm Vineyards is a picturesque winery – one of the largest and most modern that we visited. The estate is situated on a historic property that dates back to the 1860s and boasts a rich agricultural heritage. The winery is named after the majestic oak trees that dot the landscape and provide shade for the vineyards.

Oak Farm Vineyards farms a variety of grapes on the estate. They’re especially known for their Vapor Trail Zinfandel and their estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon. We particularly enjoyed their Zinfandel from the Mohr-Fry vineyard (which tended to be a stand out vineyard for us).

The winery features a beautiful tasting room that offers stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and oak trees. They have a selection of local cheeses and other artisanal products that pair perfectly with the wines, if you were inclined to sit and sip a while in the shaded seating area outside.

In addition to wine tasting, Oak Farm Vineyards hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including live music performances, food and wine pairings, and seasonal celebrations. The winery is a popular destination for weddings and other special events, with its beautiful grounds and elegant event spaces providing the perfect backdrop for any occasion.

Address: 23627 Devries Rd., Lodi, CA 95242
Hours: 11am to 5pm every day

BONUS

Lodi Wine & Visitor Center

Lodi Wine & Visitor Center

The first place you should visit when you arrive is the The Lodi Wine & Visitor Center. This is your gateway to exploring the rich wine culture of Lodi and learn about the area before you dive in. And bonus if you’re staying at Wine & Roses, because the visitor center is right there in the parking lot.

With an extensive tasting bar featuring a rotating selection of wines from growers in the Lodi Winegrape Commission, you get the chance to sip your way through the region’s diverse varietals all in one place. We used this as a guiding light to the rest of our trip. We learned a little bit about where we were about to go and what we might find there.

Pair that with knowledgeable staff who can guide you through each pour, and you’ve got an educational and flavorful afternoon awaiting you. Whether you’re a casual wine drinker or a seasoned connoisseur, this center offers a curated experience that deepens your appreciation for Lodi’s wine scene.

Address: 2545 W Turner Rd, Lodi, CA 95242
Hours: 10am-5pm every day

Exploring the Vineyards

When visiting Lodi, exploring the vineyards is a must-do activity. With over 85 wineries and more than 100,000 acres of grapevines farmed by 700+ growers, there are plenty of options. Some of the wineries have their own estate vineyards, which means they grow their own grapes and make their own wine.

One of the highlights of exploring the vineyards is getting to see the old vine grapevines. Lodi is home to some of the oldest grapevines in California, with some dating back to the 1800s. These old vines produce grapes with concentrated flavors, resulting in some of the best wines in the region.

When exploring the vineyards, it’s important to dress appropriately. Wear comfortable shoes as you may be walking on uneven ground. Additionally, bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

Laura in the vines
Nick in the vines

Wine Varieties Grown in Lodi

Some of the most popular red wine varieties in Lodi include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, and Petit Sirah. The region is particularly famous for its old vine Zinfandel, which produces bold and spicy wines with rich fruit flavors. Grenache and Tempranillo are also grown in the region and are used to produce some of the best blends.

Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are the most widely planted white wine grape varieties in Lodi. Chardonnay is known for its rich and buttery flavor, while Sauvignon Blanc is known for its crisp and refreshing taste. Viognier, Albariño, and Grenache Blanc are also grown in the region and are used to produce some of the best white wines.

Lodi is also home to some lesser-known wine grape varieties, such as Cinsault, Pinot Gris, and Verdejo. These grapes are used to produce unique and flavorful wines that are worth trying.

Sustainability and Lodi Rules Program

Lodi wineries are not only producing great wines, they are also taking sustainability seriously. Many Lodi vineyards are implementing sustainable practices to reduce their environmental impact and preserve the land for future generations.

One of the ways that Lodi wineries are promoting sustainability is through the Lodi Rules program. This program is a third-party certification that ensures that wineries are implementing sustainable practices in their vineyards and wineries.

The Lodi Rules program covers six areas of sustainability: air quality, water conservation, soil health, pest management, ecosystem management, and business management. Wineries utilizing the Lodi Rules certification are committed to reducing their impact on the environment while producing high-quality wines.

In addition, many wineries are implementing their own sustainable practices. For example, some wineries are using solar power to reduce their electricity consumption. Others are using cover crops to improve soil health and reduce erosion. Some wineries are even using recycled water to irrigate their vineyards.

Where to Eat & Drink in Lodi

Lodi offers a wide variety of dining options to satisfy your cravings, whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a casual lunch. Here are a few recommendations on where to eat and drink in Lodi.

Towne House Restaurant

Wine & Roses hotel

If you’re looking for an upscale dining experience, go to Towne House Restaurant, located in the Wine & Roses Hotel. The restaurant offers a farm-to-table menu featuring fresh and local ingredients. The menu changes seasonally. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a glass of wine from their extensive wine list.

You can sit inside or outside, with a nice garden landscape. They even have a large group table you can reserve under the massive oak tree. During our late summer visit, we had halibut, corn soup, and a lovely heirloom tomato salad. The food was delicious and the service was outstanding.

Towne Corner Cafe & Market

For breakfast every day, we stopped at the Towne Corner Cafe for a breakfast burrito or salmon on toast. We also picked up sandwiches to go to have a winery lunch. In the afternoons, we stopped by for iced coffee after a long day of wine tasting. They have a great selection of sandwiches, salads, breakfast, and pastries.

Fiori’s Butcher Shoppe

Fiori's Butcher Shoppe

We like to spend the day touring around the wineries, and that leaves very little time to get back into town for a restaurant lunch. The absolute best thing we did was pick up sandwiches and other picnic supplies at Fiori’s Butcher Shoppe. The menu is enormous so be prepared to spend some time deciding. We had an amazing Roast Beef sandwich with sweet mustard dressing on their fresh-baked Dutch Crunch bread.

Pietro’s Italian Restaurant

Peitro's Gnocchi

If you’re in the mood for Italian cuisine, head to Pietro’s Italian Restaurant for classic dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, or creamy potato gnocchi. This place gets pretty busy, so either make a reservation, or give yourself time to wait to be seated before you get too hungry. I was pretty impressed with the food, as I often find Italian food outside of Italy isn’t great. Pietro’s doesn’t disappoint.

Guantonio’s Wood Fired

Guantonio's pizza

Another really popular restaurant that often has a waiting line is Guantonio’s, which serves freshly made woodfire pizzas, salads, and sides. We sat at the woodfire bar table and saw so many Pepperoni pizzas done “Nick’s way” with ricotta and hot honey going out. We also ordered the Skins & Ins fried potato appetizers. Everything was very tasty. They don’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait up to 45 minutes at busy times.

The Oxford

A newish restaurant is The Oxford, which brings London classics to Lodi. You’ll find traditional fish & chips alongside Shephard’s Pie and a pretty impressive Beef Wellington. It’s also one of the best places in town to go for a cocktail. The Gins & Roses is a favorite.

Delicious Boards

Delicious boards

Another great option for lunch while doing wine tasting in Lodi is to order a charcuterie board from Delicious Boards. We were able to order one at Klinker Brick Winery to eat alongside our wine tasting. They have to be ordered in advance through the winery. You can also order them direct through Delicious Boards and take them with you. We had the small box for 2 and it was plenty of food for a light lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which winery produces the best Lodi Zinfandel?

Lodi is known for producing some of the best Zinfandel wines in California. Some of the wineries that produce the best Lodi Zinfandel include Klinker Brick Winery, Michael David Winery, and The Lucas Winery. These wineries have won numerous awards for their Zinfandel wines and are worth a visit, among many others.

Are there any Lodi wine events?

Yes, there are many Lodi wine events throughout the year. These events offer a great way to explore the region and taste a variety of wines. Some of the popular wine tasting events in Lodi include The Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend in February and The Lodi Wine Festival in April.

What is the most popular wine varietal in Lodi, CA?

Zinfandel is the most popular wine varietal in Lodi, CA. The region is known for producing high-quality Zinfandel wines that are rich and flavorful. Other popular varietals in Lodi include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Petite Sirah.

Do I need a reservation for wine tasting?

Most of the wineries we visited did not require a reservation, particularly during the weekdays, but they do encourage reservations on the weekends when it’s more busy. Some wineries offer special tastings that do require advanced notice, so always check their website before to make sure.

Travel Planning Guide

🚙💨 Where should I book my rental car?

Renting a car is one of the best ways to get around in California, no matter where you’re visiting. Public transportation can only get your so far, even in big cities. I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks the prices of all major rental car companies, so you get the best rates.

🛌 What’s the best way to book my accommodations?

For hotels and vacation rentals, Booking.com or Expedia.com are the best sites, but you can also book through TripAdvisor. If you’re considering renting a house instead, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb.

🧳 What do I pack for California?

Head to the our California Packing List or Disneyland Packing List to get all the info on packing.

✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights to California?

For finding cheap California flights from around the world, I recommend Skyscanner. I’ve also had pretty good luck with Kayak.com.

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