Cheers to Lodi: Exploring California’s Central Valley wines

After a quick flight from Seattle, Lodi is just another short flight from Sacramento or Bay Area airports, and home to more than a hundred varieties of wine. 

Yet in addition to playing a starring role in California’s Central Valley wine region, Lodi is a friendly destination packed with small-town charm, family activities and an agricultural backdrop that contributes to the area’s laid-back sensibility.

When it comes to planning leisure getaways under the California sunshine, here’s how to experience the best of Lodi.

A nostalgic setting

When visitors take a stroll or drive into town, one of the first landmarks to make an impression is Lodi’s classic Mission Arch. This 40-foot arch features a 23-karat gold leaf state bear, and an accompanying plaque notes how the arch serves as a symbol of the town’s agricultural and commercial growth. The arch is so significant to Lodi that it is both a national and state historic landmark.

More history is revealed while exploring downtown thanks to an impressive assortment of murals adorning city buildings. These were commissioned to celebrate Lodi’s 100th birthday and each mural offers a different artistic depiction of Lodi through the years.

It’s also not uncommon to see classic cars cruising through downtown, likely en route to Lodi’s historic A&W restaurant. Lodi is actually the birthplace of the famous A&W chain, and visitors here will find a large collection of memorabilia from various decades within the classic diner where a root beer float is a must.

Lodi’s historic downtown has a great sense of small-town charm, with a wide assortment of art galleries and artisan merchants, boutique and vintage shops, bookstores and casual coffee shop patios. Of course, there are also plenty of in-town tasting rooms and patios for exploring Lodi’s legendary wines.

When in wine country

Lodi is the Zinfandel capital of the world, though it’s certainly easy enough to also find other California favorites like chardonnay and sav blanc. Start your tasting trip with a visit to the Lodi Wine Visitor Center where local experts can share stories about Lodi-grown grapes and the distinct features of the Lodi Appellation.

The visitor center even has an onsite demonstration vineyard for true hands-on learning and, of course, there is also a tasting room onsite with hundreds of regional selections. Vineyard information and maps may be found here for customizing your own wine country tour or booking a package tour.

When designing your own winery tour, be sure to add Michael David Winery to your must-visit list. This gorgeous winery is a treat to visit with its expansive grounds with several social spaces, so be sure to explore and seek out a series of lagoons and waterfalls. There’s a modern tasting room, restaurant and an award-winning bakery with fresh decadent pies that will linger in your tastebud memories for days.

Another stunning destination in the countryside is Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards, just nine miles out of town. This award-winning winery features white Rhône style varietals, grown on vines sourced from the famed Château de Beaucastel of Châteauneuf du Pape, France. Tastings take place in a century-old barn house located on the 19-acre vineyard property.

While touring the countryside, it’s common to come upon farm stands offering fresh seasonal produce. While May through October is the prime time for agricultural treats, off-season finds include fresh bakery goodies, olive oils, salad dressings and more.

Then in the heart of downtown, visit Jeremy Wine Co. for indoor and outdoor tasting experiences. Sample top sellers with a wine flight or enjoy a glass of Italian varietals or one of Lodi’s famed zinfandels. Groups less than six don’t require reservations and while the venue offers a few small bites, guests are welcome to bring their own snacks to enjoy while sipping wine onsite.

Family fun and exploration

Lodi is a year-round destination for travelers, with hot and dry summers and moderate winters with plenty of sunshine.

One exceptional way to spend a sunny day in Lodi is paddling Lodi Lake and Mokelumne River. This leisurely kayak experience will no doubt show off a variety of area waterfowl and migrating birds throughout the surrounding lush landscape.

Then take a beautiful stroll through the Japanese Garden at Micke Grove Park. Visitors will find a wonderful collection of vibrant flowers and cherry trees, along with lanterns and stones and a five-story pagoda. Kids will also love seeing the koi fish, some of which are three feet in length.

While at Micke Grove Park, take a stroll through Lodi’s past with a visit to San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum. Exhibits share stories and heritage from the Miwok and Ykuts Indians, along with history of Lodi’s agricultural growth.

Within this same park setting is the Micke Grove Zoo, a modest conservation destination with lemurs, a snow leopard and a bobcat, along with several birds and reptiles.

For outdoors enthusiasts, Lodi’s year-round Mediterranean climate and flat terrain make it an excellent destination for cycling country roads. Cyclists will wind through vineyards and orchards and be rewarded with tasting rooms and bakeries along the way.

Suite dreams in wine country

When it comes to family-friendly accommodations with prime wine country real estate, there’s nothing quite like a stay at Wine & Roses, a locally owned boutique hotel.

No two suites are the same at Wine & Roses, with each guestroom offering a slightly different sense of character with rustic luxury at its core. Accommodations boast comfortable furnishings, seating for in-room wine tastings and a spacious balcony for enjoying sips outside in the evenings. Suites also have in-room bars, a mini-fridge and coffee station.

The wine resort has several outdoor gathering spaces, along with an outdoor pool and an indoor fitness center. Also onsite is a luxury spa with indoor and outdoor treatment areas.

Onsite dining at Wine & Roses is focused on Towne House Restaurant, a gorgeous gathering place with more than 70 regional wines on the menu. Guests may enjoy a farm-fresh breakfast or sit down for a family dinner featuring regionally sourced, seasonal ingredients.