Lodi is known as the “Winegrape Capital of the World.”
Located between Sacramento to the north and Stockton to the south , Lodi is ideally situated for a weekend visit from anywhere in theBay Area . This lush plowland that was originally populate by the Miwok mass was settled by Europeans who came west during thegold rushof the 1850s . you may see flash of this account when walking beneath Lodi ’s iconic Mission Arch and through the quaint business district . While the city has a inviolable agricultural heritage , producing almond , apricots , and peaches , its significant winegrape output led to Lodi ’s moniker , the " Winegrape Capital of the World . "
I visited Lodi for a weekend of wine-coloured taste with a friend and was impress by the top - snick intellectual nourishment , uncrowdedtasting rooms , and plentiful opportunities for outside refreshment . With dozens of visits toNapaand Sonoma under my belt , I ’m used to deal with dealings and book dinner reservation weeks in advance when planning a vino tasting weekend . The exact opposite was my experience in Lodi . Here , you ’ll find 85 + boutique wineries with relaxed tasting rooms where even dog ( and sometimes tike ) are welcome .
Those who wish to visit Lodi with their four - legged friends will find raft of spots that receive firedog , from outdoor smack room to the garden terrace of restaurants business district . Here are all the direction to maximize your weekend in Lodi .
Photo courtesy of Visit Lodi
Travel time
1 hour and 30 minutes from San Francisco
If you only do one thing: Enjoy a wine and olive oil tasting
Just a short thrust outside of business district Lodi is theCalivines Winery and Olive Mill , where you could reserve a wine and olive oil tasting inside the expansive savoring room or on the large terrace where leash dogs are welcome . On a cheery day , you ’ll belike find family playing outsize lawn biz and soaking in the vitamin D ; plus , on weekend , the holding often hosts survive music to encourage visitors to stay for a while .
When I chew the fat , we spent a few hour savour the ambience , chatting with the knowing staff at Calivines , make our way through a wine flight , and tasting some nibbles featuring flavored Olea europaea oils and balsamic vinegar bring forth on - site . We particularly revel the pesto popcorn — warm popcorn tossed with Calivirgin Bountiful Basil Olive Oil and Guilty Garlic Olive Oil sprinkled with sea salt .
While most flavored Olea europaea oil is made by desegregate essences or flavorings with veritable olive oil , Calivirgin expend a specialized process where fresh green goods , herbaceous plant , or citrus are crushed together with the olives to draw out the oils from both product . This creates a much brighter flavour profile that ’s perfect for bread dipping or drizzling over pasta or even desserts . you’re able to sample some of the various flavors at the self - serve Olea europaea oil bar or pick out an olive oil taste to go along with your wine-colored tasting . Bottles are available for purchase , and they make great gifts .
Fill the weekend with
Walking tours
The best mode to take in Lodi ’s small - town charm is to spend a few hours walk through the business district area . Head to the Lodi Visitor ’s Center to snap up a map that will show you the location of the many murals painted for Lodi ’s 100th day of remembrance draw scenes from the town ’s story . The " Yo Soy Lodi " mural is a recent gain and features Latine members of the Lodi community .
If you desire to get wind even more about the area ’s account , book a complimentary walking tourwith Lodi ’s official townsfolk docent , Alane Dashner . When we got to the meeting position for our tour , we easily spot Alane come near us , as she was dress from forefront to toe as a suffragette with a hat grace with grapes . She shared with us the surprising fact that Prohibition actually benefit the Lodi winegrape industry because a provision allow all head of family to produce up to 200 gallons of wine-coloured for their own personal consumption , causing Lodi growers to embark their grape vine all over the country for home product .
Outdoor activities
Head out of business district just a bit , and you ’ll pass Lodi Lake and the parking lot that palisade it . There ’s even a small strip of sandy beach that ’s a arrant spot to spread out your walkover mantle on a hot day . You ’ll notice a few nature trails and short hiking paths leading from the parking lot that are a fun option if Fido needs some example .
If you are looking for a relaxing activity that kids and wiener can join in , book a kayak or stand - up paddleboard from theLodi Boathouseand head out on the lake . you may fix out on your own if you feel well-to-do or reserve a private or group tour that will take you through the tranquil Mokelumne River to see birds and other critters that last there . Sunset and full Sun Myung Moon paddles are also available , so meter your visit right if you want to take vantage of those .
Other tasting rooms
With so many wine maker to opt from in Lodi , you ’ll require to plan a visit to at least a few tasting room while you ’re in townsfolk . bounder are welcome at a good amount of wine maker with outdoor seating region , likeIntercoastal vinery , which even offer its own can wine-colored cry " Canpanion , " a combination of the words " canine " and " companion . " The garden determine atBlock 21 Wineryis a bully home to relax with friends and love the flowered scent in the air as you share a feeding bottle of vino .
Where to eat and drink in Lodi
To start your 24-hour interval : Ruby ’s Bakery and Cafewas so safe we ate there twice during our weekend in Lodi . The welcoming faculty were more than unforced to aid us choose the everlasting pastry . Do n’t omit out on the Sugar Buns : they have a crunchy - sweet exterior , and the inside is croissant dough with the perfect hint of cinnamon and orange . For a mouth-watering pick , the rosemary ham and gruyere croissant was a dearie , as was the Avocado Toast .
For a cad - favorable pint : The expansive fare atLodi Beer Co.will have you struggle to choose just one entree , so we suggest starting with the Deep Fried Brussels sprouts and the Bleu Fries . There ’s tidy sum of patio seating that ’s perfect for preferent parent and those who want to soak in the Lodi temperateness . Just down the street isIDOL Beer Works , where you ’ll often find a intellectual nourishment truck park out front for those who want some food with their ancestry Orange River beer or IPA .
For an al fresco dinner : Snag a spot in the garden atThe Dancing Foxand get the slightly spicy Mediterranean hummus to portion out ; it goes cracking with their Old Vine Zinfandel . The woodwind instrument - fired pizza pie are an easy option , and the Taratata pizza with star sign - made finocchio blimp , salami , and black olives is a favorite .
Photo courtesy of Coldani Olive Ranch - Calivirgin - Lodi Ca Olive Oil
For post - dinner beverage and springy euphony : disk jockey and live performers take the leg on Fridays and Saturdays atFive Window Beer Co .. Get a taste of their offerings with the beer escape , and then go home with a growler of your favorite . This spot also offers wood - fired pizza for those who get the late night munchies .
Where to stay in Lodi
For spa vibraphone and a prima onsite eating house : If you want a boutique property that covers all the nucleotide , Wine & Roses Hotelshould be your pick . Not only do they have turgid spa - animate rooms ( with some allow dog ) , but the onsite Towne House Restaurant has the thoroughgoing cozy vibration after an fighting day in Lodi . We enjoy afternoon well-chosen hour on the patio with visit winery Block 21 before our repast . For those see for ultimate relaxation method , script an aromatherapy massage at the property ’s spa and then head over to the heated pond and spicy tub .
favorite - favorable with a syndicate : I’m a mug for a gratis breakfast buffet , and you ’ll get that and more at Lodi’sHampton Inn and Suites . There ’s an outside puddle for node , and rooms allow weenie and bozo ( with an extra fee ) . Book a suite for even more elbow room to spread out . Another capital option with similar vibes and large - sized rooms is theHoliday Inn Express . Do n’t miss out on try the hot cake car at breakfast .
Photo courtesy of Visit Lodi
Photo courtesy of Ruby’s Bakery and Cafe
Photo courtesy of Wine & Roses Hotel.Restaurant.Spa
