Perhaps surprisingly, Lodi is California’s largest American Viticultural Area (AVA), producing around 40% of all premium wine grapes in the state. It’s starting to gain significant attention for the vital role it plays in statewide wine production. With 40,469 planted acres, this Central Valley town—located approximately two hours northeast of San Francisco—has more wine-growing land than Napa and Sonoma combined.
Lodi is best known for its Zinfandels, especially its old vine Zins, many of which are over 100 years old. However, it is also a major producer of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Petite Sirah.
### A Perfect Tourist Itinerary: Exploring Lodi’s Agricultural Gems
While Lodi’s viticulture dominates the landscape, the region is also famous for its other crops such as almonds, walnuts, olives, cherries, and stone fruits. These fresh, local products play a key role in the town’s vibrant farm-to-fork movement. You’ll find these luxuries woven throughout Lodi—from food and beverages to local products and spa treatments.
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### Wine: A Journey Through Lodi’s Vineyards
A great first stop on any wine-tasting journey through Lodi is the **Lodi Wine Visitor Center**. The tasting room doubles as an informational hub, offering samples and bottles of locally produced wines along with expert advice on where to spend your time. The general manager, Paul Marsh, is a sommelier well-versed in the local terroir—ask him for recommendations on the best varietals, enjoy a rotating wine flight, and purchase bottles from both renowned and lesser-known wineries, many of which don’t have their own tasting rooms.
Next door is a demonstration vineyard where visitors can begin their educational journey about grape-growing in the region.
When you’re ready to explore further, Lodi’s rolling hills offer plenty of vineyard options depending on your preferred atmosphere and varietals.
**Durst Winery & Estate** in Acampo operates in the backyard of the owner’s historic house, offering a cozy yet elevated ambiance. Their new barrel and tasting room features mezze and Italian-style varietals focused on accessibility, with wines priced consistently to encourage guests to purchase their favorites without worrying about budgeting. Recently, the winemaker shifted to more European, Old World-style varietals. Plus, wine-based spritzes are available—perfect for sipping under the shade of an umbrella with your pup by your side (the winemaker loves when guests bring furry companions).
**Bokisch Vineyards** offers a lineup of Spanish varietals, grown from vines originally brought to the U.S. before certain import restrictions were enacted. Perched on Atkins Road, the winery boasts stunning sunset views overlooking vineyards. Guests can enjoy crisp Albariño, vibrant Garnacha, and tannic Tempranillo, as well as more familiar French varietals like Malbec, Merlot, and Syrah. Bokisch hosts an active social calendar with after-hours and weekend events centered around wine, food, music, and culture.
For a lively and fun atmosphere, **WOO GIRL! Cellars** delivers exactly what its playful name promises. Inside the chic space, feathers and faux fur accents create a luxe and feminine vibe, while exposed brick walls and ceiling beams add warmth. Just beyond the winery doors, an expansive lawn hosts DJ parties, yoga sessions, and occasionally even a swimming pool for guests to enjoy.
To end your day, consider **Oak Farm Vineyards**, one of Lodi’s most coveted spots. Open later than most wineries—until at least 6 p.m. daily, with extended hours and live music on Thursdays and Sundays—Oak Farm offers the perfect setting to uncork a bottle and relax on the lawn beneath towering 100-year-old oak trees. Small tables and communal picnic benches set the stage for an evening of rest, relaxation, and community.
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### Pairing Food with Wine
Between winery visits, Lodi offers a wealth of inviting, family-owned dining establishments.
**Pietro’s Trattoria** is a favorite among both locals and visitors, serving a varied menu of California favorites with deep roots in rustic Italian cooking. Established in 1956, Pietro’s Lodi location dates back to 1985. All pastas are made fresh in-house and pair beautifully with a wine list featuring Italian varietals and local selections. Be sure to try the braised oxtail with polenta and salsa verde ($31), and the pork belly Porchetta with crispy skin ($28).
**Papapavlo’s Bistro & Bar** offers a Mediterranean menu full of crowd-pleasers. It’s hard to visit without trying their flaming cheese appetizer—saganaki—or wild-caught seafood. However, anything from their lengthy menu is sure to delight. The full bar makes it easy to continue your wine journey or switch to a crafted cocktail.
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### Experience What’s New: Appellation Lodi Wine & Roses Resort and Spa
One of the most exciting recent additions to Lodi is the partnership between Wine & Roses and Charlie Palmer’s Appellation hospitality group. The beloved property has been reopened as **Appellation Lodi Wine & Roses Resort and Spa**, bringing a touch of luxury to an otherwise casual town.
With Palmer’s influence, food and beverage offerings have been elevated significantly. His team collaborates closely with local winemakers and farmers to craft a menu that is distinctly Lodi. Palmer cites the town’s quiet Americana charm—which inspired the name of the property’s main dining concept, **Americana House**—and its robust agricultural offerings as key reasons for choosing Lodi for his first Appellation venture.
In addition to local wines, Palmer brings selections from his own estate in Healdsburg to pair with gourmet American cuisine. Cozy up near the fireplace and start with oysters served with a Maison Lodi hot sauce (market price), followed by dishes such as Liberty Duck Breast and Leg Confit ($49).
For breakfast and coffee, visit Palmer’s second restaurant, **Maison Lodi**, located next door to the Lodi Wine Visitor Center. It’s a quick-serve counter spot perfect for a casual start to your day.
Before you leave, consider relaxing at the resort’s spa, a secluded oasis inspired by the surrounding natural environment, much like the culinary team’s use of local ingredients. The **Wine Wrap** treatment fits perfectly with the wine country experience—a silkening body polish made from grapeseed and champagne rose oil, followed by a refreshing outdoor shower designed to transport you to a tropical paradise. This treatment nourishes dry, aging, or sun-damaged skin ($160). Other treatments include massages, seaweed wraps, and seasonal facials.
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### More to Discover in Lodi Wine Country
Lodi is home to more than 85 wineries, including many historic estates and multi-generational family operations. Across the AVA, over 125 grape varietals are grown, representing a diverse wine landscape.
Be sure to check out Lodi’s events calendar at [www.visitlodi.com](https://www.visitlodi.com), where you’ll find happenings that extend well into the winter months, offering fresh and exciting ways to explore and savor the town.
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### Visitor Information: If You Go
**Appellation Lodi Wine & Roses Resort and Spa**
2505 W. Turner Rd., Lodi
(209) 334-6988
[appellationhotels.com/hotels/california-lodi](https://appellationhotels.com/hotels/california-lodi)
**Lodi Wine Visitor Center**
Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
2545 W. Turner Rd., Lodi
(209) 365-0621
[lodiwine.com](https://www.lodiwine.com)
**Durst Winery & Estate**
Open noon–5 p.m. Thursdays–Mondays
10173 Acampo Rd., Acampo
(209) 601-1413
[durstwinery.com](https://durstwinery.com)
**Bokisch Vineyards**
Open noon–5 p.m. Mondays–Thursdays; 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Fridays–Sundays
18921 Atkins Rd., Lodi
(209) 642-8880
[bokischvineyards.com](https://bokischvineyards.com)
**WOO GIRL! Cellars**
Open noon–5 p.m. Fridays–Sundays
11070 E. Woodbridge Rd., Acampo
(209) 901-9643
[woogirlcellars.com](https://woogirlcellars.com)
**Oak Farm Vineyards**
Open 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Mondays–Wednesdays; 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Thursdays; 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Fridays–Saturdays; 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Sundays
23627 N. Devries Rd., Lodi
(209) 365-6560
[oakfarmvineyards.com](https://oakfarmvineyards.com)
**Pietro’s Trattoria**
Open 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Mondays–Thursdays; 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Saturdays; 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Sundays
317 E. Kettleman Ln., Lodi
(209) 368-0613
[pietroslodi.com](https://pietroslodi.com)
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Experience the rich flavors, warm hospitality, and vibrant culture of Lodi Wine Country—a hidden gem in California’s wine landscape!
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/10/21/escape-to-californias-largest-wine-country/
