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48 Hours in America's Favorite Small (Wine) Town
A good weekend starts in Lodi. And from there, the weekend writes itself. Summer in Lodi doesn't really announce itself; it just settles in. The berries are sizing up on the vine, the light lingers well into the evening, and the Delta Breeze rolls through most nights to take the edge off the afternoon heat. Wine country moves at an easy pace this time of year. And here, you don't need a script, a special occasion, or even a reservation to feel right at home. That's the whole spirit of Lodi wine country: come as you are, sip as you please, and let the weekend unfold. Many of our 60-plus tasting rooms welcome walk-ins with a smile and a pour, so you can plan a little, plan a lot, or simply arrive. There's one more reason this summer feels special. In June, Parade and Steller named Lodi the national winner of the America's Favorite Small Towns 2026 competition , selected from a pool of 300 nominated towns. The judges pointed to the region's agricultural heritage, vibrant culture, an
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Best of California, Poured in Lodi
Where should you go to experience California’s top award-winning wines? The 2026 California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition results point to Lodi. The competition’s top honors, Best of Show Red and Best of Show White, went to Lodi-grown wines. Add in multiple “Best Of California” varietal awards and 182 medals to wines from across the region, and this year's judging offers a snapshot of what's pouring in Lodi's tasting rooms right now. Results like these are worth tasting in person. All you need is a weekend and a tank of gas. Lodi's tasting rooms will handle the rest. The 6 Best of California Winners from Lodi Each of these wines was named the best of its varietal or category in the entire state of California: 2023 Inkblot Cabernet Franc, Michael David Winery (100 points, Double Gold) Awards: Best of Show – Red; Best of Region – Red; Best of California Cabernet Franc 2025 Grenache Blanc, Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards (99 points, Double Gold) A
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Beyond Zinfandel: Six Mediterranean Varieties to Explore in Lodi
Lodi’s tasting rooms reflect a region that has grown far beyond a single defining grape. Alongside its historic Zinfandel plantings, growers have spent decades working with Mediterranean and Iberian varieties that thrive in the same warm days and cool nights. Albariño from cuttings brought directly from Spain, Cinsaut from century-old vineyards, and Tempranillo that reflects its Old World origins all have a place here. With more than 130 grape varieties planted across the region, Zinfandel is only part of the story. These six varieties highlight the range of what Lodi is growing today. Klinker Brick Winery Albariño Albariño Native to the Atlantic-facing Rías Baixas region of Spain, Albariño has quietly become one of Lodi's signature whites . Lodi’s warm days and cool nights give the vines what they need to ripen fully while holding onto their hallmark acidity, and the region's deep sandy loams let the variety run with vigor. Markus B
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Sip Sustainably in Lodi: Where to Taste LODI RULES Wine
Have you ever picked up a bottle of wine and looked closely at the label? If you're tasting in Lodi, chances are you've noticed a small green seal on the back of the bottle. It reads CERTIFIED GREEN, and it tells a story that starts long before the wine enters the bottle, one that reaches back into the vineyard rows, the soil, and a farming community that decided decades ago to hold itself to a higher standard. That seal is the mark of LODI RULES , America's original third-party certified sustainable winegrowing program. More Than a Label The program evolved from the Lodi Winegrape Commission, formed when Lodi's growers came together to protect the long-term future of farming in Lodi, for their families, their neighbors, and the generations to come. Long before sustainability became an industry buzzword, the Commission launched a grassroots education program in 1992 aimed at reducing pesticide use by learning about the entire vineyard ecosystem. That effort, shaped by over a
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When Planning Ahead Pays Off: 5 Must-Book Lodi Wine Experiences
Here in Lodi, we're all about welcoming you however you arrive. Walk-ins are always invited, and many of our tasting rooms are ready with a pour whenever you show up. And for those times when you want to go a little deeper – celebrate something, learn something, or just spend an afternoon fully immersed – we have some experiences worth planning for. From hands-on blending labs to guided estate walks, these five Lodi experiences go beyond the glass, and reward anyone who shows up ready to dig in. Acquiesce Winery: Elevated Tasting Experience At Acquiesce, wine tasting becomes an art form. Their elevated tasting experience pairs four award-winning wines with artfully curated bites designed to "tickle your senses" and transform what you taste in the glass. The right pairing can completely change a wine, and Acquiesce has built an experience around that idea – seated, unhurried, and led by a team happy to share the story behind every bottle. Paired tastings are $20 per pe
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Saturday, Uncorked: A Spontaneous Wine Walk in Downtown Lodi
Sometimes the best plans are no plans at all. If you find yourself in downtown Lodi on a Saturday afternoon with some time and a thirst for good wine, you're in luck. These seven tasting rooms prove that exceptional wine experiences don't require reservations – just show up and let the day unfold. Cellardoor Cellardoor , one of the first dedicated tasting rooms to appear in downtown Lodi, offers the critically acclaimed wines of Michael David Winery and Van Ruiten Family Wines. Whether you're drawn to Michael David's bold, fruit-forward styles (think their famous Freakshow brand) or Van Ruiten's elegant, estate-grown varietals, you'll taste the breadth of what makes Lodi unique. Come in for an informative tasting, or grab a bottle and relax inside or out. The historic setting, housed in a 100+ year old building, adds character to every visit, making it feel like you're discovering a piece of Lodi's wine history while sampling some of its most celebrated contemporary wines. The Da
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7 Pet-Friendly Lodi Wineries Where Your Four-Legged Friend is Always Welcome
Planning a wine country escape but can't bear to leave your dog behind? In Lodi, you don't have to choose between great wine and quality time with your furry friend. Lodi's welcoming, come-as-you-are spirit extends to well-behaved pets. With spacious outdoor patios, sprawling vineyard grounds, and genuinely hospitable tasting room teams, these seven wineries prove that exceptional wine and wagging tails go hand in hand. Whether you're a local looking for a weekend outing or planning a longer wine country getaway, check out these Lodi tasting rooms where your four-legged friend will receive just as warm a welcome as you will. d'Art Wines d'Art Wines offers something special from the moment you arrive. Pass through the distinctive black iron gates and follow a short trail through towering redwood trees to discover the tasting room nestled in lushly landscaped grounds. Picnic tables are scattered throughout the property, giving you and your pup plenty of space to settle in and soak up the
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Pop the Cork on Lodi: Sparkling Wines to Celebrate the New Year
When the ball drops on New Year's Eve, most people reach for Champagne. But here's a sparkling secret: some of the best bubbles for your celebration are being made right here in Lodi. Using traditional sparkling wine production methods, Lodi winemakers are crafting wines that reflect the region’s terroir and inventive spirit. These Méthode Champenoise–style bottlings offer depth, finesse, and character, proving that world-class celebration can begin right in your backyard. Why Lodi Sparkling Wines Deserve Your Attention Exceptional Value: While Champagne easily commands $50-100+ per bottle, these Lodi sparklers deliver comparable quality, with prices on the below bottles ranging from $26 to $60. Accessibility: No reservations needed. Lodi's welcoming tasting rooms, many of which accept walk-ins, make it easy to discover these gems for yourself. With average tasting fees of just $16 for a flight, you can explore multiple producers without breaking the bank. Sust
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5 Family-Friendly Lodi Wineries for Your Holiday Gathering
Photo credit: Michael David Winery Your sister just flew in with the kids. Your parents want to “do something fun as a family.” Your cousin's bringing the dog. And somehow, you're in charge of entertaining everyone from ages 4 to 74 for an entire afternoon. Welcome to the holidays. Here's the good news: You don't need an elaborate plan or weeks of advance reservations. You just need to get everyone to Lodi wine country, where tasting rooms are built for exactly this moment – when the whole crew is in town and needs a place to gather, relax, and actually enjoy each other's company. According to recent travel data, 92% of parents plan family travel, with multi-generational trips becoming one of the fastest-growing tourism trends. Wine country doesn't have to mean ‘adults only’ and in Lodi, it never has. Here, multi-generational farming families have been welcoming multi-generational visitors for decades, creating tasting room experiences where kids can
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Welcome to Lodi Wine Country: No Reservations Required
There’s something happening in Lodi, and we want you to be a part of it. Wine country has changed. Over the past few years, visiting wineries has become increasingly expensive, exclusive, and (let's be honest) a little intimidating. Average tasting fees have more than doubled since 2012. Walk-in visits and wine bar tastings have nearly disappeared, becoming increasingly rare in most regions. And for many wine lovers, especially those just beginning their journey, this shift has made wine country feel less welcoming and more out of reach. That's not what wine is supposed to be about. Getting Back to What Matters Here in Lodi, we've been paying attention. Wine should bring people together, not push them away. We've always believed that great wine starts in the vineyard and ends at the table, with real people sharing real moments. That doesn't require fancy fees or exclusive access. That's why we're launching No Reservations : not just a campaign, but a promise. Lodi is here t
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Lodi's San Joaquin Series Soil - Exploring the Jahant, Cosumnes River, and Alta Mesa Viticultural Areas
Reddish sandy/clay loam soil and blue oak characteristic of Lodi's Jahant AVA along Liberty Rd. As we conclude our California Wine Month journey through Lodi's wine history, we explore the three remaining sub-appellations that complete the region's diverse tapestry: Jahant, Cosumnes River, and Alta Mesa AVAs. Located between the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to the west and the eastern hillside appellations, these three regions share a unique common denominator: variations of California's official state soil, the San Joaquin series. Characterized by shallow sandy clay loam over hardpan layers, these soils initially seemed less ideal for viticulture than Lodi's deep sandy plains. However, innovative farming families in the 1980s discovered that deep ripping techniques could transform these terraced floodplains into exceptional wine-growing terrain. From the cool, fog-influenced vineyards of Jahant and Cosumnes River to the "high table" mesa topography of Alta Mesa, these appellatio
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Lodi's Hillside Appellations: Exploring the Clements Hills, Borden Ranch, and Sloughhouse Viticultural Areas
Cobbled, orangy-red clay hillside vineyard typifying Lodi vineyards in the Borden Ranch AVA Continuing our California Wine Month journey through Lodi's wine history, we venture east from the flat, sandy land of the Mokelumne River AVA into dramatically different terrain. Rising into rolling hills of 150 to 590 feet elevation, three distinct sub-appellations showcase how Lodi's expansion over the past 25 years has been driven by the discovery of exceptional hillside terroir. The Clements Hills, Borden Ranch, and Sloughhouse AVAs represent a striking contrast to Lodi's historic core, featuring ancient volcanic clay soils, varied topography, and microclimates that have proven ideal for premium wine production. From the red clay loams that produce intensely colored Cabernet Sauvignon to the cobbled hillsides perfect for Spanish and Rhône varietals, these eastern appellations demonstrate why Lodi needed seven distinct sub-AVAs to fully capture its diverse winemaking potential. In this
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Mokelumne River AVA: Exploring Lodi's Largest and Most Historic Viticultural Area
Classic plus-100-year-old Zinfandel growing on its own natural roots in deep, rich yet porous, sand dune-like soil typifying much of the east side of the Mokelumne River-Lodi AVA As we continue our journey through Lodi's wine history during California Wine Month, we turn our focus to the largest and most historic of the region's seven nested sub-appellations: the Mokelumne River AVA. Spanning an impressive 85,700 acres with over 40,000 acres of planted wine grapes, this viticultural area represents the historic heart of Lodi winemaking and houses nearly all of the region's wine production facilities. Named for the river that flows from the Sierra Nevada through the appellation—originally derived from the Miwok phrase meaning "the place of the fish net"—the Mokelumne River AVA tells the story of California viticulture itself. From century-old, own-rooted Zinfandel vines planted in the 1880s to modern plantings of over 100 different grape varieties, this appellation showcases
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Lodi Wine History: The Making of California's Most Dynamic Wine Region
Kerne Erickson 's artistic vision of the bucolic Lodi AVA and the region's signature, deep-rooted valley oak, native to the appellation's deep, rich sandy loam soils As we celebrate California Wine Month this September, there's no better time to dive into the rich history of grape growing and wine production in one of the state's most significant appellations. The Lodi American Viticultural Area stands as a testament to the evolution of California winemaking, transforming from a single designation in 1986 to a complex system of seven nested sub-appellations by 2006. This comprehensive exploration, originally authored by renowned wine journalist Randy Caparoso, traces the fascinating journey of how Lodi earned federal recognition as an AVA and subsequently subdivided into distinct terroir-driven regions. From the initial 85,000-acre appellation to the sophisticated understanding of microclimates that led to the Mokelumne River, Clements Hills, and five other sub-AVAs, this is the story
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Beat the Heat: Why Lodi's Delta Breeze Makes Summer Wine Tasting Magical
Morning light illuminates Lodi's picturesque vineyards, where Mediterranean climate and Delta Breeze cooling create distinctive terroir for exceptional winegrowing. Summer in Lodi delivers classic California sunshine – those bright, warm days that ripen grapes to perfection and send wine lovers seeking shade. But here's Lodi's secret weapon: the Delta Breeze. Every day beginning in the late afternoon, cool air travels inland from the San Francisco Bay, following a vast network of waterways that play a key role in defining the wine country’s climate and character. The breezes intensify through the early evening, and typically dissipate in the hours following sunset. It's nature's daily reset button, and the same cooling wind that creates Lodi's distinctive wines also creates some of California's most enjoyable summer experiences. Smart Summer Timing for Maximum Comfort The beauty of understanding Lodi's daily rhythm is that it makes trip planning almost eff
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Oh lord, a blog from Lodi—the 2025 farewell
Harvest morning in Mokelumne River-Lodi's Abba Vineyard, planted to Syrah. Farewell by Randy Caparoso Oh lord, a blog from Lodi was the title of the very first blog posted on the Lodi Wine page in August 2010, written by yours truly. Over 1,200 posts later, I think it is fitting that this should be the title of my very last post, as I will departing Lodi wine country in July of 2025. First, I’d like to thank all the region’s growers and vintners who have welcomed me into their community these past fifteen years. But also first, I need to thank you , Lodi Wine’s dear and patient readers who have indulged in this site’s continuous flights and forays into viticulture and vinification, farmers, winemakers and all the characters peppering the region’s past and present, the seemingly endless variety of grapes and equally varied wines, almost every iota of the dirt, topography, climate and natural or human circumstances—each and everything that has di
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Ingredients listings and key taste components found in commercial wines
Barrel tasting dark, rich, vividly flavorful Cabernet Sauvignon. Sugar and spice and all that’s nice , as the old nursery rhyme goes. There are lots of nice things in wine, although there are very few wineries that actually print “Ingredients”—that is, additions dropped on top of natural components of wines during the winemaking process—on back labels; ostensibly, because it is felt by most of the industry that most consumers might be shocked if they find out what actually ends up in commercial grade wine. If you are not required to list everything going into a bottle (a circumstance many consumer advocates think should be changed), why do it? I was at one Sonoma County winery’s tasting room just last week, tasting the brand’s signature estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon . The owner explained that over the years she has had problems impressing upon consumers that her grapes are certified organic and the fact that her wines are made in the lo
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The new light (and chillable) red wine paradigm
The 2023 Christina's Outlier, the Grenache-based Lodi grown red that now stands as the epitome of the new "light and chillable" red wine paradigm. Last week, Dr. Stephanie Bolton — Lodi Winegrape Commission ’s Director of Grower Education and Sustainability—organized what she called a “Light, Chillable Red Wine Rendezvous,” attended by a dozen an a half local vintners and growers. Why? Because Bolton truly believes this style of wine is the wave of the future, thus calling for serious discussion. In fact, some of the vintners who attended are already reporting market success with this style of red wine. It is an emerging wine category that may very well help drag the American wine industry out of its current state of doldrums. Cinsaut—a quintessential style of light, chillable red, especially in Lodi. Generally speaking, it is not highly recommended that you thoroughly chill bottles of red wine because of one of the the major components found i