10 Best Wineries For Wine Tasting In Lodi
Time to read: 6 minutes
What’s your varietal? Lodi has your palate covered.
California wine country is filled with hidden gems, enough to fill a pirate’s treasure chest, “Argh matey, me’s got a rich bottle of Zin to pour into ya red solo cup!”
These gems spread across the state, along the coastline and inland to the hilly hills where acres of vineyards are producing some of the best wine outside Napa Valley.
Lodi is a wine region that produces some of the most popular varietals in small production on family-run wineries. It’s a must-taste region where you can sip wine in a low-key atmosphere without breaking the bank.
Where Is Lodi?
Lodi is in San Joaquin County in Central California. To put it into perspective it is 68 miles from San Francisco and 90 miles from Napa Valley.
It’s a 40 minute drive from the Sacramento airport. It covers a vast area of flat land with over 100,000 acres of vineyards planted (double the size of Napa Valley).
What Type Of Wine Tasting Is Lodi Known For?
Lodi is not shy about producing multiple grape varieties — there are over 120 different grapes planted in the region in a climate that is similar to that of the Mediterranean. Wines produced include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc — however big, bold Zinfandels reign king here.
In fact they have self-proclaimed themselves the Zinfandel capital of the world. The region has an annual yield of over 600,000 grapes harvested which makes it 20% of California’s total wine production.
Are The Best Wineries In Lodi Expensive?
Lodi won’t break the piggy bank.
Most tasting flights in Lodi range from $10-$20 which is significantly less pricey than Napa Valley which ranges from $30-$100.
Lodi Wineries To Tour And Taste
Jeremy Winery
This family-owned winery has a tasting room in downtown Lodi in a casual setting where walk-ins are welcome.
They specialize in unique blends of Italian, French and Spanish varietals as well as Zinfandel. You can bring your own food or you can purchase light “snack packs”.
Harney Lane Winery
High quality and exotic varietals are on the ticket for your future visit to Harney Lane Winery. Nestled inside a gorgeous ranch estate, the winery practices sustainable farming practices while producing small-lot wines.
They offer tastings and tours which include an oral history of their fifth-generation farming family and a behind the scenes look at their winemaking facilities.
Michael-David Winery
Don’t forget your camera (or smartphone) when visiting Michael-David winery. This Lodi winery’s photo-worthy views and landscapes are the stuff that Instagram “likes” were made for.
Wine lovers get a 45-minute tasting at their wine bar of their latest wine releases. Feel free to walk the grounds afterwards to take in the garden and vineyard views.
Stay a bit for wood-fired pizza and paninis to pair with the dazzling “Politically Correct” and “Lust” reserve wines.
Weibel Winery
Calling all Almond Champagne lovers! I know you’re out there. We are a small breed, but we are feisty. Weibel Winery specializes in the nutty “champagne”, but also offers peach, mango, raspberry, and pina colada sparkling wines.
They are four generations, eight decades strong producing 17 naturally flavored sparkling wines.
The Dancing Fox – Winery & Brewery In Lodi
There’s so much to love about The Dancing Fox — the lengthy wine list produced by The Dancing Fox Winery, the delicious comfort food, and the friendly (you’ll probably meet your new BFF here) atmosphere. They have wine in most every varietal — Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Sparkling Wine, Sauvignon Blanc, Bordeaux Blends and more.
Hearty wines to pair with the insane pub-inspired menu with such favorites as Fish and Chips, Bangers and Mash, Chicken Pie, and Smoked Maple Glazed Ham.
Lodi’s Wine Social
It’s double the wine when two local award-winning wineries come together (Six Hands and Sorelle Winery) to open a wine bar where you can enjoy tastings from both wineries.
There are plenty of varietals on the menu including many Italian blends like Primitivo, the Italian Zinfandel. Wines offered include Pinot Grigio, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Sangiovese, Russo Red Blend, Zinfandel and Barbera.
Stonum Vineyards & Winery
It’s a little bit country over at Stonum Vineyards as you’ll enter their “Tasting Barn” for an exceptional tasting of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Zinfandel. You can explore the grounds and relax by their pond as you sip wine or have a picnic.
Oak Ridge Winery
Don’t let one of the oldest wineries in Lodi fool you, Oak Ridge is state of the art winemaking.
Five generations of grape growers have created some of the best wines in Lodi with OZV (old zin vines with an average age of 50 years) and Old Soul (vines that have stood through sun and rain and have matured to produce wine with intense fruit and flavor).
Tastings are offered on their outdoor patio with a variety of white and red wines to choose from.
Twisted Barrel Winery
A bustling local’s hangout where you can hang out by the fire pit at night with a glass of wine and chill with your new found friends.
Tastings are just $10 and include a crisp Chardonnay with hints of apple and honey, a Merlot with notes of vanilla and berry, and a bold Primitivo with flavors of blackberries and pepper.
Bokisch Vineyards
Take a trip to Spain by way of Lodi at this impressive winery where Markus and Liz Bokisch are producing Spanish varietal wines since 1998.
You can enjoy a flight at their standing bar, special bottle service with vineyard views, or special events where you can sip at sunset on the lawn with live music.
Wine tasting in Lodi is overall an accessible wine region where there are many varietals to choose from that appeal to even the pickiest wine drinkers. It is also very affordable and makes it easier to not only experience multiple tastings, but bring home a bottle or two for your own wine tasting at home.
Planning A Wine Tasting Trip To Lodi?
While there is an airport in Lodi most travelers find it convenient to fly into nearby Sacramento, a quick 40-minute drive to Lodi, or even San Francisco or Oakland, about an hour and a half.
The number of flights in and out of these larger airports gives the traveler many more options.
Finding A Rental Car For Trip To Lodi
If you go this route be sure to check out discovercars.com for your rental car. This site lets you search over 500 rental companies to find the best option.
Where To Stay In Lodi
With options ranging from your standard national chain hotels to the charming B&B The Lodi Hill House Inn Lodi has plenty of accommodations to choose from. Search and find the perfect place to stay with booking.com.
Wine Tasting In Lodi FAQ
What is the best wine from Lodi California?
The most popular varietal from Lodi is the Zinfandel. There are over 120 different grapes planted in the region in a climate that is similar to that of the Mediterranean. Wines produced include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc — however big, bold Zinfandels reign king here.
Is Lodi a good wine region?
Lodi is a wine region that produces some of the most popular varietals in small production on family-run wineries. It’s a must-taste region where you can sip wine in a low-key atmosphere without breaking the bank.
What wineries are in Lodi, CA?
Our top 10 picks are:
– Bokisch Vineyards
– Twisted Barrel Winery
– Oak Ridge Winery
– The Dancing Fox – Winery & Brewery In Lodi
– Stonum Vineyards & Winery
– Lodi’s Wine Social
– Weibel Winery
– Harney Lane Winery
– Michael-David Winery
– Jeremy Winery
What wine is Lodi known for?
Lodi is not shy about producing multiple grape varieties — there are over 120 different grapes planted in the region in a climate that is similar to that of the Mediterranean. Wines produced include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc — however big, bold Zinfandels reign king here.
How many wineries are in Lodi?
85 plus
Lodi covers a vast area of flat land with over 100,000 acres of vineyards planted (double the size of Napa Valley). With old growth vines dating back to the late 1800s and wine wine-making going back generations, Lodi has 85 plus wineries to tickle your tastebuds.
Author: Tiffany Carter
Tiffany is a contributing writer to Armchair Sommelier. When she isn’t writing about wine, the California native is touring local wineries (Hello Napa and Paso!) and filling her glass across the globe (Ciao, Tuscany!). She loves a full-bodied cab, but she plays favorites when it comes to a spicy Zinfandel or juicy Malbec. Her fridge is stocked with a bottle of sparkling rosé for emergencies. Hint: there’s always an emergency. You can follow Tiffany @winetastetravel.
