Where to Play, Eat, and Stay in Lodi, CA, the ‘Winegrape Capital of the World’

Entering a place with nearly 130 grape varieties across seven sub-appellations, I was eager to explore everything this Mediterranean climate nurtured. By noon, I was already sampling some of the region’s most drinkable wines, from crisp albariños to robust old-vine zinfandels. It’s official: this sun-drenched pocket of California is a wine lover’s dream. Here’s how to enjoy it.

Things to do in Lodi

Downtown Lodi

Historic. Walkable. Trendy. Lodi’s quaint downtown area is the perfect place to stroll and shop, with everything from antique shops to home décor boutiques. One beloved community staple is Cheese Central, an emporium of domestic and international cheeses, plus artisan accompaniments like jams, crackers, and gourmet oils. The shop also hosts interactive classes and tasting events — think fondue nights or wine-and-cheese pairing workshops.

After a bit of browsing and nibbling, grab a coffee from a local café or sit down for a flight at one of several downtown tasting rooms. Don’t forget to snap a photo at the iconic Lodi Mission Arch, originally built in 1907. It’s the historic gateway to downtown and a beloved local landmark.

Cheese Central: 11 N School St, Lodi, CA 95240

Lodi Wine Visitor Center

The Lodi Wine Visitor Center is more than just a place to pick up brochures. In fact, it has its very own tasting room. The tasting list changes weekly, as does the retail area, so be sure to grab your favorite bottle when you can. With both indoor and outdoor seating, you’re welcome to choose between casual sipping and a guided tasting with staff who really know their stuff. You’ll find the visitor center next to Maison Lodi Café and Bakery at Appellation Lodi Wine & Roses.

Lodi Wine Visitor Center: 2545 W Turner Rd, Lodi, CA 95242

Lodi Boathouse

Lake Lodi is the quintessential hangout spot for locals and tourists alike, and the Lodi Boathouse is your go-to for getting out on the water with kayak, paddleboard, and pedal boat rentals available by the hour or day. Spend a day fishing, kayaking, picnicking, or paddleboarding. The Mokelumne River is slow-moving and good for beginners or for a worry-free paddle (life vests are included with equipment rentals). Parking costs $10 per vehicle for the day for non-Lodi residents. Keep an eye out for turtles, otters, and other wildlife.

Lodi Boathouse: 1101 W Turner Rd, Lodi, CA 95242

Wine & Roses Spa

This full-service spa at Appellation Lodi Wine & Roses was easily one of my favorite activities. Nestled among the natural landscape for maximum healing, the spa’s experiences are luxe and rejuvenating. I opted for the Seaweed Mud Wrap, a detoxifying treatment that included a soothing face and foot massage. Be sure to try the homemade granola and lounge by the pools in their outdoor courtyard while you’re there.

Wine & Roses Spa: 2505 W Turner Rd, Lodi, CA 95242

Lodi Farmers Market

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Farmers sell a lip-smacking smorgasbord of local produce every Thursday, May through September, at this community event. Locals of diverse backgrounds congregate for farm-fresh food, live music, and to manifest the vision for a diverse and sustainable society. And that basket of local tomatoes I had? Best in the West, I’d say.

Lodi Farmers Market: 35 S School St, Lodi, CA 95240

Must-visit wineries in Lodi

Bokisch Vineyards

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Don’t miss this innovative winery for a tasting, a bottle, or wine-centric event — all with a Spanish flair. The freshly released Spanish-style sparkling (Lo Xalet) and charcuterie box will bring you closer to Spain than ever, without setting foot outside of California. This organically farmed vineyard also produces a small selection of French wines, and for a really immersive experience, owners Markus and Liz Bokisch host group tours to Spain for a unique angle on its diverse culinary heritage, history, and so much more.

Bokisch Vineyards: 18921 Atkins Rd, Lodi, CA 95240

Stonum Vineyards

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This small family winery takes great pride in its sustainability practices. Since 1979, Kathy and Mike Stonum have transformed their 17-acre parcel from agricultural land to organic vineyards and gardens. Today, they consider themselves artisanal and handcrafted, showcasing the best of Lodi grapes. Make the most of your time here with a wine and cheese pairing (reservations required).

Stonum Vineyards: 16388 Alpine Rd, Lodi, CA 95240

Lucas Winery

Between the Grand Chai barrel room and custom-made surfboards, this small winery comes with a big personality. Each tasting includes wine from the organic vineyards and a tour of the property. Lucas Winery focuses on Zinfandel with some vines as old as 1933. Styles range from dry to sweet, with wine labels supporting artists with disabilities around the Bay Area. Not only is this winery concerned with sustainability and giving back to its community, but it also has a beachy, Old World elegance unique to anything in Lodi.

Lucas Winery: 8196 Davis Rd, Lodi, CA 95242

Oak Farm Vineyards

This historic and rather stately winery breathes elegance into Lodi’s food and wine scene. Its patio dining area and enticing menu make Oak Farm Vineyards the perfect spot for brunch with vineyard views. I’d recommend the salmon tartine and gluten-free patatas bravas (tapas-style fried potatoes), but not without a glass of estate-grown rosé. Alternatively, opt for the 45-minute Tasting Bar Experience to sip your way through a flight of fine wines for $20 per person (up to six people).

Oak Farm Vineyards: 23627 N Devries Rd, Lodi, CA 95242

Where to eat in Lodi

Americana House

What makes Americana House unique is its unwavering promise to both fine dining and hyperlocality. Located at Appellation Lodi Wine & Roses, this establishment has its own gardens, which are on full display to guests. Don’t skip the hamachi tartare or Hog Island oysters with homemade hot sauce and mezcal oil.

Americana House 2505 W Turner Rd, Lodi, CA 95242

Ruby’s Bakery and Café

Locally owned and conveniently situated in the heart of downtown Lodi, Ruby’s is the ideal choice for fresh bread and pastries. Try a slice of quiche and round it off with some coffee cake or a gluten-free coconut almond macaroon. All items are baked fresh daily from scratch.

Ruby’s Bakery and Café: 11 Church St STE B, Lodi, CA 95240

The Oxford Kitchen

A former professor and a two-Michelin-star chef team up to create this eclectic dining experience reminiscent of a London street market. The pub-like atmosphere sets the mood for everything from scotch eggs to beef Wellington, and a long list of sleek cocktails that satisfied my craving for global cuisine I hadn’t experienced before. Ultimately, the kitchen sent me a bite of nearly everything on the menu, and I finished it all.

The Oxford Kitchen: 110 W Oak St, Lodi, CA 95240

Maison Lodi

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On my last day, I stepped into Maison Lodi, which feels more like an elevated café than a hotel restaurant. The chickens on the rotisserie were tempting, but I opted for the jambon beurre & fromage (Parisian ham, butter, and aged comté on a baguette) with salad (from the garden, of course). I sat outside and enjoyed my sandwich and cappuccino to the sound of birds humming and cyclists on a break from their morning ride.

Maison Lodi: 2505 W Turner Rd, Lodi, CA 95242

Pietro’s

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A whimsical take on southern Italian fare (emphasis on southern). Start with an arancia — a blood orange-based summer mocktail — while giant cans of Italian tomatoes and cured meats judge every sip, slurp, and chomp. These family-style portions include herbs and vegetables from the restaurant’s vibrant garden.

Pietro’s: 317 E Kettleman Ln, Lodi, CA 95240-5922

Where to stay in Lodi

I stayed at the most “it” hotel in town: Appellation Hotel Wine & Roses. It’s a freshly renovated space with modern and California country accents. The two restaurants on site — both by acclaimed chef Charlie Palmer — are enveloped by the property’s colorful gardens. The spa regularly makes lists of the top spas in the US. In other words, this is the ideal venue for weddings, formal events, romantic getaways, solo travelers, and, of course, wine lovers.

Appellation Hotel Wine & Roses: 2505 W Turner Rd, Lodi, CA 95242

Getting to and around Lodi

To get to Lodi, fly into Sacramento and take the I-5 South for about 30 to 40 minutes. From San Francisco, take the I-580 East for about 2.5 hours. The public transit system, the Grapevine, is practical for getting around town but doesn’t operate past 3:30 PM on Sundays and 7:30 PM the rest of the week, so you may have to reconsider your itinerary if taking public transportation. Renting a car is still your best option for getting in and around Lodi.