Our weekend visit to Lodi Wine Country with friends was priceless! Returning to Lodi with friends for a weekend was awesome. I was there for a wine bloggers conference in 2016, and now almost 10 years later it was definitely time to return. Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA) is most famous for its Zinfandel; however, there are over one hundred grape varieties planted in the Lodi Appellation, so there is something for everyone. YES, Lodi Wine Country travels with friends is pura vida!
In case you are wondering, other wines, than Zinfandel, that you will find in Lodi include: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Petit Sirah, Albariño, Grenache, and more. Lodi Appellation has seven Sub-Appellations ( Mokelumne River, Clement's Hills, Borden Ranch, Jahant, Sloughhouse, Alt Mesa, and Cosumnes River). It is home to some of the oldest vines in California, including the Bechthold Vineyard (Cinsault planted in 1886) and Lizzie James Vineyard (Zinfandel planted in 1901). Not only do these old, Lodi vines root in the state’s history of wine, but they also produce incredibly complex, age-worthy wines. Besides being home to some of the oldest vines in California, Lodi is also the birthplace of the wine icon, Robert Mondavi.
California wine country is home to 139 AVA’s (American Viticultural Areas). Lodi is the largest wine growing region in California (twice the size of Napa Valley!). Lodi is one of the west coast’s most underrated wine regions. Lodi, a source for many grapes added to the blends of Napa and Sonoma wines, is building a reputation as, a must-visit wine region. Given its seven sub-AVA’s, each with unique microclimates and soils, we would get to experience some of Lodi's uniqueness during our wine country adventure.
Lodi Wine Country © Spaswinefood
Our Lodi Wine Country Travels
During our weekend visit we were able to checkout some of Lodi’s wines. Our first stop was the Lodi Wine Visitor Center.
Lodi Wine Visitors Center © Spaswinefood
For those planning to visit Lodi Wine Country I am happy to share our weekend adventure.
Day 1: Lodi Wine Visitors Center, Bokisch Vineyards, and Dinner at The Gypsy Bistro
1. Our first meetup in Lodi was at the Wine Visitors Center, 2545 W Turner Rd, Lodi, CA 95242. The Lodi Wine Visitor Center is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts. It is located on Turner Road, next to Wine & Roses. The center offers a comprehensive introduction to the Lodi Appellation. Visitors can learn about the region's winemaking process and the impact of night breezes from the Sacramento Delta on vine growth. There are over 200 Lodi bottles available, including those from small-batch vintners without their own tasting room. There is no shortage of options to explore from the large collection of Lodi wines. It is also a very inexpensive tasting ($12 for 4), and the wine tasting menu changes weekly. It is nice to hang out there and learn a bit about the different wineries, before heading out to the wineries.
2. Bokisch Vineyards Wine Tasting with Cheese & Charcuterie Platter
We choose to explore their Cava and Spanish wines at Bokisch Vineyards.
This family-owned winery specializes in wines produced from Spanish grape varieties, including Graciano, Verdejo, Albariño, and Garnacha. The husband and wife team, Markus and Liz Bokisch, began production in the early 2000’s as tribute to their Spanish heritage. Bokisch Vineyards farms organically and sustainably in the Clement Hills AVA of Lodi.
Lodi Wine Country © Spaswinefood
We were well treated during our visit.
After checking in at our hotel for the weekend we were off to dinner.
3. Dinner at The Gypsy Bistro
The Gypsy Bistro is located in the historic town of Lockeford, California. It is housed inside a former 150,000-gallon concrete wine tank, a remnant of the Old Lockeford Winery. The winery was established in 1946, and served local grape growers until the 1970s.
We totally loved our dining experience at The Gypsy Bistro.
Day 2: Acquiesce, Michael David Winery, and Dinner at Pietro’s Trattoria
1. Acquiesce
After breakfast at our hotel we headed out for a wine tasting at Acquiesce Winery and Vineyard, Acampo, California.
Susan Tipton is the owner and founding winemaker of Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards. Acquiesce is Lodi’s only all white wine winery featuring estate grown Rhône varietals in a sea of Zinfandel grapes. The tasting room is in a restored 100 year old barn on an 18 acre property surrounded by wine grapes. Susan began planting her estate grapes in 2008 which include Picpoul Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Claire Blanche, Bourboulenc, Viognier and Roussanne. Acquiesce Winery has garnered numerous Double Gold, Gold and Best of Class awards.
We were welcomed with a glass of 2022 Grenache Blanc.
After the welcoming pour of 2022 Grenache Blanc we were off to our table for the wine tasting.
Each of the wines we tasted were paired with small bites of food.
2. Michael David Winery
Our second winery stop for the day was a Wine Tasting and Lunch at Michael David Winery. Given it was Saturday this winery was quite busy.
Michael David Winery, Lodi Wine Country © Spaswinefood
If you have had Lodi wine, chances are it was a Michael David wine. Michael David Winery is known for putting Lodi on the radar; so you must stop at this historically important place. It offers a number of food and wine options. We enjoyed lunch at the bistro.
3. Pietro’s Trattoria
We ended the second day with dinner at Pietro’s Trattoria, one of the most popular spots in Lodi.
Day 3: On Your Own: A Few Suggestions
After breakfast at Hotel before returning home one suggestion is: visit Harney Lane Winery, a family- owned and operated winery. Harney Lane specializes in old vine Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Sirah, and Albariño. Their beautiful tasting room and shaded gardens are the perfect setting to enjoy a wine-filled experience. This is also a great opportunity to taste Zinfandel from the historic Lizzie James Vineyard (planted in 1901).
There is no shortage of possibilities for further Lodi wineries (see link) and activities, just checkout Visit Lodi and Lodi Wine.
Lodi Wine Country travels with friends is pura vida! You will fall in love with Lodi’s hospitality, and discover some of its wine gems. While my wine country travels takes me to wine regions around the world, it was priceless to have this wine adventure with friends in Lodi. I invite you to join me in my travels in Lodi, California, and elsewhere in the sharing of these adventures at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook.
Sharon
Lodi, California
September 2025
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