Lodi is located directly east of San Francisco at the edge of the Sacramento River Delta. Its appellation is one of the best known in the country because of the classic Mediterranean climate and its distinctive sandy soils that provide the perfect environment for world-class wines.
Although it was less prestigious compared to Napa and Sonoma wine countries, recently, it has gained respect from wine enthusiasts and winemakers for its Zinfandel and other eclectic wine varietals, along with its focus on sustainability under the Lodi Rules program.
Lodi’s wineries are proud of their long history. At Lodi, you can find plenty of wineries and vineyards with excellent wines and fantastic venues you should visit. Let’s see the ten best wineries you shouldn’t miss.
Best Lodi Wineries
Lodi best wineries map:
Michael David Winery
Lodi has been home to the Michael David Winery for six generations, and it is still family-run. The Phillips family continues to stay committed to their hometown’s land, community, and spirit. They’ve been farming this soil since the 1860s and cultivating wine grapes since the early 20th century. Their founders, brothers Michael and David Phillips, are 5th generation grape growers who have raised their families in the vineyard.
The winery’s collection of wines is all responsibly grown in Lodi, California. They follow Lodi Rules, a set of over 100 standards that account for all aspects of making quality wine sustainably.
Oak Farm Vineyards
The Panella family arrived in the region in 1936 but only purchased Oak Farm Vineyards in 2004. As a third-generation California farmer, Dan reveled in undertaking the task of replanting the property’s 60 acres of vineyards in 2012 and fulfilling the vast potential of Lodi’s soil and climate. Today the winery has a diverse portfolio of wines made from estate fruit, 14 different grape varieties, and selectively sourced grapes.
Oak Farm Vineyards offer a fantastic wine tasting experience to all wine enthusiasts. The tasting room is surrounded by a 70-acre oasis of lush vines and majestic century-old oaks. The property also offers their guests Annadan suites at their beautiful vacation rental located within walking distance of the tasting room.
Oak Ridge Winery
Oak Ridge Winery has been home for five generations to the Maggio family. The winery aspires to make wine that they like to drink and wine that can suit everyone and every situation. Whether it’s for a big family gathering or a quiet night at home, they’re delighted to be able to share them with you.
The Maggio family is known for its Old Zin Vines, which represent the roots of the Lodi appellation. Crafted from their oldest Zinfandel vines, with an average age of fifty years, their wines exude the unique character of the Lodi terroir and honor a long wine-growing heritage.
Bokisch Vineyards
- Address: 18921 Atkins Rd, Lodi, CA 95240, United States
Markus and Liz Bokisch have been producing award-winning Spanish varietals in Lodi since the early 2000s. With a deep passion for Spanish wine and an appreciation for Lodi’s ideal Mediterranean climate, Bokisch Vineyards produces stunning Albariño, Tempranillo, and Garnacha.
The winery is deeply rooted in sustainability and is certified through the Lodi Rules program. Their Terra Alta tasting room offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the region, set right under the shade of massive oak trees where you can sip their unique, food-friendly wines.
Klinker Brick Winery
Klinker Brick is a fifth-generation vineyard and winery in the Lodi region. Until today they continue the tradition of cultivating “Old Vine” Zinfandel vineyards. For over one hundred years, the family has cultivated the land intending to produce top-quality fruit. Zinfandel was one of the first grape varieties planted in the Lodi appellation. Nowadays, they also plant and grow Syrah, Carignane, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Klinker Brick Winery nowadays produces standout and world-class wines with their expertise in grape growing and winemaking. Relentless attention to detail begins in the vineyard as grapevines require constant care from dormancy to harvest. From the farmer’s hand to the winemaker’s barrel, the pursuit of quality is resolute.
Jessie’s Grove Winery
With over 150 years of history, Jessies Grove Winery is one of the oldest wineries in Lodi. It was first purchased by Joseph Spenker in 1867 and started cultivating wheat, alfalfa, and watermelons. However, as a wine lover, he decided to plant his first vineyard in 1886, adding more acres in subsequent years. Many of these vines are still present, producing some of the winery’s most prized wines.
After he died in 1916, the winery was inherited by his daughter Jessie. She continued his legacy even during Prohibition, the Great Depression, and World War 2. Years later, her grandchildren acquired the winery and named it Jessie’s Grove to honor her. Today, Jessie’s Grove has some of the oldest zinfandel and Cinsault vineyards in the world!
Harney Lane Winery
Harney Lane has been tending vineyards with care and passion since 1907. However, in 2006 the family decided to expand and grow further by crafting exceptional wines from their estate vineyards. They remain family-owned, operated, and proud to be Certified Green. Nowadays, they proudly manage every element of winemaking, from vineyard to barrel to bottle.
Their secret to their exceptional wines is the blend of their agricultural roots with a modern yet comfortable wine tasting experience. Their motto is love, laughter, family, and wine. Thus whether you are celebrating with a bottle at home or sipping in their tasting room, their values are for you to live every little moment with eagerness and happiness.
Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards
- Address: 22353 N Tretheway Rd, Acampo, CA 95220, United States
In an appellation deeply famous for its bold red Zinfandels, Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards stands out beautifully by focusing exclusively on premium white and rosé Rhône varietals. Owner and winemaker Sue Tipton fell in love with white Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines and brought those unique vines to her Lodi property.
Today, the winery crafts elegant, crisp, and food-friendly wines like Grenache Blanc, Picpoul Blanc, Roussanne, and Clairette Blanche. The tasting room is housed in a beautifully renovated 100-year-old barn, offering a stunning and peaceful environment to sip their vibrant white wines.
Dancing Fox Winery and Brewery
In May of 2009, Dancing Fox was officially open for business. However, Gregg and his sons would make wine in the old barn on their property for many years. They enjoyed stomping the grapes with their bare feet and cranking the wooden wine press to squeeze out all the fresh juice. Gregg was pleased with the quality of wine they had made, and he dreamed of having his small winery someday.
Today, the winery has been steadily growing and evolving. Gregg’s sons have started brewing beer for the restaurant. The brewery focuses on traditional English-style ales and barrel aging. The distillery specializes in brandy from Lodi grapes and whisky from local grains, making this a true triple-threat destination.
Mettler Family Vineyards
The Mettler Family has been growing grapes for eight generations, dating back to the small village of Alsace in France. They have been growing premium wine grapes in the Lodi appellation for six generations and, in addition to their wines, continue to grow grapes for many well-known wineries. They still farm some of their original family properties, dating back to the late 1800s, making their vineyards some of the oldest in Lodi.
Their wines are an expression of where and how the grapes are grown. Integrity for the land and responsible farming practices ensure that their wine grapes are of the highest quality for their wines. The family is involved from the vineyard to the bottle, growing, harvesting, trucking, winemaking, and sales.
Best Lodi Wineries with Tasting Rooms
Visiting a winery naturally means tasting different types of wines, but let’s see the best wineries for tasting rooms or tours.
Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards: Housed in a historic 100-year-old barn, this tasting room offers an elevated, seated tasting experience. Known for their focus on premium white wines, tastings here are carefully paired with curated savory bites to showcase the food-friendly nature of their Rhône varietals.
Oak Ridge Winery: As one of the first wine tasting rooms in Lodi, this is one of the best in the area. Although the tasting room is relatively small, its decor and ambiance are all you need to love it. Furthermore, it has a lovely covered patio with beautiful views of the vineyards. It is a tranquil and peaceful setting with excellent service and a place to socialize and hang out with friends. And, of course, all their wines are exceptional, marking their spot as the oldest operating winery in Lodi.
Harney Lane Winery: Their tasting room is a lovely venue for tasting exceptional wines and learning more about the history of Lodi’s appellation. Your group will receive a unique tasting experience with a knowledgeable staff member as your guide, including a tasting flight of their favorite estate wines. The group tasting experience runs approximately 40 minutes.
Bokisch Vineyards: The Terra Alta Tasting Room is perched on a hill surrounded by rolling vineyards. It offers an authentic Spanish wine experience right in Lodi, with knowledgeable staff ready to share the history of their organically farmed Spanish varietals. You can enjoy a quiet and peaceful day of wine tasting under the oak trees.
Best Lodi Wineries with Food & Restaurants
The best way to try a delicious wine is with excellent tasty food. Many wineries have a restaurant at their premises or offer robust culinary pairings.
Michael David Winery: An on-site café offers a full breakfast and lunch menu with meat sourced from local producers. Seasonal selections of produce grown on-site or locally here in Lodi are available at their farmstand. Handmade signature pies using Michael and David’s mother’s recipe are also available for you to take home.
Dancing Fox Winery: A restaurant on-site serves delicious food daily. They also serve tasty brunch from 10 am to 1:30 pm on Sundays. The restaurant’s ambiance is cozy and welcomed, and much like their wines, their menu and atmosphere are European influenced. Their menu consists of steaks, pizza, wraps, sandwiches, salads, bread pudding, and much more.
Klinker Brick Winery: While they do not have a full-service restaurant, here you can taste award-winning Old Vine Zinfandels paired perfectly with curated charcuterie boards and small bites. You can marvel at the sights of the surrounding vineyards as well as the beautiful view of Mount Diablo from the south patio. Furthermore, make sure to venture out to the north courtyard, where you can enjoy the serene scenery of the old vine bronze fountain.
Best Lodi Wineries with Wedding and Other Venue Events
Wine is not just a bottle of wine that you save to open for a special occasion. It also has beautiful landscapes of vineyards and rustic and vintage winemaking equipment and tasting rooms. Thus, if you are a true wine lover, check out the best wineries where you can celebrate your wedding or visit for other special events and anniversaries.
Oak Farm Vineyards: The unique and historic venues on the property allow for a gorgeous wine country setting, perfect for private events. Their on-site event coordinators carefully and thoughtfully assist in planning and carrying out your special day, treating each event with excellent and personalized care.
Jessie’s Grove Winery: The winery is known for its long history and vintage tasting room. Thus, this is the perfect winery to marvel and immerse in Lodi’s long culture and lifestyle of wine and winemaking. The tasting room often becomes a large venue with live bands, creating a relaxing and cozy ambiance. There are often weekly events with different themes and different artists performing here.
Mettler Family Vineyards: The tasting room and wedding venue on the seven acres of beautiful vineyards indeed can be the beginning of your happily ever after. The spectacular setting of this beautiful landscape can hold weddings of up to 150 people.
Also Read: 10 Best Wine Tasting Rooms In San Francisco
Final Thoughts
Lodi is a top destination for wine lovers for its fantastic flavored wines and awe-inspiring views. Especially if your taste buds prefer the zinfandel variety, Lodi should be your destination. Lodi’s climate allows it to be a productive and fast-growing high-quality wine region.
Furthermore, Lodi’s wineries offer outdoor recreation and entertainment, a relaxing and cheerful atmosphere, and a beautiful community and family of creative winemakers. So, if you love wine and want to experience a laid-back and unique winemaking lifestyle, Lodi is the best destination for you!