PICTURE-
PERFECT
Creating memorable experiences in California’s most picturesque wine region
As wine regions go, Lodi has everything you could want and nothing you don’t. Vines are plentiful and grapes are diverse and sustainably farmed. Wines are delicious, high-quality and affordable. The weather is near-perfect year-round. The town is charming and the people are warm, welcoming and approachable. There is no traffic congestion, winery tasting rooms are not overcrowded or stuffy, and reservations are easy to come by.
The Lodi wine region is, in one word, picturesque. Here are six Lodi wineries and tasting rooms who are capitalizing on Lodi’s strengths to create picture-perfect, memorable experiences.
LODI WINE VISITOR CENTER
Offering daily tasting and a wine list that rotates weekly, this unique wine bar and bottle shop is a must-visit. Staff are friendly, knowledgeable and happy to recommend wines, tasting rooms and more based on your palate and interests. A high-vaulted, wood ceiling with rustic, exposed beams and support columns makes the space feel cozy, while a 12-foot tall, illustrated mural of the region covering the entire wall behind the quartz and tile tasting bar gives it a contemporary vibe. The Center’s retail shop stocks more than 100 bottles of Lodi-grown wines from throughout the state as well as quality glass- and drinkware, stylish totes, apparel and more. From Albariño to Zinfandel, this wine bar carries it all. lodiwine.com
CALIVINES WINERY & OLIVE MILL
Owned and operated by the multi-generational Coldani family, this dual winery and olive mill offers a unique and intriguing experience. Surrounded by rows of olive trees, the winery is sleek and modern – inside and out. Bright white walls, counter and table tops and ample windows juxtaposed by black metal chairs, shelving and exposed ceiling insulation, ductwork and lighting create a clean and elegant ambiance. The adjoining patio and lawn offer ample seating in the form of couches and tables and chairs with umbrellas. Cornhole sets and a giant Connect 4 are available for entertaining kids and adults. A range of tastings, pairings, classes and tours provide opportunities for education and enjoyment. Sparkling wine, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec and Zinfandel are just a handful of varieties offered here. calivirgin.com
HARNEY LANE VINEYARDS
Nestled in a garden oasis of feathery ferns and native grasses and encircled by grape vines, this fifth-generation, family-owned tasting room offers a serene respite from the bustle of everyday life. Outside the tasting room, ample seating is tucked into pockets of the garden providing for an intimate and relaxing experience. Towering Deodar trees and rust-colored umbrellas provide shade. In cooler months, the Adirondack chairs surrounding the stone fire pit are highly sought-after. A high-vaulted, wood ceiling with exposed ductwork, marble bar tops and a chic gift area create an elegant interior. A warm welcome, a variety of unique tasting experiences and exceptional service are always on the menu here. You’ll find Albariño, Chardonnay, Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and more at this winery. harneylane.com
JEREMY WINE CO. – LOCKEFORD
Head for the hills! Lodi’s rolling Clements Hills AVA, that is. This is where you’ll find this modern estate winery and vineyard. Owner/winemaker Jeremy Trettevik has an eye for design, and it shows. Housed in an industrial metal building, the tasting and barrel room is warm and inviting on the inside; a mix of wood, metal, and fabric textures adds to the sensory experience. Massive glass-framed roll-up doors on the north and south ends provide unimpeded views of the site’s 100-year-old Zinfandel vineyard. On the outside, an eclectic mural covers the building’s entire west side. Gracious hospitality coupled with quaffable, approachable wines adds to the experience here. Expect an evolving list of unique varietals like Montepulciano, Cabernet Franc, and Barbera along with a new low-alcohol line and wine in a box. jeremywineco.com
MICHAEL DAVID WINERY
More than a winery, what once was a simple highway farm stand has morphed into an inclusive, pinkies up, glasses down culture. A rustic, low-slung building – once part of the historic farm stand – houses a café, produce and baked goods market, gifts, and wine tasting bar. Next to it sits the winery’s tasting room – a modern, wood-framed building. Supported by stone pillars, its sloped metal roof provides shade for an outdoor tasting bar. Behind the two buildings is an expansive, perfectly landscaped outdoor space which includes boulder-framed ponds, bocce courts, a kids play area, U-pick flower garden, an outdoor bistro serving up wood-fired pizzas and more, and comfortable outdoor furniture. With so much to do (and taste), you’ll want to stay awhile. Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and more are on the menu here. michaeldavidwinery.com
OAK FARM VINEYARDS
This expansive estate winery is located on the north side of Lodi’s Mokelumne River AVA on a 70-acre lushly landscaped, historical property dotted with majestic, century-old oak trees and surrounded by grape vines. The property’s colonial style home – built in 1876 by well-regarded San Joaquin historical figure William DeVries – adds old-Lodi charm. The tasting room – with its open, high-vaulted ceilings, mahogany-colored leather furniture, monumental stone fireplace, and large horseshoe-shaped tasting bar – is nothing short of grand. Generous owners/operators Dan and Heather Panella make special efforts to create truly memorable wine tasting, tour, event and – now – dining experiences. A seasonal breakfast and lunch menu is offered daily alongside wine tasting. Here, you’ll discover Albariño, Fiano, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, several delicious red wine blends and more. oakfarmvineyards.com
