Lodi Wine Tasting: A WSET-Certified Guide to the Underrated Lodi Wine Region

I just got back from Lodi, California, a few weeks ago, and I still can’t believe more people aren’t talking about this wine region. First off: the history here is incredible. You’ll find some of the oldest vines in the country — the oldest vines in Lodi were planted in 1886! Lodi also farms more grapes than Napa and Sonoma combined, and it’s an incredibly diverse region where a huge range of grape varieties thrive.

Lodi is also one of the most approachable wine regions in all of California. Most tastings run about $20–30 — a breath of fresh air compared to the more well-known regions — and the whole place has a laid-back, no-pretension feel. Between the relaxed vibe, the affordable prices, and the rich history, here’s why your next trip should be to the Lodi wine region.

P.S. — if you’re new here, I’m Alicia! I have my WSET Level 2 Certification in Wine, and I’ve been to almost every major wine region in the United States (and beyond!).

Why Lodi Is California’s Most Underrated Wine Region

If I had to sum up why Lodi flies under the radar, it’s this: it has everything the famous regions have — history, incredible wine, gorgeous vineyards — just without the crowds, the sky-high price tags, or the attitude. Here’s what won me over.

Some of the oldest vines in the country

Old vines are Lodi’s calling card. We’re talking gnarled, head-trained Zinfandel vines that have been growing here for a century — some planted back when California winemaking was barely a thing. At Jeremy Wine Co., I walked a block planted in 1925; at St. Amant, their flagship Zin comes from vines planted in 1901. You can genuinely taste that history in the glass (more on the Zinfandel in a bit), and it’s the kind of heritage most regions would build their entire identity around.

A diversity that will surprise you

Here’s the part that genuinely caught me off guard. Yes, Lodi is Zinfandel country — but that’s just the beginning. Over five days I tasted Spanish varieties like Albariño and Tempranillo at Bokisch (whose founder is basically the godfather of Spanish grapes in California), an entire winery of Rhône white wines at the woman-owned Acquiesce, an Italian Fiano at Oak Farm tied to the owner’s family roots, and traditional-method sparkling at Nostra Vita. For a region people write off as “just Zin,” the range is honestly staggering.

They actually care about the land

Lodi takes sustainability seriously — it’s home to Lodi Rules, one of the country’s original certified sustainable winegrowing programs. But some growers go even further. At Jeremy Wine Co., they’re rebuilding the soil’s microbiome with compost teas and regenerative farming; at The Lucas Winery, they released predatory mites by drone to manage pests without spraying. It’s real, thoughtful farming — not a marketing buzzword.

Approachable in every sense of the word

This might be my favorite part. Most tastings run about $20–30, you rarely need a reservation, and nobody’s going to make you feel silly for what you do or don’t know. It’s the opposite of intimidating. And I’ll let you in on something: more than one winemaker, completely unprompted, told me some version of “skip Napa — come here instead.” When the people making the wine are saying it, you listen.

So… is it actually worth the trip?

Short answer: yes. Here are the wineries, the food, the stays, and my honest verdict.

The Best Wineries in Lodi (from a WSET Palate)

I tasted my way through a lot of Lodi over five days, so instead of ranking them one to ten, I’ve grouped my favorites by what you’re in the mood for. Whether you’re chasing old-vine Zinfandel, something you’ve never tried, or just a fun afternoon with a glass in hand, there’s a winery here for you.

If you want old-vine Zinfandel (Lodi’s headline)

The Lucas Winery: my personal favorite of the whole trip. It’s been a Zinfandel house since 1978, and their flagship ZinStar comes from old vines that make the case for Lodi all on their own. Winemaker Eliza Hess is a wonderful storyteller, and the wine is exceptional. If you visit one winery in Lodi, make it this one.

Jeremy Wine Co.: come here for the old vines and the experience. I walked a block planted in 1925 and got a genuine masterclass in why old-vine farming matters. They also run a hands-on blending lab (more on that later) that’s one of the most fun things I did all trip.

St. Amant: tiny, boutique, and the wine was so good. Their Marian’s Vineyard Zin comes from vines planted in 1901, and they’ve won Best Red at the California State Fair multiple times. Bonus for my out-of-state readers: it’s one of the easier Lodi wines to find at home (you can find it at Total Wine!).

If you want to be surprised

Bokisch Vineyards: this is where Lodi’s “it’s not just Zin” reputation really clicks. Bokisch’s founder pioneered Spanish varieties in California, and their Albariño and Tempranillo are the real deal. Such a cool spot: I could’ve stayed all day.

Acquiesce Winery: an entire winery of white wines (plus a gorgeous rosé), and it’s woman-owned. They specialize in Rhône whites and rare varieties you rarely see, paired with a food menu that changes monthly. Even if you’re a die-hard red drinker, trust me: this one will win you over.

WOO GIRL! Cellars: if we’re talking zero pretense, this is the one. It’s a woman-owned brand on a beautiful estate, with a lovely selection of sparkling wines. But what I loved most goes beyond the glass: it’s a genuine safe space, warm and welcoming to absolutely everyone — their whole mission is about celebrating, empowering, and elevating one another. And the wine backs it up. They farm their own vineyards, so their dry, aromatic vegan rosé is built on real fruit: no additives, no corrections, no residual sugar. Proof that inclusive and seriously good are never mutually exclusive.

Oak Farm Vineyards: come for the Italian Fiano (tied to the owner’s family roots) and a gold-medal Cabernet Franc, and stay for the property and the food — more on the historic farmhouse below.

Nostra Vita: a sweet, family-owned spot specializing in traditional-method sparkling. The origin story alone is worth the visit. And get the breadsticks. I’m still thinking about them!

If you want a bigger estate experience

Mettler Family Vineyards: six generations deep and one of Lodi’s original families. They’re known for Cabernet (unusual for Lodi!), and the whole family made us feel completely at home — one of the warmest visits of the trip. Plus, the wine is incredible, and the grounds are exquisite. Definitely wear your most Instagrammable outfit and plan for a mini photoshoot here.

Michael David Winery: the big, bustling one. Think 600,000 cases a year, a farm café, a playground, and a market on-site. It’s a whole experience, and their Freakshow and Earthquake labels are everywhere for a reason.

If you want a fun, laid-back hang

Macchia Wines: a really fun, family-owned winery with a bocce court, a stack of award-winning wines, and some cool history on the property. Perfect if you’re rolling in with a group and want to settle in and stay awhile.

Scotto’s Wine & Cider: the most casual of the bunch, and worth it for the fun stuff: alcohol-removed wines, canned wine, and Zinfandel-blended and blueberry ciders. A great option if you’ve got a designated driver or a non-drinker in the group.

Where to Eat & Drink in Lodi

Lodi’s food scene punched way above what I expected — which makes sense once you realize you’re in the middle of some of the richest farmland in the country. Here’s where I’d send you.

Guantonio’s Wood Fired: An Italian restaurant you’ll want to linger at. This is a local favorite, and I can tell why: the wood-fired pizzas were incredible, and it just felt hip (but not in a pretentious way!)

Market Tavern: another great sit-down option, serving American cuisine. You can tell that they use really high-quality ingredients here. There’s something for everyone here.

Americana House: Much more than “just the hotel restaurant” — it was packed with locals and visitors alike, which tells you everything. This restaurant by Chef Charlie Palmer has incredible seasonal regional fare, and the wine list is the real showstopper: an incredible, deep selection of local Lodi wines, so you can keep tasting your way through the region right at the table. Whether or not you’re staying on-property, it’s worth a reservation.

The winery food worth planning your day around. A few tasting rooms have kitchens good enough to be the reason you visit. Oak Farm Vineyards does a seasonal, farm-to-table lunch highlighting local growers — and as a bonus, it’s very gluten-friendly (the owner has celiac, so they take it seriously). Mettler Family Winery served us a gorgeous garden-to-table lunch, much of it grown right there. And Bokisch leans all the way into its Spanish soul with a spread of Manchego, membrillo, and fresh focaccia. My advice: don’t treat lunch as an afterthought here — build your day around one of these.

More Things to Do in Lodi

Even if you’re not a huge wine person (or you just need a break between tastings), Lodi has more going on than you’d think. These were my favorites.

Blend your own wine at Jeremy’s Zin Lab. Hands down one of the most fun things I did all trip. You taste single varietals, build your own blend in an app, and then bottle, cork, label, and sign your own bottle to take home. You walk out as the winemaker — it’s interactive, low-key competitive if you’re with friends, and I can’t recommend it enough.

Take a kayak tour on Lodi Lake. A genuinely lovely way to start a morning before the heat kicks in. The Lodi Boathouse runs kayak tours, and it’s an incredible way to learn more about Lodi’s ecosystem. You can also rent a paddleboard through them.

Meet the goats at Spenker Family Farm. This was so much fun. It’s a multi-generational family farm, and yes — there are adorable goats. The real highlight is the goat-cheese-and-wine pairing, a charming, hands-on, totally different-from-a-tasting-room experience. Bring the kids; bring anyone who thinks wine country is stuffy.

Start at the Lodi Wine Visitor Center. If it’s your first time in Lodi, begin here. You can taste, get pointed toward the wineries that fit your vibe, and it’s genuinely beautiful. Plus, they pour wines here from producers that don’t have tasting rooms, and their menu changes every week.

Where to Stay in Lodi

Appellation Lodi – Wine & Roses Resort and Spa

If you’re looking for a luxe stay in wine country, I’d highly recommend the Appellation Lodi. Here, you can find an award-winning spa, restaurants & bars by Chef Charlie Palmer, exquisite gardens, and top-notch service.

Book Your Stay

How to Plan Your Lodi Wine Trip

Lodi is refreshingly easy to plan around — it’s close to a major city, it doesn’t require a spreadsheet of reservations, and you can see a lot in a long weekend. Here’s everything you need to know.

Getting there

Lodi sits about 45 minutes from downtown Sacramento and roughly an hour from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) — so it’s an easy fly-in-and-drive. It’s also about 90 minutes east of San Francisco, which makes it a very doable weekend escape or even a (long) day trip from the Bay Area.

The best time to visit

Here’s an insider tip most guides won’t tell you: summer is actually Lodi’s slowest season. The heat keeps the crowds away, so if you don’t mind the warm weather (and it does get warm; plan on early tastings and afternoon pool breaks), summer is your window for a quiet, unhurried trip. If you’d rather have milder weather and harvest-season energy, fall is the sweet spot — just know it’s also the busier, more popular time to come.

How many days do you need?

Two to three days is the sweet spot — enough to hit a range of wineries, eat well, and still leave time to relax. I would recommend visiting 2-3 wineries/day. Here’s a sample three-day itinerary pulled straight from my trip, organized by theme so you can mix and match:

Day 1 — Old-Vine Zinfandel. Start at Jeremy Wine Co. for the blend-your-own Zin Lab, or head to The Lucas Winery for ZinStar. Break for a farm-to-table lunch at Oak Farm Vineyards, then finish with sparkling at Nostra Vita or old-vine Zin at St. Amant. Grab dinner at Americana House.

Day 2 — Lodi’s Surprising Diversity. Begin with a tasting at Michael David (grab breakfast at their farm café first), then spend the late morning with the Rhône whites and food pairing at Acquiesce. Afternoon: Spanish varieties at Bokisch or sparkling at WOO GIRL! Cellars. Dinner downtown at Guantonio’s Wood Fired.

Day 3 — Roots & Rivers. Ease into it with a morning boat tour on Lodi Lake, grab a casual brunch at nearby Maison Lodi, then enjoy a tasting at Mettler Family Winery, followed by bocce and wine at Macchia. Wrap up with dinner at Market Tavern — or, if you’ve got another day, meet the goats at Spenker Family Farm.

Do you need reservations?

Mostly, no. And that’s part of the charm. Most Lodi wineries welcome walk-ins (large groups are the exception, so call ahead if you have more than about six). After the reservation-only, book-months-out world of Napa, being able to just… show up somewhere that looked good is a genuine breath of fresh air. Start at the Lodi Wine Visitor Center if you’re not sure where to begin — they’ll point you toward the wineries that match your vibe.

Lodi vs. Napa: Is It Worth It?

Now, I’m not a Napa hater. Napa is iconic for a reason, and the wines can be world-class. But somewhere along the way, a Napa trip started to mean $60+ tastings, reservations booked weeks out, and a certain amount of pretension baked into the whole experience. Lodi is the antidote to all of that.

The value case is hard to argue with. Most Lodi tastings run $20–30, you can walk in without a reservation, and you’ll find genuinely excellent bottles at prices that don’t make you wince. You can taste all day here for what a single tasting costs in Napa.

And the diversity might California’s best-kept wine secret. Where else can you drink century-old Zinfandel, Spanish Tempranillo, Rhône whites, Italian Fiano, and traditional-method sparkling — all in one weekend, all made by families who actually farm the land? That range is why I fell for this place.

So — is Lodi worth the trip? Without a doubt. If you’re a curious drinker, a value-seeker, or just someone who wants wine country to feel welcoming instead of intimidating, Lodi is your region. I’m already planning my trip back this fall.

If this convinced you to add Lodi to your list, I’d love to help you plan it — subscribe to my Substack for more wine-country guides like this one, and keep an eye out for my full Sip & Stay video from the trip (coming soon to YouTube). And if you make it to Lodi, come back and tell me which winery was your favorite!

Photos by Tom McGovern

Thank you to Lodi Wine for hosting me on a press trip to explore this destination! All thoughts and opinions are my own.