Your Ultimate Lodi Travel Guide to Wineries, Eateries, and More
I have been meaning to visit Lodi for quite some time now, and I’m so excited to say that I’ve finally crossed it off the list of places to visit in Northern California. It’s been a few years since I’ve stepped foot on Lodi. The last time I was here, I was still a little girl and completely unaware of the charm and significance this town has over Northern California. If you’re planning to visit Lodi, California soon, here’s your Lodi travel guide.
The Charm & Significance of Lodi, California
There’s much to fall in love with when it comes to Lodi. With its small town feel, warm hospitality, and gorgeous sights, this small city in San Joaquin County has got a lot to offer for its visitors.
Lodi plays a significant role in the wine production industry, boasting 80+ wineries that celebrate innovative and sustainable farming practices. Its Mediterranean climate creates the perfect environment for over a hundred varieties of grapes. This climate positions Lodi as a versatile and adventurous wine-tasting destination.
Beyond wine, the city itself is quite charming, with its historic buildings, charming downtown, and delicious restaurants.
My Personal Connection to Lodi
While it’s no secret that I absolutely love to travel to small towns, I have a strong personal connection to Lodi that I wanted to share, considering it plays a huge role in the Filipino history of Northern California.
When my great grandpa first came to the United States, he settled in Lodi. He lived to be 87 years old, passing away just a few months before I was born. Having lived in Lodi for 37 years, he was a self-employed farm-labor and home-building contractor. From Linden, Stockton, and Lodi, he built numerous houses, and he also had his own vineyard!
Mu family was rooted in Lodi, and it had led the family to sprout in numerous places all along California and nationwide. When I was younger, we used to make it a point to go visit Lodi and see family members, visit my great grandfather’s grave, and explore the town.
Now, as an adult, I wanted to revive that tradition for myself, in hopes that it’ll help me learn more about my family’s past and explore the broader story of Filipino history that Lodi (and Northern California as a whole) is all about.
What to Expect from this Lodi Travel Guide
In this travel guide, I’m going to touch base on where to stay, where to eat, and where to spend your time in, but I also wanted to touch base on Filipino history, and how the city of Lodi came to be.
I took the time to learn more about the history of Lodi by visiting the library, and I do want to mention that this guide is going to be evolving as I visit the town more and more. With more visits, I’ll also be curating more Youtube videos of my time there.
Feel free to watch my recent guide on Lodi down below!
The Rich History of Lodi
Let’s quickly touch base on how the city of Lodi came to be!
Lodi’s Early Years
Before Lodi became Lodi, it was a railroad town developed as a water stop for steam engines and went by a different name: “Mokelumne.” Mokelumne is derived from the language of the local Native American tribe, the Miwok. It translates to “people of the fishing nets.”
It was in these early years that people started to notice Lodi’s geographical advantages and fertile soil, which would later help Lodi become one of the most iconic places for farming and viticulture.
Agricultural Boom & Viticulture
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, agriculture in Lodi started to flourish, particularly viticulture. Its warm days and cool nights turned out to be the most ideal climate for a wide variety of grapes. By the early 1900s, Lodi became a significant wine-producing region. This growth was further supported by the arrival of immigrant families who brought with them a deep knowledge of farming and wine-making.
Fun fact: Filipinos were known for their ability to make delicious palm wine. It’s interesting to see how they integrated these practices into making wine in California wine country!
Lodi in the 20th Century
Throughout the 20th century, Lodi continued to grow. It later evolved from an agricultural community to a more diversified city. The city soon attracted other industries and businesses, which then contributed to its overall expansion. Significant events, like the Lodi Grape Festival, play an important role in promoting Lodi’s identity in California wine country and create a sense of community pride.
Lodi, Now
The town of Lodi still continues to grow, however it has managed to keep its small town charm. Many of the historical buildings are renovated and its downtown is adorned with boutiques, tasting rooms, and delicious restaurants.
Noteworthy Lodi Wineries to Check Out
With this talk about wine, let’s get straight to talking about Lodi’s wineries.
As you explore the Lodi wine region, you’ll discover over 100 varieties of grapes thriving across its landscape, including its flagship Zinfandel. Lodi’s Zinfandels are celebrated for their robust flavors, deep colors, and unique profiles, so definitely have a glass of Zinfandel as much as you can. Beyond Zinfanderl, you’ll find Albariño, Tempranillo, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon, the variety of wines produced here reflects the region’s versatility and winemakers’ experimental leanings.
In short, if you’re a wine lover like I am, you’re going to have a splendid time exploring all of the wineries in Lodi! Since visiting, Lodi red wine is something that I’ve truly fallen in love with and I’m already excited for my next visit.
Stonum Vineyards
One of the first (ever) wineries that I visited in Lodi was Stonum Vineyards, and I’m so grateful for it being the first! Stonum Vineyards is a cozy little gem, I promise you’ll feel right at home as soon as you step in. I recommend going up to the second floor and sitting outside on the balcony for gorgeous views of their vineyard.
Since 1979, Stonum has been all about their handcrafted, artisan estate and single vineyard wines that show off the terroir from which they come from. Some of my favorites include the 2022 Estate Rosé of Zinfandel and the 2022 Petite Syrah “The Vetee.” Each both offer a unique taste of what Lodi & Stonum have to offer.
Don’t miss the chance to discover your own favorites at this gem of a winery. They’re open for sips and laughs from Friday to Sunday, noon to 5 pm, at 16388 North Alpine Road. If you fall in love (which I know you will), you can join their wine club and get the inside scoop of what’s happening at the winery!
I also wanted to quickly mention that they also have an onsite Airbnb cottage that is open for bookings year round. It’s absolutely adorable and perfect for families and girls getaways.
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Scotto’s Wine & Cider Tasting Room
A must add Lodi tasting room to add to your list is Scotto’s Wine & Cider Tasting Room in Downtown Lodi.
This family-operated brand is the embodiment of a rich heritage that dates back to 1883, starting with Salvatore Dominic Scotto’s winemaking on the Island of Ischia, Italy. Fast forward through generations, and you find this fifth-generation family-owned and managed company thriving in Lodi, California, with a deep commitment to winemaking and cider production.
When visiting Scotto’s Wine & Cider, you’re greeted by warm hospitality, coloring pages, and delicious snacks accompanied by mouth-watering wines and refreshing ciders. This is the perfect spot to spend a sunny afternoon in, and the perfect first stop for one of the most iconic wine tasting tours in Lodi…
Lodi Wine Tasting Tours
While there are a plethora of Lodi wine tasting tours, I think the most popular and most loved is the Lodi Wine Trolley. This is the most fun and unique way to explore Lodi Wine Country as it offers a charming, vintage-style ride through over 100,000 acres of scenic vineyards.
The Lodi Wine Trolley prides itself in offering one-of-a-kind wine tours, special events, corporate events, weddings, and private charters. This is not only perfect for first time visitors, but also for those who love to learn more and more about Lodi’s wine country.
Must-Visit Restaurants in Lodi
Lodi took me by surprise with its restaurant scene. Here are the few restaurants that I tried, starting strong with the best Italian restaurant Lodi:
Pietro’s Trattoria
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t hear at least 5 people talking about Pietro’s during my trip there. There’s no doubt that this is a local’s favorite place to go to, no matter what the occasion is. Pietro’s actually had my jaw dropped to the floor. I don’t know what they put in their dishes, but every single bite tasted like absolute magic.
Opening its doors in ’85, Pietro’s has prided itself with its menu, rich in traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations. You’ll find classic dishes paired perfectly with a curated selection of wines and cocktails. I promise you, no matter what you order, it’s going to be absolutely delicious.
Towne House Restaurant at Wine & Roses
Located inside of the iconic Wine & Roses property, Towne House Restaurant is the best restaurant for a dinner date, a brunch outing, and an afternoon luncheon. If you want to sit at the bar, you’ll also find an impressive bar bites menu.
The service at this farm to table restaurant is incredible. I loved how our server paid attention to every single detail and was very attentive to whatever it is that we needed. We never went more than 5 minutes without an empty glass of water or wine. I especially loved the plating of the meals that we ordered. The ambiance is very cozy, while also maintaining elegance through every corner.
Towne Corner Cafe & Market
In case you’re in a grab-and-go kind of mood, Towne Corner Cafe & Market (also located at Wine & Roses) is the perfect place for a quick breakfast. I loved their selection of coffees as well, not too sweet, and lots of flavor.
Thai Spices
Thai Spices is another well loved restaurant in Lodi, serving the best Thai food in the city. Here, you’ll be greeted by nothing but warmth and kindness from the ladies who run the place. Serving classic Thai food, you’ll find the yummiest tom kha kai soup, a flavorful pad see ew, and a delicious green curry. All made with love.
A&W Drive Thru (The Very First One!)
Yes, you HAVE to visit.
A&W Restaurants, a name better known for its famed root beer and iconic American fast-food drive through, was actually first introduced to the world in 1919 in Lodi, California!
What started as a humble roadside root beer stand by Roy W. Allen has flourished into an international fast-food chain loved for its creamy and smooth root beer, hand-breaded chicken tenders, and classic American burgers and hot dogs . Not a lot of people (at least in my circle) talk about A&W, and that makes me sad! They have the best fries ever, and the crunchiest, flavorful onion rings. Talk about a guilty pleasure spot.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Lodi
There are a couple of hotels worth mentioning if you’re looking for the best hotel in Lodi. When looking for a hotel to stay in, I recommend skipping past the Fairfield Inn & Suites, the Residence Inn, and the Holiday Inn Express and putting all of your interest on the Lodi Hill House, Poppy Sister Inn, Cottage on Armstrong, and Wine & Roses. Oh, and stay at the Cottage at Stonum Vineyards!
Best Boutique Hotel in Lodi: Wine & Roses
I have yet to stay at the properties that I mentioned, however I did have the chance to stay at Wine & Roses for a weekend and it was such a dream of a place.
This boutique hotel is all about luxury and serenity. The property has been around for over 25 years and prides itself on blending the art of fine living with the beauty of nature. Boasting 66 award winning guest rooms, each room is uniquely designed with the intention of bringing both comfort and luxury to all guests. I loved the landscaping of this property so much. Just going for a morning walk was enough for me.
The Spa at Wine & Roses
The spa is such a delightful place to spend your time in. There are a range of services to book, from facials to massages. I love that it’s both an outdoor and indoor spa with lots of fountains to sit next to. My favorites though are the steam room and the fireplace room. Perfect for a cozy winter evening. Don’t forget to bring a book for the fireplace room! I could spend my entire life there.
Beyond the dining and spa amenities, there’s also a clean, spacious gym and a (heated) pool for you to use at your leisure, and the property is a coveted venue for weddings, celebrations, and corporate events. There was actually a Quinceneara happening on our first night there.
There are also seasonal experiences offered to guests, which I had the pleasure of partaking in. I attended my very first wreath making workshop and a mixology workshop.
And lastly, there is a Saturday morning yoga class available for all guests. I loved this experience as it was the reason why it led me to Stonum Vineyards! Our yoga instructor was Francesca Stonum, one of the women who run the winery.
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Seasonal Experience at Wine & Roses: Mixology Workshop
Seasonal Experience: Wreath Making Workshop
There you have it, your Lodi travel guide!
I truly fell in love with Lodi, and now I understand why my great grandpa settled here. Like I said in the beginning of this blog post, I’ll be editing and adding on to this as I visit the city more and more. I want to make it my personal mission to get to know the city more, learn more about its wines, and more about Filipino history as a whole in this part of California.
I hope this guide helped you craft your perfect trip to Lodi, California.
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