Lodi Wineries: A Weekend Wine Tasting Guide
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Most California wine trips start and stop at Napa. We get it, but after 20 years and 160+ winery visits, some of our favorite days have happened in the regions the tour buses skip, and Lodi is at the top of that list. An hour south of Sacramento, it's old-vine Zinfandel country with fourth- and fifth-generation growers, unhurried tasting rooms, and almost none of the crowds or price tags you'll find further north. If you love bold reds and hate feeling rushed, this is our kind of place. Here's exactly where we went and why we keep going back.
Lodi is known for producing predominantly full-bodied red wine varietals, such as Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petite Sirah, as well as some crisp white wine varietals like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Since Zin is our favorite varietal, it makes sense that Lodi is our favorite region for wineventures. On a recent trip to Northern California, we made a detour for some wine tasting, followed by an amazing dinner in Lodi.
Where to Taste
Our first stop, Jeremy Wine Co., was to their Lockeford Barrel Room location. Founded in 2010, Jeremy has quickly become one of the most popular wineries in Lodi. Their original tasting room is located in downtown Lodi. We opted to visit their newest location in Lockeford to take advantage of the beautiful, relaxed country setting.
Jeremy is known for its small-batch, handcrafted wines and offers visitors wines by the glass, bottle service, or a variety of flight options. We chose two different flights, with 3 wines each, so we could share and sample 6 wines total. Jeremy specializes in Rhone varietals, and their Zins did not disappoint! Other standout wines included the Syrah, red blend Itty Bitty, and Cabernet Franc.
The barrel room had a cool vibe with ample seating including comfortable couches and large roll-up doors to enjoy open views of the vineyards. Outdoor patio seating is available in warmer weather and they offer winery tours to learn about the winemaking process.
The next stop on our list was Harney Lane Winery and Vineyards. Harney Lane is a family-owned and operated winery that has been producing exceptional wines since 1907. The winery is located in a beautiful setting, surrounded by lush vineyards and towering oak trees.
We enjoyed a hosted estate tasting on their patio. The tasting was comprised of a flight of 5 wines, exclusively from their Lodi estate, including two of their zinfandels. One of the highlights of our visit, in addition to the amazing service, was a food pairing option. Our flight of wines was paired with a beautiful selection of artisanal cheeses and charcuterie.
Visitors can also take a tour of the winery to learn about the history of the winery and the winemaking process.
Our last stop was to our all-time favorite winery, Michael David Winery. Located just a few miles south of Lodi, Michael David Winery is known for its award-winning wines and beautiful property. Their expansive grounds include a cafe, gourmet produce, and an award-winning bakery in addition to a beautiful tasting room.
The winery offers several tasting options, including a classic tasting at the tasting bar, and bottle service at the bistro for small or large groups. You can also enjoy breakfast or lunch at the cafe with fresh produce grown onsite. As wine club members, we enjoyed a complimentary tasting of a flight of five wines (along with a few extras). Our favorites included Michael David Zinfandel and their signature Petite Petit blend, which is a delicious combination of Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot. Other standouts were their Ink Blot Cabernet Franc, Misfits & Mavens Bourdeaux Blend, and their Rapture Cabernet Sauvignon.
Where to Dine
We ended our day with one of the most incredible meals we’ve ever experienced at Pietros Trattoria. A family-owned and operated restaurant that started in 1956 and offers traditional Italian cuisine. From the fresh warm bread to the handcrafted pasta, sauces, and vegetables, everything was prepared to perfection. No dinner would be complete without dessert which included a traditional Tirimasu and Affogato. A side bonus to Pietros was no corkage fee! We enjoyed a bottle of Michael David Zin to complete the meal.
A visit to Lodi for a wine-tasting experience is a must-do for any wine lover. With its stunning vineyards, handcrafted wines, and exceptional hospitality, Michael David Winery, Jeremy Wine Co, and Harney Lane Winery are three of the best wineries in the region. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or a novice looking to learn more, these wineries offer something for everyone.
Where to Stay
If you're making a weekend of it, Lodi has some lovely places to stay close to all the action. We've pulled together a few of our favorite wine country stays — a mix of character properties and reliable picks — so you can settle in and skip the research. Browse our Lodi wine country stays.*
Want to learn more about camping at a winery in Lodi? Check out our blog about our stay at 3 Lodi favorites.
Thinking about a Lodi wine weekend? Start with our free California Wine Trip Planning Checklist — pick your region with confidence, set a relaxed pace, and skip the 12-open-browser-tabs phase entirely. Get the Free Checklist For the stays, gear, and tools we use and recommend, browse our Resources page.
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