12 Best Lodi Wineries You Should Visit!

  • Last Updated - 7/11/23
best lodi wineries

Alright, wine enthusiasts, we’re heading to Lodi, California, the under-the-radar wine country that’s sure to surprise you. If you thought Napa and Sonoma were the only stops on the Californian wine trail, then you’re in for a real treat.

Right in the middle of the state, Lodi is creating some seriously good wines. Known for their Zinfandel it’s got some old vines that have been around longer than your grand parents. And they’re not just about Zinfandel – there’s a whole world of reds and whites to discover here.

So, let’s get this tour started and take a look at some of the best wineries in Lodi.

Table of Contents

Oak Farms Vineyards

Oak Farms Vineyards
Courtesy of Oak Farms Vineyards

Blending history with modern innovation, Oak Farms Vineyards is an emblem of style and quality. Acclaimed for their richly layered Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, the vineyard also surprises with a lively Fiano. The vineyard’s stunning architecture beautifully complements the natural surroundings, offering an alluring setting for tastings and tours.

Van Ruiten Family Winery

Blending history with modern innovation, Oak Farms Vineyards is an emblem of style and quality. Acclaimed for their richly layered Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, the vineyard also surprises with a lively Fiano. The vineyard’s stunning architecture beautifully complements the natural surroundings, offering an alluring setting for tastings and tours.

Lang Twins Family Winery and Vineyards

Courtesy of Lang Twins Family

The Lang Twins Family Winery and Vineyards showcase an unwavering commitment to sustainable viticulture. They produce top-tier wines, including their robust Old Vine Zinfandel, silky Cabernet Sauvignon, and crisp Sauvignon Blanc, each embodying the taste of the region while respecting the environment.

Berghold Vineyards

Courtesy of VisitStockton.org

Pairing delectable wine with a unique ambiance, Berghold Vineyards provides a remarkable tasting experience. The estate features a striking Victorian-style building and an impressive collection of 19th-century American antiques. Among their flavorful offerings, the Footstomp Zinfandel stands out with its bold and layered complexity.

Michael David Winery

Courtesy of Michael David Winery

A household name in Lodi, the Michael David Winery is known for its high-impact flavors and inventive branding. With iconic wines like the “Freakshow,” “Inkblot,” and “Earthquake,” they’ve earned a reputation for great tasting California wines at affordable prices. Their sustainable farming practices contribute to an exceptional array of wines that continually captivate palates.

Bokisch Vineyards

Bokisch Vineyards
Courtesy of Bokisch Vineyards

Bokisch Vineyards brings the spirit of the Old World to Lodi. They specialize in Spanish varietals, with vibrant and expressive Tempranillo, Albariño, and Garnacha standing out in their selection. Their commitment to sustainable farming practices and authenticity shines through in their terroir-driven wines.

GoodMills Family Winery

A relative newcomer, the GoodMills Family Winery has quickly carved a niche in Lodi’s wine scene. They focus on small-lot, handcrafted wines, with standout varietals such as Petite Sirah, Tannat, and Tempranillo. The innovative spirit of GoodMills promises to elevate Lodi’s winemaking tradition further.

Harney Lane Winery

Harney Lane Winery
Courtesy of Harney Lane Winery

Family-owned and operated, Harney Lane Winery carries a five-generation legacy of premium wine production. Their collection is headlined by old vine Zinfandel, Chardonnay, and Albariño that is as refreshing as a summer breeze. The winery’s charm lies in its warm hospitality and the artisan approach to winemaking.

Klinker Brick Winery

Klinker Brick Winery
Courtesy of Klinker Brick Winery

Klinker Brick Winery, with its iconic clinker bricks and award-winning Zinfandel, is a must-visit destination. Renowned for their old vine Zinfandel, they also craft elegant Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Grenache. Their wines reflect the unique terroir and an unwavering commitment to quality and consistency. In my opinion, some of the best tasting wines from Lodi.

Mettler Family Vineyards

Mettler Family Vineyards
Courtesy of Mettler Family Vineyards

Another fantastic Lodi winery with tremendous wines!

In the business for over a century, Mettler Family Vineyards is renowned for its bold, high-quality wines. Their portfolio showcases a deep, rich Cabernet Sauvignon, a vibrant Petite Sirah, and a creamy, balanced Chardonnay. Mettler combines tradition with modern practices to create wines that beautifully express the family’s passion and the region’s terroir.

Peirano Estate Vineyards

Peirano Estate Vineyards
Courtesy of Peirano Estate Vineyards

Home to some of the oldest producing grapevines amongst Lodi wineries, Peirano Estate Vineyards offers an exceptional taste of history. Their wines, including a uniquely smooth Immortal Zin Old Vine Zinfandel and a luscious Illusion Red Blend, exemplify Lodi’s rich viticultural heritage and the Peirano family’s dedication to quality.

St. Amant Winery

Courtesy of St. Amant Winery

St. Amant Winery stands as a beacon of artisan winemaking for Lodi wineries. This family-run estate is particularly revered for their robust, elegant Zinfandel. They are also lauded for their Portuguese varietals, including the Touriga Nacional, which contribute to their highly regarded port-style wines.

From the rustic charm of family-run wineries to the grandeur of large estates, Lodi’s wineries offer an enticing mix of history, innovation, and superb winemaking. Whether you’re a discerning oenophile or a wine-loving novice, a visit to Lodi’s distinguished wineries promises a delightful and educational journey through the captivating world of wine.

What is Unique About the Lodi AVA?

lodi wineries

The Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA) is unique in several ways that contribute to its distinction as a wine-producing region:

Diverse Soil Types: Lodi’s terroir is characterized by a wide range of soil types, including sandy loam, clay, and gravelly loam, which allow for the cultivation of a multitude of grape varieties. The most prevalent soil, Tokay sandy loam, is particularly favorable for vine growth. These diverse soils contribute distinct flavor profiles to the wines.

Climate: Lodi has a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The region also experiences a significant “delta breeze” from the Pacific Ocean, which cools the area in the afternoon and evening during the growing season. This combination of warm days and cool nights is ideal for balanced grape ripening, promoting a good balance of sugars and acidity in the grapes.

Old Vines: Lodi is home to some of the oldest Zinfandel vines in California, many well over 100 years old. These old vines yield less fruit than younger vines, but the quality of the grapes tends to be superior, leading to deeply concentrated, characterful wines.

Sustainable Practices: Lodi is at the forefront of sustainable viticulture. The Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing, established in 2005, was one of the first third-party-certified sustainable winegrowing programs in the United States. This commitment to sustainability ensures the health of the vineyards for generations to come.

Variety of Wines: While it’s best known for its robust, fruity Zinfandels, Lodi produces a surprising range of both red and white wine varietals, thanks to its diverse soils and climate. In addition to Zinfandel, you can find excellent examples of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and even Spanish and Rhone varietals like Tempranillo, Albariño, Grenache, and Syrah.

Approachability: Lodi wines are known for their approachable, consumer-friendly style. They are generally fruit-forward, with moderate acidity and alcohol, making them easy to enjoy for a wide range of wine lovers.

Where is Lodi Located?

lodi california

Lodi wineries are located in Lodi, California, a city in San Joaquin County, in the northern portion of California’s Central Valley. This region is approximately 90 miles east of San Francisco and 35 miles south of Sacramento.

Lodi is well-known for its warm, Mediterranean climate and diverse soils, making it an excellent location for wine production. Over the years, it has become especially renowned for its Zinfandel, though a variety of other grapes are also grown in the region.

The city and its surrounding areas are home to numerous vineyards and wineries, making it a popular destination for wine lovers.

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