Situated just 35 miles southeast of Sacramento in San Joaquin County, the city of Lodi is the laidback heartbeat of California’s Central Valley wine country. The Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA) sprawls out around the city, covering 551 000 acres, 93 500 of which are planted to the brim with magnificent grape vineyards. As it turns out, Napa Valley is not the only place to discover fine wines in California.
The lesser-known but equally beautiful Lodi AVA is home to over 80 wine farms and is particularly beloved among red wine connoisseurs for its old vine Zinfandel. And we do mean old – grapes have been grown in the region since the mid-1800s. Wineries in Lodi present a must-have experience for any true wine lover – particularly those in search of a less commercialised wine country experience.
It is simply impossible to single out just one Lodi winery as the best. So we’ve put together a list of five that you absolutely must visit when you go wine-tasting in the area.
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Harney Lane Winery
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To say that Harney Lane Winery is a long-established estate would be a serious understatement. It has been owned and managed by the Mettler family, who still reside there, for five generations. They have devotedly tended to the vineyards since 1907 and began producing bespoke wines in 2006.
Spanning an impressive 64 acres southeast of the city, this winery in Lodi is a picnicker’s paradise, with sprawling grounds in the shade of countless ancient Deodar Cedar trees. It is open for wine tasting daily from 11am to 5pm and offers various reserved and walk-in guided wine-tasting experiences, in both the garden and tasting room (inside the Ranch Home) for between 20$ and $40. The ranch also offers plenty of complementary perks for Wine Club members.
The superb wines of this certified-green winery in Lodi are so reasonable that you may feel guilty paying so little to get so much. We wholeheartedly recommend the Lizzy Jane Old Vine Zinfandel.
Peltier Winery & Vineyards
Northeast of the city is another of the numerous multi-generational wineries in Lodi, Peltier Winery and Vineyards. Like so many Lodi wineries, Peltier is a family-centred operation that focuses on promoting its own wines.
This Lodi CA winery is perhaps best known for the superb quality of its grapes. Owners and vintners, Rodney and Gayla Schatz are heavily invested in Lodi wine grape-grower advocacy. Not content to sit on the laurels of its long history in wine crafting, Peltier is constantly innovating, with an emphasis on sustainability and maintaining its certified green status.
The winery is open for tasting, by reservation only, between 11am and 5pm daily at a fee of 10$ per person (complimentary for members). Ninety-minute guided tastings are hosted on the estate’s tastefully appointed patio, strictly for over-21s. Guests are free to bring their own picnic baskets to enjoy with their Peltier wines.
Wines are available at a steal for as little as $18 per bottle (2019 Vermentino). Our personal favourites are their 2018 Black Diamond Cabernet Sauvignonand 2018 Black Diamond Chardonnay. The grounds also regularly host a variety of events, from live music and comedy shows to wine and chocolate pairing.
M2 Wines
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Just across the Golden State Highway from Peltier, you’ll find the winery and tasting room of M2 Wines. This award-winning Lodi winery produces small-lot, artisanal wines beside the railway in Acampo. M2 Wines is one of the Lodi wineries that source their grapes from a number of vineyards in the Sierra Foothills, Napa Valley and Lodi.
While M2 vented the first of its wines back in 2004, it opened the doors to its present “industrial chic” winery and tasting room in January 2014. M2 Wines’ estate vineyard was established later that same year. Winemaker and founding partner, Layne Montgomery takes pride in creating wines that are balanced, complex, approachable and age-worthy.
M2’s state-of-the-art tasting room, with outdoor patios and lawn areas, is open Friday through Monday, from 12pm to 4pm. The venue can accommodate both small and large groups of people, who are encouraged to bring their dogs along when they visit. The 2018 Petit Sirah is produced with grapes from M2’s own Lodi vineyard so be sure to give it a try.
Michael David Winery
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Situated to the west of the city, just off Highway 12, Michael David Winery is a sixth-generation Lodi CA winery. Don’t let their 150-year-long lineage fool you, though – the Phillips family is anything but old-fashioned. With a motto of “We don’t break the rules, we make the rules”, Michael David Winery produces an unconventional collection of wines. Every aspect of this estate’s wine-making process is governed by the Lodi Rules (a set of 100 standards that ensure quality, sustainability and social responsibility).
There is something for everyone at this, one of the finest Lodi wineries. In addition to acres upon acres of spectacular vineyards, the farm boasts lush and expansive grounds and a quirky cafe and bakery, serving up scrumptious seasonal cuisine. Take the kids along for an epic adventure in the kids’ corral.
Michael David Winery is open daily from 9am to 5pm for 45-minute tasting experiences for as little as $5 per person. The estate also regularly hosts all kinds of events, including comedy shows and members-only parties.
In keeping with wine industry trends, the winery offers several different ranges, with oddball bottle labels designed by local artists. House favourites include the 2021 Misfits & Mavens Cinsaut Rosé and the 2019 Rapture Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve.
McCay Cellars
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Eleven miles northeast of Lodi, in the unincorporated community of Clements, McCay Cellars is a boutique family winery popular for its Zinfandel and Rhône-style varietals. Owner, Michael McCay and his family have farmed in the Lodi AVA for over a quarter of a century. Encouraged by friends, family and fellow sommeliers, Michael launched his own label in 2007.
McCay Cellars sources its grapes from several vineyards to produce its various unique wines through the process of native fermentation. These vineyards, each with its own distinctive terroir, are scattered throughout the Lodi AVA region.
If you visit this Lodi winery, you may just meet Michael McCay himself, who is known frequently to mingle with guests. The charming cellars present an inviting combination of urban and rustic styles – different from your average Lodi winery experience. The Cellars, recipient of several notable winemaking accolades over the years, are open for tasting every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 11am to 5pm. Be sure to try the 2019 Rosé of Grenache when you’re there.
Born amidst the rolling vineyards of Napa Valley, Chloe’s love for wine was instilled from a young age. This passion led her to the picturesque wine regions of France, where she immersed herself in the rich wine culture and traditions.
Chloe’s dedication to the craft culminated in her becoming a wine sommelier, a testament to her deep knowledge and appreciation for wines.