No need to travel to Napa or Sonoma for a romantic day of wine tasting. The Lodi AVA right here in the 209 is California’s largest grape-growing community, making up roughly about 20% of California’s wine grapes, and is most famously known as the Zinfandel Capital. With 85 wineries and over 130 varietals grown in the region, local winemakers are showcasing some pretty unique wines that are sure to surprise everyone – from a casual taster to a dedicated decanter.
The best place to start is to go to: visitlodi.com. The tourism site offers a complete list of wineries, upcoming events, places to stay, dining options and even recommended itineraries.
Here is just a few of Visit Lodi’s suggestions:
— When it’s time for a tasting, downtown’s seven wine rooms are calling. Jeremy Wine Co. is a great place to start—let their team pour you through a flight, then take your favorite bottle out to the patio.
— If you’re craving vineyard charm, head to Durst Winery just outside of town. Their manicured gardens, friendly hosts, and crisp Amada Mia white wine make for the perfect afternoon escape.
— Food and wine are the perfect duo, and in Lodi, you can enjoy the best of both with the freshest local ingredients around. Whether you’re in the mood for a food and wine pairing or just want a tasty dinner after a day of wine tasting, Lodi’s farm-to-table vibe is everywhere. Check out spots like Americana House, Guantonio’s, and Pietro’s Trattoria for seasonally driven menus that go perfectly with a glass of Lodi wine.
— Climb aboard the Lodi Wine Trolley for a one-of-a-kind tour through wine country. You’ll visit three wineries, enjoy lunch, and soak up plenty of local flavor—literally. It’s a fun, laid-back way to experience the best of Lodi’s vineyards.
— Calivines Winery and Olive Mill has a newly designed tasting room, which opened in 2021, that is the perfect place to spend an afternoon sipping on fantastic wine, tasting incredible Lodi-grown olive oil, and enjoying a curated small-plate snack menu if you get hungry during your tasting.
— Guantonio’s Wood Fired is a local favorite where the pizzas are hot, the wine list is stellar, and the desserts are impossible to skip.
— Interesting varietals to explore in Lodi include:
Albariño, a Spanish white wine available at Bokisch Vineyards.
Teroldego, a medium-bodied red Italian varietal, available at Peltier Winery.
Clairette Blanche, a white Rhône-style varietal available at Acquiesce Vineyards.
Assyrtiko, a Greek white wine varietal from Perlegos Family Wine Co., available at the Lodi Wine Visitor Center.
Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend
Celebrate 29 years of wine and chocolate indulgence during Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend, happening Feb. 14–15. This signature two-day celebration invites wine lovers to explore the Lodi Appellation, home to more than 85 wineries and over 135 grape varietals.
Saturday, February 14, 2026 Winery Tours
11 AM – 4 PM
Kick off the weekend with a self-guided “passport-style” tour through more than 30 participating wineries across the Lodi region. Your Saturday Ticket ($75) includes:
A 15-ounce stemless wine glass
A gourmet chocolate treat
Admission and tastings at all participating wineries (must be age 21+)
Enjoy a full day of wine tasting, live music, and artisan chocolate pairings while meeting the winemakers and discovering your new favorite Lodi wines.
Sunday, February 15, 2026 Winemakers Toast
11 AM – 1:30 PM
Close out the weekend in style at the Winemakers Toast, held at the beautiful Appellation Lodi, Wine & Roses Resort and Spa. Your Sunday Ticket ($95) includes:
A 19.5-ounce long-stem wine glass
Tastings of red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines from more than 20 Lodi wineries
Brunch-style small bites curated by the Appellation Lodi - Wine & Roses culinary team
Artisan chocolate samples from CocoTutti Chocolates
This elegant, intimate experience is the perfect finale to your wine-filled weekend in Lodi.
Why Attend
Explore the diversity of the Lodi wine region, featuring over 135 varietals and award-winning producers.
Meet passionate winemakers, enjoy limited-release wines, and savor hand-crafted chocolate pairings.
Support local viticulture—event proceeds benefit regional wine research, education, and marketing initiatives.
Perfect for couples, friends, or anyone seeking a romantic and flavorful weekend getaway.
Important Information
Both events are 21+ only. No children or pets permitted.
Each day requires a separate ticket. Saturday admission does not include Sunday’s event.
Plan ahead—parking is limited and tickets sell out early.
The event is rain or shine.
Location: Saturday: Various participating wineries across the Lodi Appellation and Sunday: Appellation Lodi, Wine & Roses Resort and Spa.
For tickets, visit: bit.ly/3LivTEV
