When I visited Lodi this past October, one place that truly left an impression on me was their downtown area. From fun tasting rooms to boutique shops to fun restaurants, it makes for the perfect afternoon to congregate with friends, family, or even by yourself.
Of course, I can’t mention the Downtown Area without showcasing the beautiful arch that adorns it:
The arch was built in 1907 for the first Lodi Tokay Carnival (now the Lodi Grape Festival), which is still an annually occurring event (every September!)
The thing I love the most is you choose where to park your car then you can enjoy the tasting rooms, grab dinner, and still take in a show making for a fun day or afternoon.
A few Tasting Rooms to Mention: (I didn’t get to them all!)
Jeremy Wine Co.
The name caught my attention. With an older brother named Jeremy, it made me go inside, and once there, it was PACKED. But the people behind the bar were so welcoming and made room for me. Jeremy was also there pouring wine, laughing with his guests, and making everyone have a great time. He even signed my bottle I bought to take home with me.
It was the atmosphere that got me. There’s a full separate room to go in, relax, and enjoy your wine, but truthfully, I had so much fun at the bar area I didn’t go any further. They also have Growlers that guests can purchase and bring back to refill for a small fee. A great addition for a Tasting room, not to mention, how awesome the wine was.
Wine Social:
After my fully packed tasting experience at Jeremy Wine Co, I was ready for something a little more low key. When I walked into Wine Social, I was the ONLY one present at the time (how’s that for low key?)
I quickly browsed their menu and decided to do a Wine Flight with a Cheese plate to pair alongside it. They also h ave Wine Slushies available for purchase.
Dancing Fox Winery, Bakery and Cafe:
If YOU want a GREAT Sunday Brunch Spot, this is your place. With an Make Your Own Omelette bar amongst pastries, juices, and many other offerings, it’s a great spot.
Starting with breakfast at the Dancing Fox #visitlodi
A photo posted by Jamie Gall (@jamiegall1930) on Oct 26, 2014 at 9:34am PDT
But later in the day it also makes for a fun spot to come in for some wine tasting.
There are a variety of Tasting Rooms in the Downtown Area right now including: CellarDoor, Fields Family Wines, Riaza Wines (highly recommended by others in the area), Grands Amis, Toasted Toad Cellars, Weibel Vineyards, Six Hands Winery, One Way Winery, Lodi Wine Cellars, and not to mention the ones named above.
I can’t wait to get back to the Downtown Area of Lodi to try out a few other tasting rooms in the area. The movie theater is right downtown too so you could even grab a movie after.
Some recommended Eating Spots include:
Dancing Fox Winery and Bakery for Breakfast
Crush Kitchen & Bar
School Street Bistro
Pietro’s Italian Restaurant
For a more completed list be sure to Visit Lodi.
