TRY WINE TASTING NEARBY IN LODI
It’s been a rough year, we know. It won’t always be like this, of course, but right now, we’re still staying relatively close to home. How lovely, then, to be surrounded by such travel-worthy, drive-able and uncrowded destinations.
The words “wine country getaway” typically conjure visions of Napa Valley’s grand estates (and equally grand price tags). But Lodi offers all sorts of sipping and picnicking pleasures in much more laid-back style, all within an hour or two. You can spend an afternoon exploring now, or simply hang on to this for when you’re ready to leave the house once more.
Picnic pickup — and java, too
If you’re headed for the wine country, you’ll want to make your first stop at the Wine & Roses resort, even if you’re not making a weekend of it. Owner Russ Munson compares the Lodi region to Napa in the ’60s — friendly and delicious, with a small-town vibe. And his resort includes a restaurant, market and cafe. Pick up maps and recommendations at the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center, which is just steps away. (Like all things these days, call before you go to make sure they are open.)
The hotel’s Towne House restaurant has plenty of allure — it’s helmed by James Beard award-winning culinary director Bradley Ogden, of One Market and Lark Creek fame, whose alfresco dinner menu includes steak frites, maitake pappardelle and other seasonal fare. But we’re headed for the Towne Corner Cafe and Market for espresso drinks and to-go fare that ranges from avocado toast and quiche to picnic-ready sandwiches.
DETAILS >> Find the Wine & Roses resort at 2505 W. Turner Road, Lodi; winerose.com. The Lodi Wine & Visitor Center is typically open from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday-sunday at 2545 W. Turner Road; www. lodiwine.com.
Sip and cycle
If you’re ready to ramble far from the crowds, there are quite a few ways to do it — but a two-wheeled foray offers both fresh air and fun. Last year, the Lodi Bicycle Coalition launched a series of route maps called “Bike Lodi.” Bring your own bike or rent a cruiser and helmet and hit the (wonderfully flat) road on one of their themed rides, which range from a 29-mile bird-watching and wine sipping outing to a 10.6mile weekend wine jaunt.
The latter itinerary includes half a dozen wineries so you can stop, for example, at Klinker Brick Winery, which has reopened for outdoor wine tastings with reservations, and Jeremy Wine Company, which recently reopened its patio.
DETAILS >> Find Bike Lodi routes and maps at www.visitlodi.com/ things-to-do, and winery information at that site, as well as at www. klinkerbrickwinery.com and jeremywineco.com. Most wineries require reservations right now, so be sure to call before you go.
Sip and ride
If you’d rather forgo the pedaling, Lodi’s Sip Shuttle tours include four winery stops ($95) and a light lunch. You can let your tour guide choose the stops or suggest some of your own — you just need to let the tour company know which ones you’d like by the Wednesday prior to your ride.
Our suggestions: Bokisch Vineyards for Spanish varieties like albarino and beautiful views of the only rolling hills in the region. Stop by Oak Farm Vineyards for a patio tasting of fiano and other wines. And when Mettler Family Vineyards reopens — at press time it was only open for pickups — stop by for a taste of small production pinotage made by Adam Mettler, 2018 Wine Enthusiast winemaker of the year.
Sticking close to home for now? Many of these wineries, including Bokisch, offer flat-rate shipping.
DETAILS >> Get the lowdown and make reservations for the Sip Shuttle at sipshuttle.com. Find winery information at www.bokischvineyards.com, www.oakfarmvineyards.com and www.mettlerwine.com.