San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Lodi showers couples with distinctive wedding options
Like a nervous fiancétobe, the wedding industry in Lodi is cautiously getting on its knee again and proposing another bustling year in 2021 now that the COVID19 pandemic is waning in California.
Next year, 2022, is shaping up to be even busier, said several wedding coordinators at some of Lodi’s sprawling wineries and vineyards, a hot spot for Bay Area and northern California couples to tie the knot.
“Lodi is much more affordable than Napa and Sonoma, and there are hotels, bed and breakfasts and other places for guests to stay,” said Linda Hartzell, coowner and events coordinator at Harmony Wynelands. “And the venues are beautiful.”
At first, people were hesitant about booking in 2021, but she said in late May, she had “tons of calls.”
Event director Sarah Vigil Jones of Oak Farm Vineyards agrees.
“In the past week, I’ve had more than 25 calls from prospective couples,” she said. “Many people had postponed their weddings in 2020 and are now just trying to get in this year, whenever they can. We’ve even had people want to book on a Tuesday.”
It’s definitely a different vibe than in past years, where couples were suddenly discovering Lodi as a wedding destination the same way wine lovers discovered the area’s unique varietals a decade or so ago. That was due to the Lodi civic leaders allowing venues to open up for larger events, like fundraisers and weddings. And with the oldgrowth vineyards, the shade trees and the calming Delta breeze on summer evenings, it offers many couples the perfect spot to tie the knot.
The Lodi area offers unique buildings and areas to hold weddings, like historic barns, stone patios and large lawns surrounded by lakes and streams.
Harmony’s gardens, vineyards and gazebo provide a lovely ambiance for any size of wedding.
“We’re like a family,” Hartzell said. “It’s warm and inviting.”
Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by stunning vineyards and the winding gardens at the estate. Handcrafted stainedglass panels adorn two sides of the gazebo, which overlook the vineyards and courtyard. There are also many
Above: A newly married couple celebrates at Oak Farm Vineyards. Below: Many of the ceremonies at Oak Farm are held near a manmade lake.
Details
Harmony Wynelands: 9291 E. Harney Lane, Lodi, 2093694184, www.harmonywynelands.com
Oak Farm Vineyards: 23627 N. Devries Road, Lodi, 2093656565, www.oakfarmvineyards.com
Viaggio Estate and Winery: 100 E. Taddei Road, Acampo, 2093681378, www.viaggiowinery.com
Visitor Center: 25 N. School St., Lodi, 2093651195, www.visitlodi.com/weddings
different settings the venue offers to accommodate up to 200 guests.
It also provides a full spectrum of services for the couple, like a bridal party room and a list of local vendors for all the wedding needs, from appetizers to bands. And of course, delicious Harmony wine.
“Weddings in Lodi are just good for the community,” Hartzell said. “People are coming from all over the world and discovering us. That’s something to be proud of.”
Even if guests are just coming from all over the U.S., they’ll get a glimpse of how California was influenced by other states. Driving up to Oak Farm Vineyards is like driving through a Kentucky horse farm. And according to Jones, that makes sense, as the original owner owned horses and one of the parking lots used to be a horse corral.
While most of the ceremonies are held on the long swath of lawn surrounded by a manmade lake — with a bridge to the other side perfect for photos — the receptions are held in the old barn, updated a bit for dancing but still hold
ing all the charm of the past. There is also a cheerful and shaded patio for cocktail hour before the wedding.
Oak Farm is a venue only, but like most of the others in the Lodi area, it offers a huge list of local vendors.
Jones is seeing an increase in smaller weddings this year, but she is already booking 18 months in advance and expects the guest lists to grow as the fear of the pandemic fades.
The beautiful venue is also popular for showers, rehearsal dinners and — in the winery owners’ case — PTA fundraisers.
Viaggio Estate & Winery is perhaps one of the bestknown venues in the area.
Located in Acampo, just outside of Lodi, the venue offers extensive grounds with the Viaggio family helping coordinate events. There is even a Villa, “Viaggio on the River,” that is an adultsonly vacation home for special occasions.
Viaggio’s slogan is “European Style Meets California Vines,” and that is reflected throughout the winery. A tasteful carved fountain welcomes guests as they arrive at the villa, which is located at the heart of the winery. It includes arched windows and large columns for a facade capped by a large balcony with views over the estate.
Couples can host the ceremony on a manicured lawn on the banks of the Mokelumne River. Guests are free to wander, exploring the extensive
vineyards and secluded walnut orchards.
The estate’s banquet hall provides a spacious setting with exposed beams and stone flooring that reflect its natural surroundings and can be decorated to suit couples’ tastes.
But perhaps the most significant “motto” at Viaggio is on an arch above the entrance: “Where Your Journey to Forever Begins.”
And that is what Lodi weddings are all about.
For additional wedding venues in Lodi, visit the downtown Visitor Center or go to www.visit lodi.com/weddings