1. Michael David Winery – Iconic Wines & Family Farm Vibes
If you recognize labels like 7 Deadly Zins or Petite Petit, you’ve already met Michael David’s wines. This is arguably Lodi’s most famous winery, and for good reason. Run by the Philips family (who have been farming here since the 1860s!), Michael David Winery offers a lively tasting experience in a country farm setting. Enjoy bold Zinfandels, rich Cabernets, and whimsical blends with names as colorful as their flavors. The sprawling grounds feature a lovely café and bakery – perfect for a lunch stop (their pies are legendary among locals). Don’t miss the opportunity to snap a photo by the giant wine bottle statue out front! Michael David combines big-time flavor with small-town hospitality, often with one of the family members roaming the property. This should be on every Lodi itinerary as a delicious and convenient stop (it’s right off Highway 12).
2. Oak Farm Vineyards – Stunning Estate & Heritage Oaks
For a dose of natural beauty with your wine, head to Oak Farm Vineyards. This estate will take your breath away: a long driveway flanked by white fences leads to historic buildings and century-old oak trees that give the winery its namevisitlodi.com. The tasting room is modern-rustic and opens onto a patio overlooking vine rows. Oak Farm’s wines are as elegant as the scenery – they produce everything from crisp Sauvignon Blanc to silky Barbera and robust Zinfandel. Many of their wines are small lot and award-winning, reflecting the care in each bottle. What makes Oak Farm special is the experience: you can order a cheese plate or even weekend brunch and relax under the oaks, making it an ideal spot for couples seeking a romantic interlude. The estate’s history dates back to 1864visitlodi.com, and while you sip, you can almost feel the legacy around you. If you enjoy wineries that offer as much visual appeal as flavor, Oak Farm is a must-visit. (Bonus: It’s very photo-friendly – your Instagram followers will approve!)
3. Klinker Brick Winery – Old Vine Zinfandel Royalty
To truly understand Lodi’s Zinfandel heritage, Klinker Brick is the place. This family-owned winery farms some of the oldest Zinfandel vineyards in the area – we’re talking gnarly vines planted in the early 1900s. Their name comes from the old red “klinker” bricks that adorn their beautiful tasting room, which used to be a barn. At Klinker Brick, Zinfandel is the star: their Old Vine Zin and reserve Zin (often from vines over 100 years old) are richly textured, brambly and spicy – Zin lovers’ heaven. They also produce other gems like Syrah and a rosé of Carignan. The tasting is laid-back; you might find the owners or winemaker pouring and eagerly sharing the story of each wine. Fun fact: Klinker Brick has been passed down for six generationswineenthusiast.com, and the current generation is keeping Lodi’s Zin traditions alive while also embracing modern winemaking. If you want to taste “Lodi in a glass,” a hearty pour of Klinker Brick’s Old Vine Zinfandel is it. Be sure to ask about the age of the vines for each wine you try – it’s astounding what these ancient vines still produce.
4. Lodi Wine Visitor Center – Best Intro & Variety Tasting
It might not be a single winery per se, but the Lodi Wine Visitor Center absolutely earns a spot on the must-visit list. Think of it as a one-stop tasting room for the entire regionwineenthusiast.com. They offer a rotating selection of wines from different Lodi wineries – often small or newer producers you might otherwise miss. In one visit, you could sample a floral Viognier from one vintner, a robust Tempranillo from another, and a classic Lodi Zin from yet another. Knowledgeable staff can explain the nuances of the sub-appellations and even the geology (they have a soil sample display for the wine geeks!). There’s also a short video exhibit about Lodi’s wine history. The Visitor Center is perfect to hit at the beginning of your trip (to discover favorites you’ll then go visit in person) or at the end (to catch anything you missed). Plus, they have a small gift shop with local products, and often sell the wines they pour – so you can grab bottles from multiple wineries in one go. It’s open daily and requires no reservation. This is the ultimate crash course in Lodi wine and a convenient must-visit spot, especially for first-timers in the area.
5. Jessie’s Grove Winery – Pioneer History & Rustic Charm
Step back in time at Jessie’s Grove, one of Lodi’s oldest wineries and certainly among its most historic. The winery’s story dates to the 19th century – Jessie’s Grove has vines that were planted in 1889 (their Royal Tee Vineyard Zinfandel comes from those) and the property has been in the same family for well over a centurywineenthusiast.com. Visiting here feels like visiting an old farm. The tasting room sits amid vineyards and old barns, and there’s often friendly dogs lounging about. The vibe is unpretentious and inviting. You’re likely to hear captivating stories: about “Jessie,” the namesake daughter of the pioneer family, or the winery’s resident ghost (the staff have great anecdotes!). On the wine front, expect robust, classic Lodi reds – Zinfandel (don’t miss tasting from those ancient vines), Petite Sirah, and dessert wines too. They often have live music or events on weekends, like groovy Groovin’ in the Grove concerts. If you appreciate history and want to literally taste vines from the 1800s, Jessie’s Grove is a can’t-miss. It encapsulates the heart and soul of Lodi’s heritage, with wines that are honest, hearty, and memorable.
6. Bokisch Vineyards – A Taste of Spain in Lodi
One of Lodi’s strengths is its diversity of grape varieties, and Bokisch Vineyards stands out by focusing on Spanish varietals that thrive in Lodi’s Mediterranean-like climatewineenthusiast.com. Founders Markus and Liz Bokisch have Spanish roots and they brought that passion here. The drive out to Bokisch’s vineyard (in the Clements Hills AVA) is scenic – gentle hills, oak trees, and vineyards. When you arrive, you’ll enjoy panoramic views from their outdoor tasting patio. Start with their Albariño, a white wine that’s bright, citrusy, and perfect on a warm Lodi day. Then try their Tempranillo or Garnacha – red wines that channel Rioja or Priorat but with Lodi’s stamp of ripe fruit. They also make Graciano, Verdejo, and other uncommon varieties. The experience is laid-back; you can do a self-guided vineyard tour here, walking among the vines with a glass in hand. Often, they offer Spanish tapas or have food trucks during events, pairing perfectly with the wines. Bokisch is a must-visit to expand your palate and see how Lodi isn’t just Zinfandel – it’s an international playground of grapes. The combination of unique wines, serene setting, and cultural twist (you might hear Spanish guitar music playing) makes Bokisch a standout on any Lodi tour.
7. LangeTwins Family Winery & Vineyards – Sustainability & Modern Tastings
Rounding out our list is LangeTwins, a winery that beautifully marries Lodi’s long grape-growing tradition with cutting-edge sustainability and winemaking. The Lange family has grown grapes in Lodi for five generations, and in the early 2000s the twin brothers (the eponymous “Lange Twins”) launched their own winerywineenthusiast.com. Their winery and tasting facility, located north of Lodi town, is modern and impressive – you might even see the massive stainless steel tanks or barrel rooms on a tour. What’s special about LangeTwins is their commitment to sustainable farming (they are certified sustainable and even have a native habitat conservation area on their property). During your visit, you can taste a wide range of wines: aromatic whites like Gewürztraminer, elegant reds like Sangiovese and Cabernet, and of course Lodi classics including Zin and blends. The quality is top-notch across the board. They also offer tours by appointment – highly recommended if you want to see the production side and the vineyards. The staff love to share how they use solar power, water-saving techniques, and even how they encourage owls and raptors to live on-site as natural pest control! For wine enthusiasts interested in the future of winegrowing, LangeTwins offers great insight – and delicious wine. The tasting room also has a small museum area displaying old family photos and vineyard tools, tying past to present. It’s a fitting example of how Lodi honors tradition while innovating for the next generation.
Tips for Enjoying Lodi’s Top Wineries
Visiting these seven wineries will give you a fantastic overview of Lodi, but here are a few tips to enhance your tour:
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Plan Ahead: Check each winery’s hours and if you need reservations (most on this list welcome walk-ins, but current policies can vary). Popular spots like Michael David or Oak Farm might get busy on weekends, so a booking or early arrival helps.
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Taste in a Sensible Order: If doing all in one day (ambitious but possible with spitting and/or sharing tastes), start with lighter wines and whites (Bokisch’s whites, for example, or Visitor Center’s mixed flight) and progress to the bigger reds (save Klinker Brick and Michael David Zin extravaganzas for later so your palate isn’t blown early). Hydrate in between – every one of these wineries will happily provide water.
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Engage with Hosts: Don’t just sip and leave – ask questions! These wineries have rich stories. For instance, ask the staff at Jessie’s Grove about the old vines, or have the pourer at Oak Farm tell you about the property’s history. These anecdotes will make your experience (and memories of the wines) richer.
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Buy What You Love: If a particular wine knocks your socks off, consider buying a bottle (or a few). Some of these wineries have limited distribution, so the tasting room might be the only place to get certain bottles. It also supports the winery directly – a nice thank-you for the experience. Many will hold your purchases until end of day so you don’t have to lug them around.
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Mix and Match: You don’t have to hit all seven, especially if time or endurance doesn’t allow. Even visiting 3–4 of these will be rewarding. You can’t really go wrong with any combination, but if you must pick, try to at least include one “heritage” winery (like Klinker Brick or Jessie’s Grove), one “modern estate” (like Oak Farm or LangeTwins), and one “unique theme” winery (like Bokisch for Spanish or Michael David for famous labels).
Lodi’s top wineries each offer something unique, but collectively they share the region’s signature friendliness and passion for winemaking. By the end of your tour, you’ll have a new appreciation for why Lodi has become a must-visit California wine destination, often giving Napa/Sonoma a run for their money in quality – and certainly beating them in hospitality.
Ready to hit the Lodi wine trail? Plot these seven wineries into your map and get tasting! And remember, you can use ourTaste Wine Guides app as your digital guide – the Lodi Wine Tour route on the app connects many of these top spots with ease. Download the free app to navigate from one great winery to the next, with storytelling to enrich your journey. Cheers to discovering the best of Lodi, one winery at a time! 🍷
(Looking for a complete itinerary? Check out our Lodi Wine Tours Ultimate Guide for how to group these winery visits into a seamless trip, and our tips on lodging, dining, and more.)
