A Taste of Lodi — Discovering California’s Agricultural Heartland

From U-pick cherries and a bustling farmers market to a family-operated olive mill, Lodi offers working farms and agricultural treasures to explore throughout the seasons.

One of the best reasons to visit Lodi in spring is its setting within wine country and California’s agricultural community, where some of the state’s most flavorful produce is cultivated.

Lodi’s soil is well known for producing world-class wine grapes, yet the vineyards are only part of what this fertile land provides. Across Central Valley farmland, you’ll find sun-ripened cherries, full-sized blueberries, juicy stone fruit, head-sized melons, and abundant rows of produce that make a stop at a farm stand worthwhile. This agricultural richness gives Lodi something many wine regions lack: an almost year-round stream of local flavor that appears on plates and in glasses throughout town. Bring a tote bag and an appetite—spring brings cherries ready to pick, summer offers evenings at the farmers market, and fall brings roadside stands filled with fresh discoveries.

Lodi Certified Farmers Market

A Thursday evening at the Lodi Certified Farmers Market belongs on every Lodi itinerary. From May through August, downtown’s School Street comes alive from 5 to 8:00 PM with local farmers, artisan cheese and meat sellers, food trucks, and live music. Fill your tote with seasonal produce, or turn the visit into a full evening by exploring nearby boutiques, enjoying food-truck fare, and taking in the welcoming community atmosphere that attracts thousands of visitors every week.

U-Pick Farms, Markets, and More!

As you plan a trip through Lodi’s agricultural gems, set aside time for a U-Pick farm and enjoy fruit you harvest yourself.

LoCA Blueberry Farm

LoCa Blueberry Farms offers family-friendly blueberry picking through the end of June. LoCA Blueberry Farm includes 18 acres planted with Springhigh, San Joaquin, and Abundance blueberry varieties available for picking. Select a bucket size and fill it with some of the area’s freshest blueberries. Blueberry Jam and locally sourced honey are also available for purchase.

Lodi Blooms

Lodi Blooms is Lodi’s only U-pick cherry farm and is operated by 4th generation farmer James Chinchiolo. Fill your bucket with cherries from varieties such as Bing, Brooks, and Coral Champagne. The sweet Coral Champaign variety is a favorite for all-day snacking.

The cherries at Lodi Blooms are premium quality fruit and reflect the region’s careful approach to farming. Since cherries are sold per pound, you pay for exactly what you pick. The experience welcomes visitors of all ages from across Northern California to the 40-acre cherry farm during its brief operating period. The season typically runs from mid May to early June, so plan around this limited window.

Biglieri Farms Market

While tasting wine through the expansive Lodi AVA, make time for Biglieri Farms Market, a convenient stop before or after visiting Bokisch Vineyards. The market carries locally sourced cherries, peaches, apricots, walnuts, watermelons, nectarines, corn, tomatoes, and much more.

For a picnic, pick up local honey, nuts, salsa, or a tri-tip sandwich served on warm focaccia bread. Cream and fruit pies provide a sweet finish.

Calivines Winery and Olive Mill

Complete your agricultural tour of Lodi with an end-of-day wine and olive oil tasting at Calivines Winery and Olive Mill. The Coldani Family owns and operates Calivines, which produces award winning cold-pressed olive oil from Lodi grown olive trees. Pair an olive oil tasting with a wine tasting flight and savor the agricultural bounty of Lodi Wine Country.

If Lodi’s local produce has you eager to explore, stay at one of the area’s renowned lodging properties and experience why Lodi Wine Country is at the heart of California’s agricultural heritage.