Lodi, California Travel News & Media Highlights

Explore recent coverage of Lodi, California, including wine-country escapes, food and drink, outdoor recreation, local culture, and the character of a welcoming small town.

Recent Press

Read how media outlets around the world are covering Lodi travel and tourism.

September 29, 2026 — Beyond Napa: Three Escapes to California’s Underrated Wine Country
Coverage encourages travelers to look beyond Napa and Sonoma toward three less-established California wine regions, including Lodi, as autumn brings golden vineyards and seasonal wine experiences.
September 13, 2026 — These 9 U.S. Wine Towns Are Especially Beautiful in the Fall—and Harvest Season Is the Time to Go
Harvest season brings active vineyards, grape crushing, special tastings, dinners, festivals, and new releases to wine destinations across the United States.
Septemeber 14, 2026 — Grape Escape: The Lowdown on Lodi
Lodi is presented as a convenient California Central Valley wine escape from Scottsdale, with nonstop flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Lodi-adjacent Sacramento Airport.
September 9, 2026 — Everyone Needs a Wine Weekend—Here’s Where to Go
The Sunset Travel Awards recognize leading Western travel destinations, with Lodi included among the 2026 winners in the Where to Go: Wine Country Escapes category.
September 8, 2026 — 9 Best Under-the-radar Towns for the Perfect Fall Getaway
Lodi appears among alternatives to familiar autumn destinations, alongside wine regions, hot springs, book villages, and other less-expected fall retreats.
August 23, 2026 — Lodi named America’s Favorite Small Town, blending wine, community, charm
Lodi, described by locals as “Livable, lovable Lodi,” received top honors from more than 300 towns. Thousands of votes selected 40 finalists and then the top 10, with Bend, Oregon, another West Coast finalist.
August 23, 3036 — Lodi wines take top spots at California State Fair highlighting area’s diverse varietals
Lodi’s wine-growing reputation reaches back to the Gold Rush era. The Lodi American Viticultural Area, established in 1986, covers over 82,000 acres across northern San Joaquin and southern Sacramento counties.
August 20, 2026 — 14 Charming Small Towns That Feel Straight Out of Stars Hollow
The feature points readers toward destinations with literary town squares, inviting coffee shops, unusual harvest celebrations, and a feeling reminiscent of Gilmore Girls.
August 20, 2026 — Every Fall, Thousands of Four-Foot Cranes Take Over This California Wine Town
Lodi attracts wine enthusiasts for relaxed weekends and affordable tastings, while November brings large flocks of nearly prehistoric, four-foot-tall birds.
August 9, 2026 — 19 North American Destinations Everyone Will Be Flocking To in 2027
Lodi, California, tops this collection of North American destinations travelers are expected to consider for trips in 2027.
August 7, 2026 — Discover America’s Eclectic Antique Shops During Your Next Road Trip
Near downtown Lodi, The Hub offers vintage furniture, rare collectibles, antique decor, restored arcade games, and distinctive treasures. Its changing inventory gives visitors something different to discover on each visit.
July 14, 2026 — 2026 America’s Favorite Small Town Celebrates Win
Lodi, California, earned the America’s Favorite Small Town title through a national Parade competition.
June 15, 2026 — The California Town that Inspired a Classic 1969 Rock Anthem Just Won a Major National Award
Lodi Wins Parade Magazine x Stellar's America's Favorite Small Town.
June 5, 2026 — America’s Favorite Small Towns 2026: Meet the Regional Winners
The finalists come from communities with varied geography, industries, cultures, and histories. Charm, connection, and community are identified as the qualities linking them together.
June 5, 2026 — 10 Small U.S. Cities Hosting Amazing Pride Celebrations
Smaller cities offer opportunities to celebrate LGBTQIA+ communities through intimate, locally rooted events and a stronger sense of community than large metropolitan Pride gatherings.
June 2, 2026 — Lodi, CA Is Quietly Becoming the Next Great Culinary Hot Spot
The story highlights Lodi’s wine, flaky pastries, homegrown tomatoes, and wood-fired pizzas.
March 30, 2026 — 7 California Weekend Train Trips to Take This Summer and Fall
Amtrak’s California regional routes connect major cities with small towns, national parks, and beach destinations that feel farther away than they are, while offering a more comfortable alternative to economy-class air travel.
March 10, 2026 — How to Create Your Own Affordable Wellness Vacation
Wellness travel need not be expensive. Suggested experiences include goat yoga, robotic massages, sound baths, and sauna circuits.
March 9,2026 — This Northern California Gem Is Becoming the West Coast’s Next Big Wine Destination—And It’s Not Napa
This historic region has more grapes than Napa and Sonoma combined and is moving beyond its “Zinfandel-only” reputation through diverse varietals and small-town appeal.
March 5, 2026 — Parade and Steller Announce Finalists for America’s Favorite Small Town
The competition recognizes distinctive communities with populations under 250,000 in advance of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. After voting ended, 40 communities remained as finalists representing small towns across America.
February 10, 2026 — You Probably Never Heard of California Wine Country’s Best Kept Small Town Secret
Lodi is portrayed as an approachable, family-friendly wine destination with lower costs than many alternatives. At the time of publication, it ranked #1 in Parade’s America’s Favorite Small Towns competition, prompting an exploration of the qualities that make Lodi appealing.
February 3, 2026 — 5 Tips That Will Have You Zigging While Others Are Zagging
The article recommends destinations beyond predictable travel routes, where visitors can find more personal encounters and a gentler, less mainstream experience.
January 28, 2026 — Why Everyone is Talking About Lodi
Lodi is described as ready for a larger national profile, attracting food- and wine-savvy travelers interested in authenticity, warm hospitality, and an approachable, down-to-earth destination.
January 27, 2026 — 11 Unique Vacation Ideas That Will Please Everyone in the Family in 2026
Northern California wine country offers fewer crowds and approachable wines, along with 85 wineries, vineyard-route cycling, bird watching, and kayaking on the Mokelumne River.
January 13, 2026 — California city of Lodi competes for Title of “America’s Favorite Small Town”
Lodi is competing for the America’s Favorite Small Town title, a potential national distinction that could bring additional visitors and business to the area.
December 16, 2025 — 9 Quaint & Quirky Western Towns to Live Out Your Hallmark Movie Fantasies
Lodi is included among winter destinations featuring walkable Main Streets, sparkling lights, and local characters suited to a romantic small-town setting.
November 7, 2025 — The Black Girl’s Guide To Travel: Budget-Friendly Solo Adventures
Lodi appears among destinations showing that solo travel can include affordable hidden gems and alternatives to more heavily visited places.
October 24, 2025 — 7 Charming California Wine Towns for Every Kind of Traveler
The selected destinations are associated with farm-to-table dining, volcanic mud baths, Danish architecture, and other distinctive wine-country experiences.
October 20, 2025 — Yes, These Cozy Hallmark Movie Towns Actually Exist—and They’re Just as Charming in Real Life
Lodi is featured as a real-life setting with the appeal of a holiday film backdrop.
September 18, 2025 — Where to Go Wine Tasting in Northern California Without Spending a Fortune
Alongside Napa and Sonoma, the article identifies three less-publicized regions offering a more cost-effective and accessible — yet still delicious — wine-tasting experience.
August 11, 2025 — Where to Play, Eat, and Stay in Lodi, CA, the Winegrape Capital of the World
This guide covers ways to experience California's largest winegrape growing region.
August 5, 2025 — 13 Best Small Towns in California, According to Locals and Experts
Lodi is included among California’s leading small towns, alongside wine-country communities and coastal retreats selected by experts and local residents.
July 29, 2025 — This unexpectedly charming Northern California getaway is Wine Country without the ego.
Lodi is presented as an appealing alternative to Napa Valley’s expensive, crowded tasting rooms, offering a more understated wine-country escape.
July 20, 2025 — 9 Best Places to Live in California, According to Real Estate Experts
Lodi appears in a statewide selection spanning California’s coast, desert, and other regions.
July 17, 2025 — A Collection of New Culinary-Focused Boutique Hotels Is Opening Across Northern California and Utah
Celebrity chef Charlie Palmer is among the partners behind the new Appellation brand, with properties planned for Northern California’s wine country and a luxury wellness-themed resort in Utah’s Park City.
May 2025 — Here are 5 Lesser Known California Wine Regions Worth Exploring
The roundup introduces lesser-known California wine destinations, including Lodi Wine Country.
February 2, 2025 — Where to travel in March
Lodi is included among festival-oriented destinations for spring travel, alongside locations in California, Ireland, India, the Nile, and the Southern Hemisphere’s wine-growing regions.
December 24, 2024 — This Town in California’s Central Valley Is the Perfect Napa Alternative
Lodi is identified as the “Winegrape Capital of the World.”
December 6, 2024 — How to Spend a Perfect Long Weekend in Lodi, California
The article recommends Lodi’s gardens, restaurants, antique shops, and world class wineries as a friendly, less-discovered alternative to crowded destinations.
10/28/2024 — The Best Wineries (and More) to Visit in Lodi Right Now
Wine Enthusiast provides recommendations for wineries and additional experiences in the Lodi region.
07/31/2024 — 10 Best Places to Travel in November
AFAR Magazine includes Lodi’s Sandhill Cranes experience in its list of November destinations.
07/31/2024 — Wine, Dine, and Unwind at the 10 Best Winery Restaurants in the US
Lodi receives recognition in the 10Best winery-restaurant category, selected independently by editors and readers.
07/31/2024 — Indulge in the Best of Wine Country Hospitality at These 10 Hotels
Lodi earns a place in the 10Best wine-country hotel category, with selections made independently by editors and readers.
07/16/2024 — Why the Lodi, California Wine Region is the New Napa
The feature examines Lodi Wine Country and its growing profile.
01/21/2020 — From The Vine: Lodi Wines Win Big At Chronicle Wine Competition
Several Lodi wineries received Best of the Class honors at the 2020 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the largest competition of North American wines with 6,703 entrants.
12/02/2019 — Journeys Of Discovery: Culinary Star Crafts Farm-fresh Cuisine In Lodi
Chef Bradley Ogden’s career includes more than fifteen international culinary awards, including 2004 Restaurant of the Year for his Bradley Ogden at Ceasars Palace in Las Vegas, and “Best California Chef” from the James Beard Foundation. Ogden remains involved with Marin’s Lark Creek Inn and One Market Street in San Francisco while being based in Lodi as culinary director at Wine & Roses Inn and Resort.
11/26/2019 — Journeys Of Discovery: Growing Organic Zinfandel At Lodi’s Lucas Winery
Correspondent Tom Wilmer visits David Lucas, founder of Lucas Winery in Lodi, California. Lucas and his wife Heather began the winery in 1978, when the AVA had only three other wineries. The region now has more than 90 wineries, while Lucas Winery remains known for farming the oldest head-pruned Zinfandel vines in North America.
11/22/2019 — Italian Transplant A Perfect Fit For Oak Farm Vineyards
Oak Farm Vineyards assistant winemaker Sierra Zeiter spent part of the year in New Zealand working harvest for Sauvignon blanc producer Kim Crawford Wines.
11/21/2019 — Journeys Of Discovery: It’s “Freakshow” Time At Lodi’s Michael David Winery
The Phillips family settled in Lodi, California shortly after the Civil War. For generations, the family grew fruits, vegetables, and grapes, and its roadside fresh-produce stand remains a Lodi destination alongside shelves of family wines.
11/21/2019 — Headwaters Kayak Turns Winter On The Water Into An Event
Headwaters Kayak Shop organized two paddle events so Lodians and visitors from nearby communities could experience the Mokelumne River during fall and winter, despite colder weather.
11/18/2019 — Journeys Of Discovery: Mettler Family Vineyards—from Vine To Wine For 100 Years
Correspondent Tom Wilmer reports from Lodi, California, visiting Larry Mettler and his daughter Kim Mettler Ealls at Mettler Family Vineyards.
11/17/2019 — Peak In Lodi Again
The story considers the familiar Lodi reference associated with John Fogerty’s classic lyric and notes that Fogerty never actually visited Lodi when he wrote it.
11/15/2019 — Journeys Of Discovery: Lodi Winemaker Credits Cal Poly’s ‘learn By Doing’ Philosophy
Dan Panella, director of winemaking and co-owner of Oak Farm Vineyards in Lodi, California, credits Cal Poly State University’s ‘learn by doing’ philosophy with producing graduates equipped with practical, hands-on skills for the wine industry. Tom Wilmer visits Panella, assistant winemaker Sierra Zeiter, and the 2017 Cal Poly graduate.
11/14/2019 — Journeys Of Discovery: Iberian Varieties At Lodi’s Bokisch Vineyards
Tom Wilmer visits Markus and Liz Bokisch at Bokisch Vineyards in Lodi, California. Proclaimed the 2019 Winery of the Year by Visit Lodi Conference and Visitors Bureau, Bokisch has expanded Lodi’s wine vocabulary with award-winning Iberian varieties including Albarino, Garnacha and Tempranillo. It is the largest organic grape grower in the Lodi AVA (American Viticultural Area), with more than 400 acres under cultivation.
07/08/2019 — Understated Lodi, Calif., Looks To Emerge From Napa And Sonoma’s Shadows
The article depicts Lodi’s quiet, tree-lined downtown, vintage boutiques, traditional deli, cheese shop, and small-town atmosphere, while identifying the agricultural community as a gateway to one of the top wine regions in the country.
01/30/2019 — The Accidental Lodi Tourist
A visit to see her father in Sacramento led author Kathy Chin Leong to discover Lodi and reconsider the familiar Creedence Clearwater Revival reference.
01/29/2019 — Journeys Of Discovery: California’s Queen Of White Wines
Sue Tipton makes award-winning white wines in Acampo, California, despite advice that a successful winemaker also needed to produce reds. Her white wines consistently win multiple awards annually. Her Voignier won “Best in the State of California” at the 2016 California State Fair, and her Grenache Blanc won the prestigious “Best in Class” at the Sunset International Wine Competition.
01/22/2019 — Journeys Of Discovery: Lodi’s Oak Farm Vineyards
The Panella family has farmed in the Lodi region since the 1930s. Tom Wilmer speaks with third-generation farmers and winemakers Heather and Dan Panella about Oak Farm Vineyards and producing award-winning wines from 60 acres of estate vines.
01/20/2019 — Travel: Lodi, California, A New Darling Of The Wine World
Although Lodi is a small Northern California town, its wine scene has considerable reach, producing some world-renowned wines.
01/19/2019 — Lodi – Napa Without The Crowds
Lodi has been a major wine and grape producer for more than a Century. Situated in the San Joaquin Valley a hundred miles inland from San Francisco and a five-hour drive from Hollywood, it is recommended as a weekend wine getaway.
11/19/2018 — Journeys Of Discovery: James Beard Award-winning Chef Bradley Ogden Raises Lodi’s Culinary Presence
Tom Wilmer reports from Lodi, California, visiting two-time James Beard Award-winning chef Bradley Ogden.
10/31/2018 — Journeys Of Discovery: Biking, Kayaking And Wine Tasting In Lodi
Tom Wilmer explores why USA Today and Wine Enthusiast both ranked Lodi, California as a world-class wine destination where food, kayaking, and biking are equally important attractions.
10/25/2018 — Journeys Of Discovery: Lodi’s Organic Zinfandel Artisans
Tom Wilmer visits Lodi wine pioneers Heather Pyle-Lucas and David Lucas at historic ZinStar Vineyards. The Lucas family has crafted award-winning Zinfandel since 1978, when the winery was one of only three in the Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA). The region now has 86 wineries and is known as the Zinfandel Capital of the World.
06/13/2018 — Lodi, California’s Wayne Craig, Visit Lodi Tourism Board Member Talks About The Town’s Many Allures
Wayne Craig discusses Lodi’s varied attractions, including family-owned wineries and the wine trail.
06/13/2018 — Pietro’s Trattoria A Lodi, California Favorite
Chef Pete Murdaca describes his commitment to old-world style cuisine at Pietro’s Italian eatery in Lodi, California.
06/13/2018 — Move Over Napa—Lodi Rocks With Wine & Roses
Russ Munson, General Manager of Lodi’s Wine & Roses hotel, presents Lodi as an under-the-radar California destination for wine and lifestyle travel.
06/13/2018 — Roger Rehmke’s Lodi Beer Company In Downtown Lodi, California
Roger Rehmke discusses brewing craft beer and creating distinctive culinary offerings at his restaurant-brewpub.
06/12/2018 — Lodi, California Growing Grapes And Tourism—a Conversation With Mayor Mark Chandler
Lodi, California Mayor Mark Chandler discusses the region’s 150-year history as a premier wine-growing area and its development as a destination for tourism and wine seekers.
06/12/2018 — Harney Lane Winery A Century Of Lodi Old-Vine Zinfandel
Georgia Lerner, owner of Harney Lane Winery in Lodi, California, discusses her family’s 120-year farming history, award-winning Zinfandel, additional wines, and tasting room.
06/12/2018 — Sixth Generation Grower Now Barrels Steller Zinfandel
Steve Felton speaks about the development of fine, award-winning wines and the growing attention given to whites, reds, and especially Burgundies alongside revered Old-Vine Zins.
06/12/2018 — Bokish Vineyards—Lodi’s Spanish-varietals Pioneer
Marcus and Liz Bokish discuss bringing Spanish varieties to Lodi, their sustainable, and organic practices, and their work as growers and winemakers.
06/12/2018 — Lodis M2 Wines- Zinfandel & Syrah Blends & Cutting-Edge Architecture
Artisanal winemaker Layne Montgomery discusses m2 Wines in Lodi California, including its focus on old-vine Zinfandel and the Lodi Native Movement.
06/12/2018 — 127-year Old Zinfandel Vines At Lodi’s Jessie’s Grove Winery
Sarah Williams and winemaker Greg Burns discuss the historic circa-1860’s Jessie’s Grove Winery and its circa-1880’s ancient Zinfandel vines in Lodi, California.
06/12/2018 — Acquiesce Winery Lodi CA—Sue Tipton Raises The Bar With World-class White Wines
Sue Tipton, owner of Acquiesce Winery in Acampo CA, Lodi AVA, produces only white wines. She explains this focus and how the wines have helped narrow the historical gap between white wines and reds.
06/12/2018 — Macchia Winery’s Ancient Winemaking Methods Create Award-winning Wines
Lodi grape grower and winemaker Tim Holdener describes an ancient, hands-off approach to winemaking associated with the “Lodi Native” group of daring vintners.
06/12/2018 — Organic 100 Year-old Lodi, California Zinfandel Vines At Solar-powered Lucas Winery
Organic grape growers and award-winning Zinfandel and Chardonnay winemakers David Lucas and Heather Pyle-Lucas share their 38 year commitment to producing notable Lodi wines.
05/02/2018 — Visit Lodi Honors Lodi Businesswoman, Winery For Efforts To Boost Tourism
Visit Lodi recognizes a tourism advocate and Winery of the Year for contributions to local tourism.
04/19/2018 — Wine & Roses: A Luxury Resort In The Heart Of Lodi, California
Located roughly 70 miles east of Napa and Sonoma, Lodi offers vineyard appeal without the traffic and sky-high prices of its western neighbors. The region has more vineyard square acreage than Napa, Sonoma and all of California’s central valley combined.
04/19/2018 — Lodi: California’s Lesser Known Wine Country Is A Hidden Gem
The feature examines what makes this little town of 60,000 an alternative to Napa.
02/11/2016 — Wine And Chocolate Festival Set For Sweet Weekend
The Lodi wine region was preparing for the 19th annual Lodi Wine and Chocolate Weekend, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, as local wine took center stage.
12/25/2015 — Visit Lodi! Promotes Bike Tourism With New Cycling Routes Through City
Visit Lodi! Conference and Visitors Bureau launched an interactive bike map and brochure featuring routes through the region with stops at local shops, eateries, and wineries, all bike-friendly.
11/03/2015 — Lodi Named Wine Region Of The Year By Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Wine Enthusiast magazine named Lodi its 2015 Wine Region of the Year. The recognition cited the quality of new wines made from legendary old Zinfandel vines and a wide range of young, diverse grape varieties.
09/04/2015 — 10 Reasons To Visit Lodi Now
One featured reason is the pies at Phillips Farms, where puffed, golden-crust apple pies resemble small mountains. The farm stand-cafe offers many varieties, with apple, peach boysenberry and mixed berry pies made from seasonal fruit identified as customer favorites.
09/04/2015 — New Grapes From Old World Draw Growers, Consumers
Ron Silva’s 350-acre Silvaspoons Vineyards in the delta’s Lodi appellation includes 21 uncommon varieties such as Alvarinho, Souzão, Touriga Nacional and Tinto Cão. On the Alta Mesa plateau in Galt (Sacramento County), the estate represents an unusual Lodi crop of Old World Portuguese grapes.
05/29/2015 — Downtown Lodi Offers Attractions For Everyone
Downtown Lodi is described as a center for wine tasting, varied dining, entertainment, local art, and shopping at several ‘mom and pop’ businesses.
05/12/2015 — Lodi Set The Stage For Success In Stage 2 Of Amgen Tour Of California
After 144 cyclists traveled through Lodi during the Amgen Tour of California, organizers and city officials called the Stage 2 finish a success. The finish on Hutchins Street was broadcast around the world and brought thousands of spectators.
September 18, 2025 — Where to Go Wine Tasting in Northern California Without Spending a Fortune
Napa and Sonoma are described as wonderful but potentially expensive and crowded. Three under-the-radar regions are offered as more cost-effective and accessible — yet still delicious — alternatives.
04/27/2015 — One Fine Day: Lodi
About an hour from the East Bay, Lodi is known for its Zinfandels and welcoming atmosphere, with wineries and neighborhood eateries throughout the city.
04/15/2015 — Expanded Statue Exhibit Brings Art Back To Downtown Lodi
Downtown Lodi’s bronze sculptures depict scenes including a police officer writing a parking ticket, a woman reading on a bench, and Marilyn Monroe managing her dress outside Lodi Stadium 12.
02/23/2015 — The World’s Next Big Wine Regions
Ambitious vintners, changing consumer tastes, demand for lighter wines, and climate change are contributing to the growth of new global wine regions. Lodi appears among eight places where promising wine is developing into something greater.
09/05/2014 — Lodi Olive Oil Makers Pouring It On
The Coldani family operates Calivirgin, an extra virgin olive oil company near Lodi on Highway 12. More than 50,000 trees grow on the family farm, where crops have been cultivated for 80 years.
09/05/2013 — Lodi’s Downtown And Tasting Rooms Draw Tourists
A newlywed couple from Santa Barbara visited Lodi to explore its wine lounges, food, shopping, and specialty stores, including Cheese Central on School Street, which offers 100 varieties of cheese and complementary foods.

Lodi Travel Resources

Visit Lodi provides a monthly round-up of local events, winery happenings, and things to do from people who know Lodi best.

The free visitor guide covers wineries, restaurants, and experiences throughout Lodi.

Visit Lodi is located at 25 N School St., Lodi, CA 95240. The phone number is (209) 365-1195.

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