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There is something magical permeating the crisp Northern California fall air that draws us to “wine country.”
When we think of NorCal and wine, Napa Valley is of course the first destination that comes to mind.
But did you know that Napa is like a pea in a pod compared to a lesser-known region just 2 hours east of San Francisco?
That’s right, as much as Napa is hyped as a premier wine getaway, somehow one of their NorCal neighbors has slipped through the cracks for far too long.
The delicious small town of Lodi leads the Golden State’s largest wine region and is perfect for a fall escape.
Easily walkable, home to dozens of wineries, and generally considered more affordable than the glitz and glamor of Napa. It’s time to highlight Lodi as your next place to relax and… dewined.
Take a Lodi of this: The Zinfandel Capital of the World!
Pardon me while I geek out for a moment: Lodi generates more than $350 million in wine revenue and nearly half of California’s premium grapes come from this hidden gem.
How does Lodi remain relatively unknown?
Well, this can be attributed to several reasons, but Napa has masterfully made a name for itself, largely through tourist experiences and celebrity hype.
As the place for “winos,” Napa has a spotless track record of offering visitors world-class products, resorts and winery experiences year-round.
Most notably, Napa is somewhat close to major Bay Area cities and California’s capital, Sacramento.
While Lodi isn’t difficult to get to by any means, Napa is undeniably more convenient and beats Lodi by a wide margin, making it synonymous with “California and wine.”
That said, don’t sleep on Lodi – it’s not a snooze-fest here! Honestly, once you visit, Napa may stay in your rearview mirror forever.
This charming town will win your heart with more intimate food and drink, abundant scenic scenery bordered by picturesque lakes and rivers, and picture-postcard boulevards lined with boutiques and art galleries.
Wineries abound in NorCal’s best kept secret
At least five dozen wineries call Lodi home. That’s more than enough to keep busy, even for your crazy aunt (it’s okay; we all have one!).
When visiting Lodi, be sure to download the Lodi Wine Trail Map first to see what you’re in the mood for, but being the “Zinfandel Capital” that could be your answer.
Think of it this way: I like to take double-decker bus tours in cities I’ve never been to.
It’s not so much about the bus ride itself, but about getting a feel for the area and capturing some places that pique my interest.
Downloading the map will save you time knowing where the best wineries are located. Honestly, some stand out more than others, especially those that have stood the test of time.
I mean, nothing ages like good wine, right?
Whatever you do, don’t skip it Accept vineyardssituated on 18 acres of pure bliss, capped with a rustic 100 year old barn to set the mood for a perfect moment in your travel memories.
This winery specializes in a variety of white wines, but if you want a sip of Spain, Bokisch Vineyards may be more up your alley.
With so many to choose from, hopping around may be your best bet for finding your niche. Speaking of hops, Lodi’s beer scene is also booming, with popular breweries like Idol Beer Works and The dancing foxa hybrid between winery and brewery (the best of both worlds if you ask me!).
Lodi’s autumn splendor
Can’t we all agree that wineries are a lot more fun when you’re not spitting out your grown-up grape juice? There’s no need to go all out ‘Hawk Tua’ like you’re a wine connoisseur.
That said, if the “wine woozies” don’t bother you, Lodi is a great place to explore the outdoors and immerse yourself in the seasonal splendor.
One of those ways is the city’s favorite Lodi Street Faireheld a fun fall event biennially in October, 14 blocks of downtown are flooded with vendors.
Lodi is also an underrated spot for ‘leaf peeping’, with amazing scenery along Lodi Lake and the flowing Mokelumne River, where you can book a tour exploring both bodies of water through October.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
