About Lodi Wine Country
Lodi is the capital of old-vine Zinfandel in California — a delta region in the northern San Joaquin Valley where some of the oldest continuously farmed wine grape vineyards in the United States have been producing fruit since the 1880s. The Mohr-Fry Ranches, Bechthold Vineyard, and Marian's Vineyard represent a living heritage of vine farming that predates Prohibition and defines what old-vine character truly means.
The wine community here prioritizes substance over status. Tasting fees run $10–$25 at most producers, and are almost universally waived with a bottle purchase. The wines — particularly the old-vine Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Barbera, and Cinsault — punch well above their price point. Lodi wines regularly beat significantly more expensive bottles in blind tastings.
Beyond Zinfandel, Lodi produces outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Viognier, and Italian varieties from producers who have invested deeply in understanding their specific vineyard sites. Michael David Winery and Oak Ridge Winery are the most visible producers, but the region's most interesting wines often come from smaller operations you won't find outside the region.