Just east of the Sacramento River, Lodi transforms into a land filled with vineyards, tasting rooms, and farm stands that also sell olive oil for some reason. Finding great wine here is easy—but not all spots pour equally. This is one of California’s most underrated wine regions, with a worthy bar every few blocks. If you need help narrowing down where to sip, here’s a guide to our favorite spots.
Pietro’s Trattoria
$$ | (209) 368-0613 | WEBSITE
If you’re planning to spend an evening exploring Lodi’s wine country with friends, it’s probably not a great idea to do all that tasting on an empty stomach. So start your night at Pietro’s Trattoria for a spread of complimentary bread with olive oil, some scrumptious pork dish, and one of their homemade pasta options like the unctuous Pappardelle. There might be a wait when you get here, but the vibrant atmosphere is welcoming, and they usually do a good job of getting parties in and out.
The menu has a lot of delicious options, so this is an ideal spot to go when you know you’re in the mood for Italian food, but you’re not quite sure what you want to order.
SCOTTO’S WINE & CIDER
$ | (209) 224-8590 | WEBSITE
In a region known for its vineyards, Scotto’s Wine & Cider stands out as the most consistently enjoyable tasting experience. Apparently, the rest of Lodi agrees, because this place gets packed on weekends. Either plan for a weekday visit, or arrive right when they open. Every tasting flight is served with detailed notes about where the grapes come from, which adds a nice educational touch, and you should expect a relaxed atmosphere and a mostly-curious crowd.
All of the wine options are fantastic, and everything else—from the Jalapeño Mango Muscat and wild cherry cider to the cotton candy with sparkling wine pairing—is just as great.
Woodbridge Uncorked
$ | (209) 333-8463 | WEBSITE
Woodbridge Uncorked is a Lodi institution, and it’s where you should go for a relaxed afternoon of drinking around the Woodbridge area. While it might look like a standard wine bar from the outside, the cozy space feels like a friend’s backyard—but instead of lawn chairs, the patio is dotted with comfortable seating perfect for unwinding. There’s craft beer, limited wines, ciders, sours, and roughly a dozen other options, most of which cost around $8–$12 per glass.
Enjoy your drinks on-site, or grab a charcuterie board and settle in at one of the outdoor tables.
Stogies Lounge
$$ | (209) 334-5764 | WEBSITE
Stogies Lounge is tucked away in Lodi, and from the outside, it doesn’t announce itself with much fanfare. But step inside, and you’ll find yourself in a spacious, clean lounge that feels like a refined clubhouse for cigar enthusiasts. This is one of our favorite spots for a smoke and a drink, and we typically settle into one of the comfortable leather love seats—though the tall bar tables are great too.
The bartender, Rose, is incredibly attentive and kind, and she knows her stuff when it comes to local wine, beer, and cigars. There will inevitably be a crowd when you visit, so grab a seat, then browse the walk-in humidor stocked with a wide selection, including limited supply cigars thanks to the hands-on owners, Gary and Denise.
Brix and Hops
$ | (209) 452-0070 | WEBSITE
Brix and Hops used to be tucked away in an unassuming corner of downtown Lodi. Now, it’s settled into a more prominent storefront location—and it’s still a fantastic spot to sample craft beers and enjoy the cozy, dog-friendly atmosphere as you admire the rustic wooden decor and beer-themed artwork. The best pours here are the hoppy IPAs and rich stouts, available on the ever-changing tap list.
If you’re not a beer enthusiast, try the excellent Crow & Wolf Dark Horse seltzer recommended by the exceptionally friendly staff. The quality is outstanding for the price, with most pints running around $7-9, making it a must-visit destination in Lodi.
Guantonios Wood Fired
$$ | (209) 263-7152 | WEBSITE
Guantonios Wood Fired specializes in wood-fired pizzas. All of the pies are uniformly excellent, and the space itself feels like the bustling kitchen of an improbably cozy Italian trattoria. Come with a group and share a large pizza with smoked pork belly and red onion, then supplement with some creative salads and appetizers. This place is not only one of the best options in the area, it’s also one of our favorite restaurants in Lodi.
And you can watch the lively kitchen action from the counter while you wait.
Pop The Bubbly
$ | (209) 426-5196 | WEBSITE
Pop The Bubbly is cozy, so if West Coast flights and loaded grilled cheese turn your Sunday afternoon into a leisurely celebration, feel free to settle in. You’ll have all afternoon to enjoy what you like from the $18 flight or $14 sandwiches—both of which come with that incredible sourdough, Italian hunny flatbread, and other delicious options.
Bring a friend to start with handcrafted cocktails before heading to the photo booth for entertainment, where you can keep the fun going in that warm modern space.