Lodi

Overview

Lodi sits at the northern edge of the San Joaquin Valley, directly east of San Francisco Bay. A gap in the coastal mountains pulls cool maritime air across the region each afternoon, moderating the otherwise warm Central Valley climate and preserving acidity. The region is famous for some of California's oldest Zinfandel vineyards, many planted more than a century ago on deep, sandy soils.

Zinfandel remains the signature variety, but Lodi is increasingly recognized for Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc, and Spanish and Portuguese grapes such as Albarino and Touriga Nacional. Seven sub-AVAs, including Mokelumne River and Clements Hills, reflect the region's diversity of soils and microclimates.

Key Varietals

• ZinfandelThe flagship variety, producing ripe, berry-driven reds from many of California's oldest vines.
• Cabernet SauvignonA major planting that yields soft, fruit-forward reds in Lodi's warm, sunny climate.
• Sauvignon BlancA crisp, aromatic white with citrus and herbal notes, the fastest-growing variety in the region.
• Petite SirahA deeply colored red grape that adds structure, spice, and blackberry intensity to blends.