A sleepy California town has quietly transformed into the state’s next must-visit wine destination.

When most wine enthusiasts hear ‘California wine country,’ their thoughts might immediately jump to the vineyards of Napa.

Recently, individuals have been increasingly drawn to an unexpected option located just an hour and a half away from San Francisco. This destination provides top-notch wines minus the crowds of tourists and steep costs.

Lodi, California, is the tiny town that is slowly becoming new Napa Valley but without the crowds.

Lodi actually produces more wine than Napa and Sonoma combine, according to the Lodi Wine Commission. 

California produces 81 percent of America’s wine, according to the Wine Institute. Out of that, Lodi winemakers crush more than 20 percent of the state’s grapes.

Susan Tipton, owner and founding winemaker at Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards in Acampo, California, told Veranda that people often say: ‘Lodi is like what Napa used to be like 30 years ago.’

‘Visitors regale stories about visiting Napa years ago when they could speak directly to winery owners and winemakers, and could get a better sense of the heart and soul of the winery and wines.’ Tipton added.

The region grows more than 125 different grape varieties, with Tipton herself introducing rare varieties after falling in love with Rhône wines in France and sourcing vines from around the world to plant in Lodi’s soil.

‘They spoke of visiting Napa when they weren’t fighting traffic, crowded tasting rooms, expensive hotels, and costly tastings,’ she told the outlet. 

Assistant Winemaker and Director of Operations of Lucas Winery Eliza Hess revealed that when their winery opened in 1978, just six wineries existed in all of Lodi.

The secret to why Lodi remained undiscovered for so many years was that there wasn’t much to see, she explained.

Most farmers simply sold their grapes to winemakers elsewhere who would bottle and sell the final product.

‘Today there are more than 80 wineries in Lodi and we continue to grow more every year,’ Hess adds.

Unlike some better-known regions, Lodi also remains refreshingly authentic.

‘Lodi’s wine scene is very approachable,’ she said. 

‘Most of our wineries are still small and family-owned, so you’re likely to meet a winemaker or owner anytime you step into a tasting room.

‘They might even be pouring the wines into your glass,’ Hess told the outlet.

Both Hess and Tipton highlighted Lodi’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, its concentration of women winemakers, and the welcoming, down-to-earth locals as what makes it truly special.

‘We want to welcome you, share our wines and our stories, and give you the time and occasion to enjoy the moment and your own connection to the wine in your glass. 

‘We’re transparent about our winemaking techniques and want you to feel comfortable asking questions about the wines that you’re drinking,’ Hess continued.

‘It’s a great place for new tasters to figure out what they like and for more experienced tasters to learn something new.’

Two of Lodi’s longtime businesses earned coveted spots in USA Today’s ’10Best 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards.’

The luxurious Wine & Roses Hotel claimed fifth place in the ‘Best Wine Country Hotel’ category, while Michael David Winery Farm Café secured the 10th spot for ‘Best Winery Restaurant.’

The initial nominees were selected by a panel of experts with the final rankings were determined entirely by readers’ votes – real travelers sharing their genuine experiences.

Michael David Winery, a family business with more than 150 years of farming history,  was also named Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast in 2020.

‘We are honored to have both Wine & Roses Hotel and Michael David Winery’s Farm Café recognized in the 2024 USA Today ’10Best Readers’ Choice Awards,’ Visit Lodi President and CEO Nancy Beckman said to Lodi News at the time. 

‘These awards reflect the passion and hard work of our local businesses and their commitment to providing exceptional experiences to visitors and locals. We invite everyone to visit Lodi and discover the unique charm and hospitality that our destination offers.’