Letters from Lodi
An insightful and objective look at viticulture and winemaking from the Lodi
Appellation and the growers and vintners behind these crafts. Told from the
perspective of multi-award winning wine journalist, Randy Caparoso.
Beyond Zinfandel: Six Mediterranean Varieties to Explore in Lodi
May 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM
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Sip Sustainably in Lodi: Where to Taste LODI RULES Wine
Have you ever picked up a bottle of wine and looked closely at the label? If you're tasting in Lodi, chances are you've noticed a small green seal on the back of the bottle. It reads CERTIFIED GREEN, and it tells a story that starts long before the wine enters the bottle, one that reaches back into the vineyard rows, the soil, and a farming community that decided decades ago to hold itself to a higher standard. That seal is the mark of LODI RULES, America's original third-party certified sustainable winegrowing program. Continue »
Apr 22, 2026 at 9:00 AM
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When Planning Ahead Pays Off: 5 Must-Book Lodi Wine Experiences
Mar 26, 2026 at 9:00 AM
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Saturday, Uncorked: A Spontaneous Wine Walk in Downtown Lodi
Sometimes the best plans are no plans at all. If you find yourself in downtown Lodi on a Saturday afternoon with some time and a thirst for good wine, you're in luck. These seven tasting rooms prove that exceptional wine experiences don't require reservations – just show up and let the day unfold. Continue »
Mar 11, 2026 at 8:01 AM
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7 Pet-Friendly Lodi Wineries Where Your Four-Legged Friend is Always Welcome
Planning a wine country escape but can't bear to leave your dog behind? In Lodi, you don't have to choose between great wine and quality time with your furry friend. Lodi's welcoming, come-as-you-are spirit extends to well-behaved pets. With spacious outdoor patios, sprawling vineyard grounds, and genuinely hospitable tasting room teams, these seven wineries prove that exceptional wine and wagging tails go hand in hand. Continue »
Jan 22, 2026 at 5:00 PM
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Pop the Cork on Lodi: Sparkling Wines to Celebrate the New Year
When the ball drops on New Year's Eve, most people reach for Champagne. But here's a sparkling secret: some of the best bubbles for your celebration are being made right here in Lodi. Using traditional sparkling wine production methods, Lodi winemakers are crafting wines that reflect the region’s terroir and inventive spirit. These Méthode Champenoise–style bottlings offer depth, finesse, and character, proving that world-class celebration can begin right in your backyard. Continue »
Dec 18, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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5 Family-Friendly Lodi Wineries for Your Holiday Gathering
Photo credit: Michael David Winery
Your sister just flew in with the kids. Your parents want to “do something fun as a family.” Your cousin's bringing the dog. And somehow, you're in charge of entertaining everyone from ages 4 to 74 for an entire afternoon.
Welcome to the holidays.
Here's the good news: You don't need an elaborate plan or weeks of advance reservations. You just need to get everyone to Lodi wine country, where tasting rooms are built for exactly this moment – when the whole crew is in town and needs a place to gather, relax, and actually enjoy each other's company.
Continue » Dec 10, 2025 at 3:00 PM
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Welcome to Lodi Wine Country: No Reservations Required
There’s something happening in Lodi, and we want you to be a part of it.
We've always believed that great wine starts in the vineyard and ends at the table, with real people sharing real moments. That doesn't require fancy fees or exclusive access.
That's why we're launching No Reservations: not just a campaign, but a promise.
Continue » Oct 21, 2025 at 8:36 AM
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Lodi's San Joaquin Series Soil - Exploring the Jahant, Cosumnes River, and Alta Mesa Viticultural Areas
Reddish sandy/clay loam soil and blue oak characteristic of Lodi's Jahant AVA along Liberty Rd. As we conclude our California Wine Month journey through Lodi's wine history, we explore the three remaining sub-appellations that complete the region's diverse tapestry: Jahant, Cosumnes River, and Alta Mesa AVAs. Located between the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to the west and the eastern hillside appellations, these three regions share a unique common denominator: variations of California's official state soil, the San Joaquin series. Characterized by shallow sandy clay loam over hardpan layers, these soils initially seemed less ideal for viticulture than Lodi's deep sandy plains. However, innovative farming families in the 1980s discovered that deep ripping techniques could transform these terraced floodplains into exceptional wine-growing terrain. From the cool, fog-influenced vineyards of Jahant and Cosumnes River to the "high table" mesa topography of Alta Mesa, these appellations showcase how Lodi growers turned agricultural challenges into opportunities, establishing diverse plantings that range from classic Cabernet Sauvignon to Portuguese Port varieties. In this final exploration, originally authored by wine journalist Randy Caparoso, discover how these three AVAs complete the story of Lodi's seven nested appellations. Continue »
Sep 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM
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Lodi's Hillside Appellations: Exploring the Clements Hills, Borden Ranch, and Sloughhouse Viticultural Areas
Cobbled, orangy-red clay hillside vineyard typifying Lodi vineyards in the Borden Ranch AVA
Continuing our California Wine Month journey through Lodi's wine history, we venture east from the flat, sandy land of the Mokelumne River AVA into dramatically different terrain. Rising into rolling hills of 150 to 590 feet elevation, three distinct sub-appellations showcase how Lodi's expansion over the past 25 years has been driven by the discovery of exceptional hillside terroir.
The Clements Hills, Borden Ranch, and Sloughhouse AVAs represent a striking contrast to Lodi's historic core, featuring ancient volcanic clay soils, varied topography, and microclimates that have proven ideal for premium wine production. From the red clay loams that produce intensely colored Cabernet Sauvignon to the cobbled hillsides perfect for Spanish and Rhône varietals, these eastern appellations demonstrate why Lodi needed seven distinct sub-AVAs to fully capture its diverse winemaking potential.
In this exploration, originally authored by wine journalist Randy Caparoso, discover how these hillside regions became the foundation for Lodi's growth from 42,000 acres in 1986 to over 110,000 acres today.
Continue » Sep 26, 2025 at 11:00 AM
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