When Planning Ahead Pays Off: 5 Must-Book Lodi Wine Experiences

Here in Lodi, we're all about welcoming you however you arrive. Walk-ins are always invited, and many of our tasting rooms are ready with a pour whenever you show up. But sometimes, the most memorable wine experiences are the ones you plan for.

From hands-on blending labs to guided estate walks, these five Lodi experiences go beyond the glass, and reward anyone who shows up ready to dig in.

Acquiesce Winery: Where Every Sip Tells a Story

At Acquiesce, wine tasting becomes an art form. Their elevated tasting experience pairs four award-winning wines with artfully curated bites designed to "tickle your senses" and transform what you taste in the glass. The right pairing can completely change a wine, and Acquiesce has built an experience around that idea – seated, unhurried, and led by a team happy to share the story behind every bottle.

Paired tastings are $20 per person (complimentary for club members), walk-ins are welcome for parties of 1–4; larger groups should contact the winery to reserve. Learn more.

Calivines Winery & Olive Mill: Two Harvests, One Table

Calivines is where wine country and the olive grove meet. A fourth-generation farming family added a winery to an already award-winning olive oil operation, then built an experience worthy of both. Their elevated food and wine pairing, designed by an in-house sommelier, brings Calivines wines together with small bites made with Calivirgin products and local ingredients – a natural expression of everything this family grows and makes.

$30 per person (club members $24), parties of 5 or more should call the tasting room to reserve. Learn more.

Harney Lane Winery: From Grape to Glass

Some wineries talk about family heritage. At Harney Lane, it's literally the ground beneath your feet. The Mettler/Lerner family has lived on and farmed this land since 1900, and their Grape to Glass Tour is built around that story. Your group gets a hands-on walk through the property with a knowledgeable guide – behind the scenes in the barrel room, through the vineyards, and into the history of five generations of farming – with pours of their award-winning 100% estate grown wines along the way.

At $40 per person (discounted for members), it's the kind of experience that makes every bottle you take home mean a little more. Reservations required. Learn more.

Jeremy Wine Co: Become the Winemaker

The ZinLab Experience at Jeremy Wine Co puts you to work. Over 1–2 intimate hours in the barrel room, you'll learn the art and science of blending directly from the winemaking team –  experimenting with different combinations, discovering what each varietal contributes, and crafting a signature blend that's entirely your own. You'll bottle, cork, and label your 750ml creation to take home, along with the confidence to talk about blending like a pro.

Designed for groups of 4–14, it's part science class, part creative workshop, and one of the more hands-on afternoons you can spend in Lodi wine country.

The ZinLab Experience is $99 per person, and includes access to exclusive barrel samples, all professional winemaking tools and materials, and a bottle of your custom blend to take home. Reservations are required, and private bookings available. Learn more.

Oak Farm Vineyards: A Walk Through History

The story of Oak Farm Vineyards starts in 1860, and their Historical Legacy Tour tells you the tale. This 1.5–2 hour guided walk takes you through the full sweep of the estate – past the family home, the century-old barn and outbuildings, and the DeVries family cemetery – before moving through the original tasting room and into the barrel rooms where the current chapter is still being written. Wine is poured throughout, so history and hospitality arrive together.

It's the kind of tour that gives the whole region more context, for $35 per person. Wear comfortable shoes. Reservations required; contact the winery for details or to inquire about private tour availability. Learn more.

Plan a Little, Gain a Lot

What we love about these experiences is how they complement Lodi's open-door spirit. Yes, you can still drop by most of our 60+ tasting rooms on a whim. But when you want to dive deeper, learn something new, or celebrate a special occasion, these elevated experiences show just how much thought and care goes into every glass.

Whether you're booking ahead or showing up spontaneously, you're always welcome in Lodi. We just happen to have some pretty amazing experiences waiting for those ready to plan a little magic.

Ready to book? Visit each winery's website or give them a call to reserve your spot. In Lodi, exceptional wine experiences are always within reach.