Lodi is California's most celebrated Zinfandel appellation, home to more than 100 wineries and thousands of acres of old-vine Zinfandel — some planted over a century ago. Situated in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the region benefits from afternoon breezes that moderate its warm climate, producing wines of exceptional depth and character at accessible price points.
Located in San Joaquin County at the northern edge of the Central Valley, Lodi occupies a unique climatic position between the hot interior and the cooling influence of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Delta breezes arrive each afternoon, dropping temperatures by as much as 50°F and preserving the acidity and freshness that distinguish Lodi wines from other warm-climate California regions. The region is divided into seven sub-appellations — Mokelumne River, Clements Hills, Borden Ranch, Sloughhouse, Jahant, Alta Mesa, and Cosumnes River — each with distinct soils and microclimates. While Zinfandel reigns supreme, Lodi also produces outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and increasingly, Albariño and Tempranillo. The region's commitment to sustainable farming is exemplified by the Lodi Rules program, one of California's most rigorous third-party sustainability certifications.