Berylee Baker of Woodbridge took this excellent photo of the countryside near her home. Can you imagine having daily access to such beauty, and to so many wines? For wine lovers, it seems like Paradise!

There are seven appellations in Lodi Wine Country where visitors can tour, sample and buy from 57 tasting rooms (an additional 10 wineries have no tasting room). The Lodi Appellation, the most prominent in the region, is directly east of San Francisco at the edge of the Sacramento River Delta. Classic Mediterranean climate and sandy soils offer the winning combo for world-class wines–Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA) has became recognized as a premier growing region and Lodi labeled wines have skyrocketed in popularity!

Lodi is located under 2 hours by car from San Francisco, and approx. 45 minutes from Sacramento, while the more famous Napa wine country region is about an hour from SF, and 75 minutes from Sacramento. The difference between the two regions is like day and night. While Napa has the more publicized brand, Lodi is laid back, less crowded and the wines offer great values.

With Lodi hotels such as Hampton Inn & Suites, Best Western and Holiday Inn providing room rates averaging around $100/night, compared to room rates averaging in the $150 range (and often sold out on weekends) in Napa, Lodi is worth considering for an affordable wine adventure or day-trip in the Bay Area and beyond.

Some great annual events include Lodi Grape Festival with the fun Grape Stomp, or the semi-annual Lodi Street Faire in May and October, festivals, there’s plenty to celebrate and lots of fun to be had in Lodi.