Visit the Zinfandel Capital of the World
Visit the Zinfandel Capital of the World
The Amtrak San Joaquins is perfect for traveling to Lodi wine country, as it makes the ideal designated driver for a day full of wine tasting. Amtrak San Joaquins riders can enjoy free Wi-Fi, a café car for snacks, beautiful views, and can even bring their bicycles on board with them.
Upon arrival at the downtown transit station, visitors step out to see Lodi’s classic Mission Arch. The 40-foot arch was built in 1907 to provide a grand entrance to the site of the first Lodi Grape Festival: a festival that continues to this day. Now, the arch is a clear marker that guests have reached the Zinfandel capital of the world and are minutes away from walking to a dozen tasting rooms.
On the other side of the historic arch, the tasting rooms begin, with the closest tasting room, McCay Cellars, located directly next to the train station.
McCay Cellars is a favorite among Lodi downtown visitors, open daily and popular for their Faith Zinfandel which comes from the old rooted “Lot 13” planted in 1915. Like many other tasting rooms and wineries in Lodi, McCay Cellars is dog friendly and will often host live music or other events for guests to enjoy while sipping on wine.
Around the corner from McCay Cellars is a host of small antique shops where visitors can find a treasure to bring back home with them, a chocolate factory that has a collection of candied apples, and even a hands-on World of Wonders museum for kids to learn about science that is just a three minute walk from the train station.
Visitors can continue exploring the downtown area shops and catch a movie at the downtown theater all by foot, or they can explore the 85 plus wineries located outside of the downtown area with a 5 minute ride via Lyft, Uber, SIP Shuttle, or Destination Drivers.
One of the wineries outside of the downtown area that visitors love is Viaggio Winery, known as the winery on the river. Viaggio’s stunning natural beauty lends itself nicely to weddings and other gatherings, as the Mokelumne River flows directly through the property.
Although Lodi is known for its Zinfandels, there are so many options that everyone can enjoy their time. Whether that means trying the mango jalapeno hard cider at Scotto’s, exploring Spanish varietal wines at Bokisch Vineyards, or going Tea Tasting in The Hidden Tea Room – Lodi is sure to have something for everyone in your group to enjoy themselves!
For more information on Lodi wineries and other attractions: www.visitlodi.com.
For train tickets: https://www.amtrak.com/san-joaquins-train.
- Traveling Northbound take trains: 711(with bus connection),701,713(with bus connection)
- Traveling Southbound take trains: 702,704,712( with Bus connection) ,714 (with bus connection)
Written by
Guest Blogger Visit Lodi
