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Posted April 2006
Wine and Romance in Lodi's
Wine Country
 Lodi has more than just wine. Explore some of the most romantic getaway spots
in this quiet vacation spot.
LODI—Ah the romance of…Lodi? No longer just a place to pass
through, Lodi is emerging as a solid contender for the "next
big thing" in Wine Country. Holding onto its rural roots,
it’s a quieter, calmer, more idyllic version of, well, let's
just say other wine destinations that have, at times, become
a victim of their own success.
That's why Lodi, just a couple hours drive west from San Francisco,
has become a popular romantic destination for Wine Country travelers
looking to escape from crowds and tourist attractions, and get
to know the wines and wineries of a less established region kicking
out some spectacular Zins.
We've found a handful of snuggle-and-nuzzle-worthy stops for
romance-seekers headed to this Central Valley wine region—with
both contemporary, urban-style appeal and with classic country
charm. Either way, however, be prepared to be thoroughly pampered,
this is after all, hardly the Old West. Instead, you'll likely
be buried deep in down comforters and nibbling at breakfast in
bed, come high noon in Lodi.
STAY
Contemporary
Wine
and Roses: A modern spa, restaurant and hotel in the heart of Lodi. Most
of the rooms have a contemporary feel that mixes country charm and simple,
California design. Request a special spa room, where the new rooms are
ultra-contemporary mixing modern elements and technology. Not
to mention really huge bathtubs and crisp white bedding. The
hotel also includes a 5,600 square foot spa with meditation room,
salon, showers and a special relaxation room just for the guys—'cause
you know he's not going anywhere near that place otherwise.
Prices are mid-range to low high range, 72- hour cancellation
policy
Room types: Historic bed and breakfast; Tuscan-style rooms;
and new age with bright color pallets.
Spa reservations are 24-48
hours in advance, with a 24-hour cancellation policy
2505 W. Turner
Rd. Lodi, 1-877-310-3358.
Wine
and Roses
In the Vineyards
Amarosa Inn: Stay amidst the vines and fauna at this homey
country inn. The simply-adorned rooms make the most of views,
with large windows and walk-out French doors. A serene pond laps
gently, all but insisting visitors take an afternoon walk around
its shores. The inn includes a tasting room for Vino Con Brio.
Prices are $159 to $199 per night, five day cancellation policy.
Room
types: Contemporary country in a vineyard setting.
Spa reservations
are 24-48 hours in advance, with a 24-hour cancellation policy.
7889
East Harney Lane, Lodi, 209.368.5658.
Amarosa
Inn
Classic
 Inn at Locke House: This lovingly restored brick home, once
belonging to the town doctor, now serves as a bed and breakfast.
For lovers seeking a little seclusion, the three story Water
Tower room has a separate entrance, along with a cozy nook for
reading atop the tower (accessible only by a spiral staircase). The
hotel is slightly outside of the main area of Lodi, but the quiet grounds make
it well worth the extra drive.
Prices are $135 to $215 per night, seven day cancellation
policy.
Room types: Historic bed and breakfast with a mix of antique
and modern furntiture.
19960 N. Elliot Road, Lockeford, 202.727.5715.
Inn
at Lock House
ADVENTURES
Wild
Parachute Center: Nothing says love like hurtling toward the
earth at a hundred miles an hour, screaming your head off. Planes
take off each day from a nearby town (no reservations are necessary)
and let first-timers experience a 60-second free-fall and 5-minute
descent with a trained instructor.
www.parachutecenter.com
Prices: $100 for introductory tandem jump. No reservations necessary.
Mild
Take a tour to any of the many Lodi wineries. Click
here for a recent itinerary
featuring several of the central valley producers.
EAT
Modern
Savor: Located within the Wine and Roses complex, Savor offers
contemporary Wine Country cuisine for lunch, dinner and weekend
brunches. The menu has a slight Italian slant, and includes dishes
like 12-hour braised Osso Buco, as well as steaks, and chicken.
Appetizers tend toward the lighter, with sea scallops, oysters
and a seared tuna salad.
Without reservations there will be a wait list on weekends,
reservations are highly recommended.
Walk-ins fine on weekdays
Price range: Dinner for two with wine
$80.
Traditional
For steaks, locals swear by the Woodbridge Inn (18878 N. Lower
Sacramento Road, Woodbridge, 209.368-2346, dinner for two
with wine: $60), though it’s a little ways out of town. A bit
closer is the eclectic Rosewood Bar and Grill (28 S. School St.,
Lodi, CA, 209.369.0470, dinner for two with wine, $65). |
