I used to be obsessed with Napa. Then we moved to Elk Grove and discovered Lodi. Now, I’m not so sure we need Napa anymore.
Okay, Napa friends… please don't shun me.
I love Napa. I actually got engaged at V. Sattui, so believe me when I say this is not an anti-Napa article.
But when we moved to Elk Grove, I had no idea just how close we would be to another incredible wine region.
Lodi.
What started as a few casual winery visits quickly became one of our favorite things about living in the Sacramento area. Between beautiful vineyards, great food, family-friendly tasting rooms, and a much more relaxed atmosphere, Lodi has become our go-to when we want a wine-country experience without making a full day—or weekend—out of it.
And honestly? In this season of life, that casual, close-to-home experience is exactly what we need.
Discovering Lodi After Moving to Elk Grove
When we first moved to Elk Grove, we were focused on the things most families think about when relocating: schools, safety, space, community and finding our new normal.
We didn't realize that we'd also be living within easy reach of vineyards, wineries and breweries.
Once we started exploring, we quickly fell in love with places like South Slope, Adkins Family Vineyards, Michael David Winery and Oak Farm Vineyards.
We've also discovered Valensin Vineyard, which was such a fun surprise because it's practically right off Highway 99.
Yes—a vineyard right off the 99.
And it's not just about wine. Depending on the experience, you can enjoy the outdoors, relax by the water, paddleboard or simply sit back and take in the scenery.
That's one of the things I love about the Lodi wine scene. It doesn't always feel like you're stepping into a formal wine destination where you have to dress up and plan your entire day around a tasting.
It feels approachable.
It feels local.
And it feels like something you can actually fit into your life.
The Lodi Wineries We Fell in Love With
We've visited quite a few wineries around Lodi, and each one has its own personality.
Jessie's Grove- They have best events especially during summer. Live bands, delicious wine, food trucks galore and on a beautiful summer night?!!? Sign me up! This winery is also family friendly with a huge grass lawn perfect for the littles. They do host some 21+ events so make sure to look it up before heading over. The last time my family and I were here, they had a Bruno Mars cover band and it was so much fun!
Michael David Winery is especially memorable for us because it's incredibly family-friendly. As a parent, that makes a HUGE difference.
Wine tasting looks a little different when you have kids.
Sometimes you want the beautiful vineyard, the good wine and the relaxed afternoon—but you also need a place where your kids can actually be kids.
And that's where Lodi really shines.
Then there's Oak Farm Vineyards, which has a special place in our family's story.
Oak Farm Vineyards: From Our First Date Night to a Recent Lunch & Tasting
Our relationship with Oak Farm actually goes back to the early days of COVID restrictions being lifted.
It was one of our first date nights after we could finally start doing things again.
So naturally, going back recently felt a little nostalgic.
This time, we went for lunch and a wine tasting, and it was such a great experience.
We had reservations, but because of scheduling conflicts, I ended up needing to change our reservation several times.
And I have to give a huge shoutout to their concierge team.
They were incredibly accommodating and made rescheduling so easy. No stress, no awkwardness—just great communication and a willingness to work with us.
That kind of service makes a difference.
When we arrived, we were seated outside, which was perfect for enjoying the vineyard atmosphere.
And this was actually my first time trying their lunch menu.
The food did not disappoint.
We enjoyed lunch before heading over for our wine tasting, and the entire experience felt relaxed and unhurried.
Everyone was so nice, and we never felt rushed through our tasting. We were able to slow down, enjoy the wine, enjoy the conversation and just have a good time.
Which, honestly, is exactly what I want from a wine-country day.
Why We Don't Feel the Need to Drive to Napa Anymore
Here's the funny thing.
Before discovering Lodi, Napa was the wine destination for me.
I loved going there. I loved the wineries, the scenery, the food and the entire experience.
But after moving to Elk Grove and discovering Lodi, something changed.
We realized we could get a really great wine-country experience much closer to home.
Instead of spending hours driving, planning an entire weekend or figuring out childcare, we can head toward Lodi, enjoy a beautiful winery, grab lunch, taste some wine and be home without feeling like we've spent our entire day in the car.
And with three kids, that convenience is a BIG deal.
The atmosphere also tends to feel a little more casual—which happens to fit our current season of life perfectly.
Don't get me wrong. I still love a beautiful Napa winery.
But sometimes I don't want fancy.
Sometimes I want good wine, good food, sunshine, a beautiful vineyard and the freedom to relax.
And Lodi gives us that.
And Yes, Lodi Grapes End Up in Napa Wine
One of the things I found fascinating as I started learning more about Lodi's wine industry is just how significant the region is as a grape-growing area.
Lodi isn't simply a place producing wine for itself.
The region is known for growing a wide variety of grapes, and Lodi-grown fruit has made its way into wines produced by wineries outside the region—including wines associated with Napa.
That was one of those little facts that made me appreciate Lodi even more.
Because sometimes the best wine regions aren't necessarily the ones with the biggest name recognition.
They're the ones quietly growing incredible grapes, producing great wine and building a community around it.
Why Lodi Wine Country Is Perfect for Elk Grove Families
For those of us living in Elk Grove, Lodi is one of those hidden-in-plain-sight perks.
It's close enough for a spontaneous afternoon but special enough to feel like you're getting away.
And if you're raising a family, the combination of wine + food + outdoor experiences + family-friendly options is hard to beat.
You can plan a date day with your spouse.
You can meet friends for lunch.
You can bring the kids to a family-friendly winery.
Or you can make an entire weekend out of exploring Lodi's wineries, breweries, restaurants and surrounding outdoor activities.
It's versatile.
And I think that's what makes it so appealing.
A Little Piece of Wine Country Close to Home
Moving to Elk Grove has taught us that sometimes you don't realize what you have until you actually slow down and explore your own backyard.
When we first moved here, I was thinking about schools, neighborhoods and building a life for our family.
I wasn't thinking about vineyards.
But now, wine country has become one of those unexpected perks of living in the Sacramento region.
We've found favorite wineries.
We've had date nights.
We've celebrated.
We've brought the kids.
We've discovered new restaurants.
And we've created memories in places that are only a short drive from home.
So, Napa, I still love you.
I promise.
But these days, if someone asks me where to go for a beautiful, relaxed wine-country experience near Elk Grove?
I'll probably tell them to head toward Lodi.
Because sometimes you don't have to travel far to feel like you've gotten away.
You just have to know where to look.