Locals Can't Get Enough Of This Award-Winning Winery Hidden In The Northern California Countryside
By Kate Freeman
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Published July 20, 2023
Just outside of downtown Lodi is a beautiful winery where locals enjoy tastings, lunch, and family fun. Michael David Winery is a family-owned and operated winery located in the Central Valley countryside– a much more relaxed scene than the wineries in the Napa Valley area. This award-winning winery in Northern California is a fun place to spend an afternoon.
While Lodi's thriving wine scene remains a well-kept secret among insiders and locals, you can actually find many exceptional wineries all throughout Lodi, the Sacramento Delta area , and the Central Valley countryside.
Michael David Winery is located along a country road amid vineyards and farmland. The winery has flourished since its establishment in 1984. Visitors can enjoy tastings of the winery's house-brand wines and explore their well-stocked store.
With a rich heritage of over 150 years of family farming, the Michael David name transcends mere wine making – it has become a beloved local hot spot and a gathering place.
The winery's founders, brothers Michael and David Phillips, are 5th generation grape growers who have raised their families amidst the vineyards. Today, the 6th generation proudly joins the team.
In 2020, Wine Enthusiast named them the “Winery Of The Year”. And in 2016, Wine Enthusiast named their 2012 Petite Petit Sirah the second-best wine in the world.
You may have heard of one of their most famous wines– Seven Deadly Zins, which is the most popular Zinfandel brand in America. They sold that particular wine to The Wine Group in 2018. Even though this hidden Lodi winery has some big-name wines, when you visit you can also taste local wines you can’t get anywhere else.
At Michael David Winery, you'll find a spacious tasting room where you can indulge in their remarkable wines. All tastings are set for 45 minutes, allowing you ample time to enjoy the flavors and ambiance.
Reservations with prepayment are highly recommended to secure your spot. Experience Michael David Winery at whatever pace you like– they welcome both those seeking a quick tasting as well as groups looking to make a day of it.
If you want to enjoy a bottle and some food, there is an onsite cafe with seasonal food, a gourmet bakery, and a small market with seasonal produce.
Want to get the latest wines? Sign up for their wine club, or leave with a case. One of their up-and-coming wine brands is called Freakshow, which has an excellent Chardonnay.
There is also a small children’s park with wooden playhouses, a Bocce Ball court, and paths winding around the winery.
Michael David Winery is a wonderful surprise to find off this country road in Lodi.
We’re telling you -– California’s Central Valley is the new
Napa . It has many
beautiful wineries , it’s family-friendly and produces some award-winning wines.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable outing, make sure to add Michael David Winery to your list of hidden spots to visit in Northern California’s beautiful Central Valley.
Have you explored Lodi’s wineries? Tell us in the comments.
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Michael David Winery, 4580 CA-12, Lodi, CA 95242, USA