This blog post has been updated from a former blog post at tell10friends.com.

John C. Fogerty wrote these words for the band Creedence Clearwater Revival’s song in 1969. Apparently, Lodi, California was a very different place during that time. Today, Lodi is quickly gaining steam as the “non-Napa” wine country, with lots of fantastic wine, upscale eateries, and olives! Lodi used to be a drive-by town on highway 99 for the most part. No longer! If you don’t stop in Lodi and explore the town and the region, it’s your fault and your loss. The wine is incredible, the food is tasty, and the people are really nice, open and welcoming – a big difference when compared to Napa’s crowded, rushed tasting rooms with over-priced Cabernet and formulaic Chardonnay.

The most notable export out of Lodi currently is wine; especially, Zinfandel. The Lodi growing region is also one of the only appellations that spans two counties in California (Sacramento County to the north, and San Joaquin County to the south). The Lodi AVA contains roughly 551,000 acres approved, and is currently planted to some 100,000 acres, it is bordered on the west by I-5 and to the east by the borders of El Dorado, Amador, and Calaveras counties. It’s big! With an average annual high temperature of 74 degrees and a low of 47 degrees Fahrenheit and about 18” of annual rainfall, Lodi has a Mediterranean climate.

The wine barrels at Jessie's Grove Winery

Lodi is producing some unique varietals in addition to Zinfandel (about 40% of California’s zin is grown in Lodi, I’ve been told). Other great reds include Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Carignane (Jessie’s Grove makes a lovely Carignane from their 120 year old vines). For whites and a nice change of pace, be sure to sip and study such luscious and interesting options as Albarino, Viognier, Vermentino and Roussanne. For me, an avowed ABC (Anything But Chardonnay), visiting Lodi is a treat! Lots of whites to choose from and enjoy.

Lodi is also a notable wildlife destination. The Mokelumne River flows along the north side of town, and the Consumnes River and the Consumnes River Preserve is but a short drive north. Both are locations for wildlife viewing and perhaps the most famous visiting creature being the Sandhill Crane. There is a statue of the famous Cranes downtown. You can also see flocks of Snow Geese and boy, they are just as impressive and beautiful.

Here’s a brief list of things to do in Lodi:

Places to eat: Pietro's Trattoria (http://www.pietroslodi.com/) and Towne House Reataurant (http://winerose.com/towne-house-restaurant/) are both top choices!

Cheese Central is a great cheese shop staffed by knowledgeable, friendly folks on N. School Street (www.cheesecentrallodi.com/)

Lodi’s Sandhill Crane Festival (http://www.cranefestival.com) celebrates return of the Cranes.

The Hill House Museum, a restored Queen Anne Victorian built around 1906.

Lodi Grape Festival and the Lodi Spring Wine Show, (http://www.grapefestival.com) a Grape Festival held which includes rides, food, and wine tasting. The Spring Wine Show is held in late March/early April, so as not to coincide with Easter.

Taste of Lodi, (http://www.tasteoflodi.com) usually in September; wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, live music and a Port, Cigar and Chocolate Pavilion.

Zinfest, (http://www.zinfest.com) originated in 2005 by the Lodi Winegrape Commission, features Lodi's finest Zinfandel wines, usually the third weekend of May, this event includes a Friday night dinner called "Vintner's Grille".

Did I mention that Lodi, California has two sister cities? The first, is Kofu, Japan. The second, is interestingly enough, Lodi, Italy. Lots of people settled in Lodi from Italy and it's no surprise that Lodi has a large Italian-American population.

If you find yourself ‘stuck’ in Lodi, sit back, relax and sip the sunset away with one of the appellations great wines! Why don’t you crank up the iPod and enjoy some CCR while you are at it.