Lodi Wine & Roses Resort undergoes a culinary overhaul as it prepares for an ambitious transformation that promises to redefine the guest experience in California’s celebrated wine country.
This landmark resort in Lodi, California, is partnering with Appellation—the culinary-first hospitality brand co-founded by renowned American chef Charlie Palmer and hospitality veteran Christopher Hunsberger—to deliver an elevated approach that celebrates local traditions while embracing modern, immersive culinary experiences. Scheduled for full completion by late spring 2025, the resort will remain open during phased renovations, continuing to welcome guests for stays, dining, and spa experiences along the way.
Located in the heart of Lodi wine country—often called the “Zinfandel Capital of the World”—the resort has a storied past, evolving from a working ranch over a century ago into a beloved 66-room boutique hotel. Through its latest chapter as Appellation Lodi – Wine & Roses Resort and Spa, owners Russ and Kathryn Munson, along with their investment partners and the Appellation team, aim to preserve the estate’s historic charm while enhancing its culinary programming, design, and community-focused offerings.
Lodi Wine & Roses Resort Undergoes Culinary Overhaul with Appellation Partnership
At the heart of this renovation is Appellation’s commitment to infusing culinary artistry into every element of the resort experience. This philosophy extends beyond the plate, shaping the design, landscaping, public spaces, and guest programming. The partnership aspires to create a welcoming hub for Lodi and the greater Central Valley—a place where guests interact with the growers, winemakers, and artisans who define the region’s identity.
Russ Munson, operating owner of Wine & Roses, described the vision succinctly: “Our beloved, historic estate has seen many lives… Our newfound partnership with Appellation marks an exciting evolution for the hotel and Lodi hospitality, as we continue to elevate the guest experience together.”
Meanwhile, Appellation’s Chief Operating Officer Christopher Hunsberger emphasized the importance of local authenticity: “Our goal is to preserve the hotel’s rich heritage and welcoming setting, while putting even more emphasis on a celebration of Lodi, creating a powerful sense of ‘here’ for guests.”
Revitalized Guestrooms Inspired by Lodi’s Landscape
Once renovations are complete, the redesigned accommodations will reflect Lodi’s deep agricultural roots and winemaking traditions. Interiors will feature light oak furnishings, handcrafted textures, and a palette inspired by the land’s harvest hues: eucalyptus greens, cognac, honeyed oranges, and yellows. Custom-designed textiles will pay homage to the region’s rolling vineyards and golden grain fields, creating a space that feels authentic, welcoming, and unmistakably local.
Guests will also find expanded pathways and manicured grounds inviting them to explore. Outdoor patios with fireplaces will encourage gathering and relaxation, deepening the sense of connection to the land and community. The goal is to seamlessly blend heritage and innovation, offering a sophisticated yet accessible atmosphere that celebrates the best of Lodi wine country.
New Culinary Concepts by Charlie Palmer
Of course, the centerpiece of the overhaul is the bold new culinary program led by Michelin-starred chef Charlie Palmer and Appellation’s Chief Culinary Director Chef Thomas Bellec. Executive Chef and Food & Beverage Director Marco Fossati will oversee daily operations, ensuring that each dish tells a story of local bounty and craft.
The resort will introduce two signature Charlie Palmer dining concepts:
- Maison Lodi: This new café, already open as of February 2025, transforms the former Towne Corner Café & Market. Maison Lodi brings the timeless art of French baking to the region, with hearty breads, delicate pastries, rotisserie-roasted chickens, artisan sandwiches, seasonal salads, and house-made marketplace selections—all prepared fresh from local ingredients daily in an open-kitchen setting.
- Americana House: The historic Towne House Restaurant will evolve into Americana House, staying true to its roots with Progressive American Cooking. Expect a focus on seasonal produce and local sourcing, a dedicated cheese-aging cabinet featuring house-made curds and ricotta, selections from local and Northern California cheesemakers, and a theatrical wine decanter station to encourage exploration and conversation. Guests can also interact with chefs at a culinary counter, enjoying small bites and seasonal wine pairings.
These concepts reflect Appellation’s broader mission to make the resort an anchor for Lodi’s wine and food scene—both for travelers and local residents. As Charlie Palmer put it: “Our hope is to shine a much-deserved light on Lodi with the reinvigoration of this landmark hotel, while continuing to preserve its beloved spaces like the tasting room operated by the Lodi Winegrape Commission, representing more than 750 growers.”
Immersive Programming and Community Connections
But the culinary vision doesn’t stop at the restaurants. The resort will expand its landscaping with new culinary gardens where seasonal produce can be harvested for hyper-local, ultra-fresh dishes. Guests will be invited to wander these paths, engage with the land, and see firsthand where their meals begin. Outdoor patio spaces will feature cozy fireplaces perfect for evening gatherings and relaxation.
The resort will also launch Crafted at Appellation programming: a series of ongoing, hands-on classes and workshops with local makers and artisans. This initiative will connect visitors to Lodi’s rich creative and agricultural culture, making the hotel a true community hub rather than just a place to stay.
In addition, plans include an annual signature food and wine event designed to spotlight Lodi’s winemakers, growers, and restaurants, with a charitable component supporting local community organizations and student scholarships. This commitment to giving back cements the resort’s role as a partner in Lodi’s growth and success.
Spa and Wellness Redefined
As part of the rebranding, the resort’s acclaimed spa will be renamed the Wine & Roses Spa, paying tribute to its heritage while evolving its wellness offerings. The spa will be at the center of a thoughtfully curated holistic wellness program aimed at making Appellation Lodi – Wine & Roses Resort and Spa a premier destination for relaxation and rejuvenation in California’s Central Valley.
Wellness offerings will include yoga, sound baths, meditation sessions, and other holistic experiences that align with Appellation’s philosophy of mindfully curated guest experiences. The goal is to create an environment where visitors can unwind, recharge, and deepen their connection to the land and community.
Positioning Lodi as a Destination
Lodi Wine & Roses Resort Undergoes Culinary Overhaul at a moment when Lodi itself is gaining recognition as a top wine destination. Nestled between the San Francisco Bay and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lodi offers easy access to scenic trails, historic downtown shopping and dining, and award-winning wineries producing Zinfandel from some of California’s oldest vines. With more than 85 boutique wineries in the region, the resort’s revitalization positions it as the perfect home base for exploring this rich, diverse, and evolving wine country.
The partnership with Appellation represents a bold investment in Lodi’s future—a commitment to honoring its agricultural heritage while creating modern, immersive, and community-centered hospitality experiences. For travelers seeking authenticity, culinary excellence, and meaningful connection, Appellation Lodi – Wine & Roses Resort and Spa is set to become an essential destination in California’s vibrant wine landscape.
