Not far from Lodi, just a little ways east, is a thriving little town called Lockeford. It's like the appetizer to the quaint foothill communities that lay further up the road.

Lockeford has history. Lockeford has boutiques. Lockeford has saloons. And Lockeford has Vino Piazza.

Since its inception in 1998, Vino Piazza has become a one-stop winetasting shop. With 11 wineries to choose from, it's a perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Owners Don and Karyn Litchfield bought the property with the thought that they would develop the land. After dabbling in wine tasting and then trying their hand at creating their own vintage, the Litchfields decided to invite other wineries to make their home on the property.

For those thinking it's just a place to hang out and sip Sangiovese, think again.

Vino Piazza (Italian for "wine plaza") is also home to Busaba Thai Cuisine. Roger and Busaba Fox have brought the "king's palace" style of Thai cooking to the Piazza. Visitors should bring their appetite, because the Foxes are generous in their portions.

The Foxes have also created Fox Tale Cellars, a medieval-themed banquet hall perfect for wedding receptions, parties or just about anything the creative person has in mind. Fox Tale Cellars can cater any occasion, or an outside caterer can be used.

More than just wine and food, Vino Piazza is home to Gnosis Theatre Company, a small — yet talented — theatre that puts on several shows a year. The troupe's Web site can be consulted for upcoming shows: http://www.gnosistheatrecompany.org.

Olde Lockeford Winery, the Litchfields' label, is also host to "Women Who Kick Comedy Butt," a PG-13 rated comedy show that is held several times a year. The season wraps up with "Last Woman Kicking," a comedy competition held over the course of two days in January.

While at the Olde Lockeford Winery, make sure to check out Don Litchfield's extensive collection of fossils, including a complete allosaur skeleton and a T-Rex skull.

Also found at Vino Piazza is the art studio of David Jon Foster, a painter who puts raw emotion onto his canvas and creates spectacularly vivid pieces of work.

Warning: Taking a short trip out to Vino Piazza can result in a wonderfully decadent sensory overload.

Vino Piazza at a glance

Where: 12470 E. Locke Road, Lockeford.

Wineries
Boitano Family Wines: (209) 286-1595
Brice Station Vintners: (209) 795-2389
Cantiga Wineworks: (209) 727-3782
La Vida Dulce WInery: (209) 727-3966
Macchia: (209) 727-0577
Mokelumne Oaks Vintners: (209) 339-3754
Olde Lockeford Winery: (209) 727-9770
Pasos Vineyards: (209) 727-3153
Stama: (209) 747-5336
Watts Winery: (209) 329-1569

Restaurants
Busaba Thai Cuisine: (209) 727-0000
Gigolo’s Italian Bistro (opening spring/summer 2007)

Entertainment
Gnosis Theatre Company: (209) 469-3059
Women Who Kick Comedy Butt

Information: Vino Piazza, (209) 727-9770

Source: http://www.vinopiazza.com