Apr. 11, 2008 - LOCKEFORD -- A boutique hotel and luxury wine-themed resort that a developer hopes will be the perfect fit for the Lodi area wine trail is being proposed in Lockeford, about eight miles east of Lodi.

A company owned by Diede Construction called Lockeford Wine LLC is proposing a 70-room hotel on an 8-acre parcel on Highway 88 south of a hay supply store, said John Anderson, a spokesman for the developer.

Anderson said the hotel will be accompanied by two restaurants -- one an upscale, white-tablecloth establishment and the other a more casual bistro with outdoor seating. An events center designed for weddings and conferences will be on site as well as a spa and salon.

There is also high-end retail space available, and a series of 10 condominium suites will be sold to businesses offering lifestyle services. Anderson cited wine tasting, cigars and golf equipment as examples of lifestyle services.

"It's going to have a Wine & Roses feel, but we have more space to work with," Anderson said, referring to the Lodi hotel, restaurant and spa. "For the hotel, it will be boutique, and we're not sure right now who that will be. We're looking at a Courtyard by Marriott or somebody like that, although we might keep it independent.

"This is going to fit right into the Harney Lane wine trail and be a great addition to Lockeford," he added.

Lockeford Community Services District Chairman Mike Henry said the hotel project was provided a "will-serve" letter Thursday morning, meaning the district will serve it with water and sewer utilities.

The developer will submit an application to the San Joaquin County Planning Department next week. It also will need approval from the county Board of Supervisors.

"I think it's wonderful," said Judy Morin, a Lockeford resident who owns a strip mall. "When I have family in town, they have to stay at a hotel in Lodi, which isn't that far away, but this is a nice town, and we need something like this."

Anderson called the proposed hotel a "destination location resort" that will promote lifestyle and leisure.

"The larger restaurant will be a high end, but if you don't want to get all dressed up, the bistro will offer a chance to wear your casual clothes and enjoy a glass of wine and a Caesar salad on the patio under an umbrella," Anderson said.

Anderson said he expects the project to be complete by late 2009.

Contact reporter Keith Reid at (209) 367-7428 or [email protected].

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