A culinary driven brand has made its debut with the opening of Appellation Lodi - Wine & Roses Resort and Spa, a newly repositioned boutique hotel in California’s Central Valley wine region.
The property marks the first operational hotel for Appellation, a culinary-first hospitality brand co-founded by American chef Charlie Palmer and hospitality veteran Christopher Hunsberger. The brand has several new-build properties in development primarily focused on California’s emerging wine destinations.
Appellation Lodi – Wine & Roses Resort and Spa is close to Lodi Lake and nature trails, as well as Historic Downtown’s theatre, shopping and dining. Operating owners Russ and Kathryn Munson—along with their long-time investment partners—have partnered with Appellation to help the property honor the hotel’s storied past—which included a 10-room bed and breakfast—while transforming it into a 66-room boutique property.
“More than anything, we want Appellation Lodi - Wine & Roses Resort and Spa to serve as the hub for Lodi and greater Central Valley residents, where guests rub shoulders with the growers, makers and purveyors who make up the hotel’s vibrant community,” Hunsberger said in a statement. “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, as we aspire to do with all our hotels and resorts.”
“Our beloved, historic estate has seen many lives, starting as a working ranch more than a century ago and transitioning to a 10-room bed and breakfast, which evolved into today’s 66-key boutique hotel,” said Russ Munson, operating owner of Wine & Roses. “Our newfound partnership with Appellation marks an exciting evolution for the hotel and Lodi hospitality, as we continue to elevate the guest experience together.”
Culinary Artistry
The renovations build upon the hotel’s legacy and incorporate Appellation’s guiding philosophy, where culinary elements is infused into every aspect of the guest experience—from design to botanical and culinary gardens, public spaces and programming, according to the company. The newly refreshed accommodations are designed to reflect the region’s deep-rooted agricultural heritage, honoring its growers and winemaking traditions.
The interiors use light oak furnishings and handcrafted textures for an artisanal feel, according to the company. A palette of harvest and eucalyptus greens, cognac and honeyed oranges and yellows is designed to bring the essence of Lodi’s landscape indoors. The company further noted that many rooms showcase custom-designed textures inspired by the rolling vineyards and golden grain fields, creating a space that feels both authentic and inviting.
The hotel’s new culinary program, meanwhile, is overseen by Palmer, a Michelin-starred chef, Appellation’s chief culinary director Chef Thomas Bellec and executive chef and food & beverage director Marco Fossati. The program features two signature Charlie Palmer dining concepts and a complete revitalization of culinary landscaping and programming. As the first stage of the transformation, Maison Lodi debuted in February 2025 bring French baking to Lodi wine country.
In addition, the hotel’s spa has been rebranded as Wine & Roses Spa, commemorating the importance of the landmark hotel’s commitment to its wellness offerings. According to the company, the curated holistic wellness program establishes the resort as a premier wellness destination, incorporating yoga, sound baths, meditation, and more into its daily offerings.