As the Farm-to-Fork Capital of the nation, Sacramento gets much of the attention in the foodie world. But what not everyone realizes is that much of that food is grown and produced in Yolo County! In fact, Yolo County is a hidden gem for food lovers craving an authentic farm-to-table experience that showcases the county’s rich agricultural heritage.
Not only does Yolo County have plenty of opportunities for farm-centric experiences such as tours, tastings and farmers’ markets, it also has its share of world-class farm-to-table restaurants. If you’re looking for a food-focused getaway that’s off the beaten path, consider the following itinerary and eat your way through Yolo County.
Day One
Kick off your food journey through Yolo County with a hearty breakfast at Savory Café in Woodland. This Slow Food-certified eatery partners with local farms and producers to put a seasonal spin on traditional brunch dishes, such as huevos rancheros, chicken fried steak and avocado toast. Also in Woodland is The HIVE Tasting Room and Kitchen, where you can sample honey and mead and enjoy honey-centric dishes like salads and charcuterie.
Next, head to Park Winters Flower Farm, which serves seasonal farm bites in its open-air pavilion. Open weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the pavilion offers stunning views of the surrounding farm and landscape. Farm-to-table bites include seasonal salads, sandwiches and desserts, such as a peach champagne sorbet made with local peaches and local wine. They also have a seasonal cocktail on the menu.
Further east is Esparto, where you’ll find Lucy’s Café and Farm Pantry, where dishes are made from ingredients straight from the farm. Menu items include pasta with farm-grown tomatoes or basil-walnut pesto and pizza with apricots and ricotta. Need a sweet treat? They also have a case full of house-made baked goods such as seasonal fruit tarts, cookies and muffins. Or, you can pick up fresh fruit, nuts, and other gourmet food items to go.
Day Two
Today is the day to enjoy everything the town of Winters has to offer. Start the day with a visit to Steady Eddy’s, a friendly, neighborhood café. Not only do they roast their own coffee beans (which can be purchased by the pound), they also serve farm-to-table bites such as avocado toast, panini and salads.
Winters is a town that begs to be explored. The downtown area has charming historic buildings and quaint shops, as well as several tasting rooms, including Turkovich Family Wines and Berryessa Gap Vineyards. If beer is more your style, you can sample craft brews at Berryessa Brewing Company or Hooby’s Brewing. Patio 29 is one of the only craft distilleries in the region, producing vodka, rum, and whiskey which they serve in cocktail form on their lovely outdoor patio.
For dinner, head to Preserve, a charming farm-to-table restaurant in the heart of Winters that honors the legacy of the town’s farming history with its seasonal menu. Dishes include straight-from-the-farm specialties such as risotto with corn purée and blistered tomatoes and grass-fed steak with confit carrots, mushroom bordelaise and turnip puree. They also have a great craft cocktail menu.
Day Three
On your last day exploring Yolo County’s farm-to-table scene, head south to Davis. Fuel up for the day ahead at Mishka’s Café, a laid-back, European-style coffee shop that specializes in fair-trade, organic beans. They also have a selection of decadent house-made pastries and baked goods, including muffins, scones and croissants.
Afterwards, plan a visit to Great Bear Vineyards where you can learn all about the winemaking process. They offer tours, workshops and of course, tastings. They also host cheese and wine pairings, chocolate and wine pairings, and seasonal farm dinners using ingredients from surrounding farms, orchards and ranches.
For dinner, one of the best farm-to-table restaurants in Davis is The Mustard Seed, a longstanding restaurant that focuses on local, seasonal ingredients. Dishes include pan-seared duck with sweet potato purée, scallops with wild California black rice, and mustard-crusted rack of lamb with zinfandel sauce and roasted vegetables. Don’t pass on dessert, which includes a seasonal fruit tart and crème brûlée.
Plan Your Food Tour in Yolo County
Whether you’re a true foodie or simply enjoy a great meal, Yolo County is a great choice for a food-focused getaway. Each region contributes to the region’s rich culinary landscape, from the rural Yolo countryside, to the quaint town of Winters or the culinary scene in Davis. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Yolo County offers a culinary journey that celebrates the rich flavors of the region. To make your visit even sweeter, check out lodging specials in Yolo County and plan your getaway today.
