With its picturesque landscapes, charming farms, and sprawling vineyards, Yolo County is the perfect destination for those looking to for a farm getaway. Whether you’re eager to immerse yourself in local farming culture, savor fresh farm-to-table dishes, or simply learn more about the origins of your food, a trip to Yolo County has something for every farm-minded visitor.
If you want to leave the hustle-and-bustle of the city behind but you’re not sure where to begin, you’re in luck. We’ve put together the perfect itinerary for a farm-focused getaway in Yolo County. Following are our suggestions:
Day One: Explore the Capay Valley
Nothing says farm-fresh more than the picturesque Capay Valley. Stretching from Esparto in the east to Rumsey in the west, it hugs Highway 16 along Cache Creek. Along the way are acres upon acres of pastoral farms, orchards, and vineyards. It’s especially stunning in spring when the trees are in full bloom.
Essential farm-to-table stops on your jaunt through the Capay Valley include Séka Hills in Brooks, a large wine producer in the area. You can taste wines in their spacious tasting room or sample their estate-produced olive oils. They have a deli onsite and also offer gourmet food items to go such as honey, vinegar, and nuts. They also offer tours of their production facilities.
In Guinda, Full Belly Farms is a certified organic farm that hosts a number of farm-to-table events throughout the year. Monthly farm dinners are held March through November, offering tours of the farm followed by a communal meal made from seasonal ingredients. In October, they hold their annual Hoes Down Festival, where you can learn how to milk a cow or make compost. They also have music, food, and of course, a farmers’ market.
If you prefer flowers over fruit, consider a visit to Capay Valley Lavender. In early summer, typically June, this family-owned lavender farm in Capay is blanketed in vibrant purple. Guests are invited to wander through the fields, snap photos, and create their own bouquets. They can also bring a picnic to savor a peaceful afternoon beneath the trees. They also offer tours and tastings of their culinary lavender products, such as lemonade and scones.
Another must-stop on your Capay Valley farm-to-table itinerary is Polestar Farms, growers of peaches, apricots, and other fruits. They host regular farm dinners on their orchard-side patio that showcase the best of regional, seasonal ingredients: think apricot-glazed chicken, lavender herb focaccia, tomato crostata and grilled corn bisque.
Day Two: Winters
Winters is a charming small town surrounded by scenic countryside, so naturally, farm-to-table is one of the main draws. If you’re looking for some farm-fresh produce, stop by the Winters Fruit Tree, which has been in operation since 1968. They sell seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as locally made food products such as honey, eggs, dried fruit, and nuts.
Another must is the Park Winters Flower Farm, where you can pick your own bouquet and enjoy seasonal farm bites in their lovely open-air farm pavilion. They also serve farm-to-table cocktails made with ingredients grown onsite, such as a Bloody Mary with heirloom tomatoes. They also have a marketplace where you can purchase locally-produced jams, honey, spice blends, and nuts.
If your idea of farm-to-table is local wine, consider a visit to Turkovich Family Wines, which has a tasting room in downtown Winters as well as a lovely estate winery where you can tour the farm. Berryessa Gap Vineyards also has a tasting room downtown and a nearby winery where they host special events such as their global dinner series.
Day Three: Davis
Perhaps best known for the University of California, Davis, this laid-back college town also has a vibrant farm-to-table scene. Most notably, the year-round Davis Farmers’ Market, held Saturday mornings, is one of the biggest (and oldest) in the state. Not only can you pick up fresh, local fruits and vegetables, you will also find local eggs, honey, cheese, nuts, baked goods, and prepared foods. In fact, you can make a day of a visit to the farmers’ market and enjoy a picnic in adjacent Central Park. In summer, the market is open on Wednesday evenings with live music.
Another farm-centric in Davis is a visit to Hooby’s Farm. Owners of Hooby’s Brewing in Winters, Hooby’s Brewing, the farm location is open on select Saturdays. You can bring the whole family to roam the 40 acres of farmland and interact with their resident farm animals, including sheep, goats, chicken and a pig. They also have live music and food trucks. The grownups can even enjoy a craft beer.
If wine is more your thing, you’ll also find Great Bear Vineyards in Davis. Not only do they offer wine tasting, they also offer a range of unique experiences, including vineyard and winery tours, food pairings, and grape harvesting. They also host farm-to-fork diners showcasing seasonal ingredients from local farms.
Book Your Yolo County Farm Getaway Today
A farm getaway in Yolo County is a great way to learn about the farms and farmers behind California’s farm-to-table movement. With its rich agricultural heritage, stunning landscapes and lush vineyards, Yolo County is a top choice for those looking to embrace the farm life. Be sure to check out lodging specials in Yolo County to make the most of your farm getaway.
