Food has always been an integral part of travel. Sometimes, it’s the reason for traveling itself! Think kalua pig in Hawaii, key lime pie in Florida, and barbecue in Kansas City. In California, it’s all about farm-to-table cuisine. And there’s no better place to experience local, seasonal food than in Yolo County.
Yolo County is the perfect place to visit for foodies. You can indulge in local foods at world-class restaurants, sip award-winning wines steps from where they were made, and even visit the very farms, orchards, and ranches where your food comes from. You can explore on your own or book a tour with Yolo365, which offers curated tours focused on food, wine, beer, and spirits.
If you’re looking to book a food-centric getaway in Yolo County, we’ve assembled the ideal itinerary. Before heading out, be sure to check the many lodging options in Yolo County, where you’ll find comfortable stays in Winters, Davis, and beyond.
Day One: Farm Visits in the Capay Valley
The Capay Valley is a scenic corridor in north Yolo County home to farms, orchards, wineries and more. Following are some spots that offer farm visits, tours, and special events such as farm dinners.
- Capay Organic/Farm Fresh to You. From May through October, this CSA offers tours of their farms. You can ride the tractor tram, harvest your own produce, and listen to a farm talk. They also host festivals and seasonal dinners.
- Full Belly Farm. Located in Guinda, this organic farm has several open farm days throughout the year, as well as private tours and workshops. They also host seasonal farm dinners and pizza nights.
- Polestar Farms. This farm in Esparto is known for its seasonal farm dinners that incorporate the products grown here, including Blenheim apricots, black and green figs, and Eureka lemons. They also host live music.
Another spot to consider in the Capay Valley is Seka Hills in Brooks, which offers tastings of their estate-grown olive oils. They have a little deli and shop where you can pick up other gourmet food items, including honey, nuts, and balsamic vinegar. They also offer wine tasting. Speaking of wine, the Capay Valley has several scenic wineries to visit, including Capay Valley Vineyards, Grindstone Wines, and Taber Ranch Vineyards.
Day Two: Dining and Wine Tasting in Winters
South of the Capay Valley is the charming town of Winters. Its location in the heart of agricultural land means food (and wine) is the big draw for visitors here. There are several tasting rooms in Winters, including Turkovich Family Wines and Berryessa Gap Vineyards. Each also has an estate winery just down the road, where you can sip on outdoor patios overlooking the vineyards. They also offer tours, live music, and specialty dinners.
It comes as no surprise that farm-to-table cuisine is the heart of dining in Winters. One spot to check out is Preserve, which offers seasonal, American cuisine with an upscale flair. Another popular spot is Buckhorn Steakhouse, a classic spot that has been serving up locally raised beef for more than four decades.
Another nearby spot for foodies is Park Winters, a lavish country estate that offers weekend brunch in its open-air pavilion. The menu changes depending on what’s in season, but most dishes use ingredients grown right on site. They also have a little marketplace where you’ll find gourmet food products like local honey, balsamic vinegar, jams and jellies, and nuts.
Day Three: A Culinary Stroll Through Davis
No visit to Yolo County is complete without a stop in Davis. And no visit to Davis is complete with a visit to the Davis Farmers’ Market. Held Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings, the market is chock-full of fresh fruit and veggies and locally produced pantry staples like olive oil, jams, tea, and nuts. You’ll also find prepared food from local vendors offering everything from tamales to dumplings, fresh-baked bread to fresh-pressed juices. You can also find fresh produce, honey, nuts and other locally produced food items at the Yolo Fruit Stand.
If you’re interested in visiting a farm in Davis, there are several options. Just outside of town is Hooby’s Brewing Farm, where you can sip craft brews and visit farm animals like goats, pigs, and chickens. Or, if you’re interested in picking your own produce, you can head to Impossible Acres, which has cherries, apricots, plums, and berries. They are open May through July.
Another great stop in Davis for foodies is Great Bear Vineyards. In addition to wine tasting, they also offer vineyard and winery tours, so you can learn about the behind-the-scenes process of winemaking. They also partner with local chefs and growers to host farm-to-table dinners throughout the year.
Book Your Food-Focused Escape to Yolo County
You can find fine dining and wine tasting just about anywhere, but in Yolo County, there’s a true connection between the farmer and the plate (or the winemaker and the glass!) Whether you’re a true foodie or just want to learn more about where your food comes from, consider a visit to the Capay Valley, Winters, or Davis. Check out the many lodging options in Yolo County and book your trip today.
