It seems as though the real world takes a pause during the winter. Many people take time off work, children are out of school, and the little day-to-day tasks that consume our lives make way for what’s important: spending time with those we love.
To that end, many people choose to take mini vacations during the winter. Although mountain escapes are popular — especially for skiers and snowboarders — not everyone craves the snow and the crowds. Instead, many look for alternative destinations where they can relax and enjoy everything the season has to offer.
One great destination to consider is Yolo County. Its rural landscapes provide the scenic backdrops while its small towns offer plenty of charm. Plus, the county is dotted with rustic tasting rooms, ideal for cozying up on a cold winter’s day.
Winter Getaways in Winters
In planning your winter escape to Yolo County, a good place to start is the aptly named town of Winters. It has a charming, small-town vibe, made even more appealing by the surrounding farmland. A stroll around the downtown area, adorned with twinkling lights during the holiday season, is a popular activity. You can browse through the many boutiques and local shops and pick up a one-of-a-kind gift for your loved ones (or yourself).
Yolo County is known as a stellar wine producing region, and Winters has several tasting rooms where you can curl up and sample the best of the best. Winters tasting rooms include Turkovich Family Wines, a charming spot that also offers cheese tasting; and Berryessa Gap Vineyards, another quaint winery that hosts special events such as food pairings and live music. Or, head to The DeVilbiss Room for craft cocktails and cozy vibes — the dark and moody brick-walled lounge is decked out in holiday decor this time of year.
Cozy Up in the Capay Valley
Another great area in Yolo County with cozy tasting rooms and small-town charm is the Capay Valley. Stretching along Highway 16 are the towns of Esparto, Capay, Brooks, Guinda and Rumsey. Dotted between them are several rustic tasting rooms worth a visit. Some highlights include the following:
- Grindstone Wines. This family- and dog-friendly winery in Esparto offers sips of their award-winning varietals in a modern farmhouse, complete with plush seating and beautiful views.
- Taber Ranch. Oak-dotted hillsides define the landscape surrounding Taber Ranch, which pours its estate-grown wine in its welcoming tasting room in the town of Capay. They offer live music throughout the year and serve wood-fired pizza.
- Seka Hills Olive Mill & Tasting Room. Located in Brooks, Séka Hills offers tastes of not only their estate-grown wines, but also their gourmet olive oils. The tasting room sits within their 14,000-square foot olive mill, with tasting, tours, and an onsite deli available.
- Capay Valley Vineyards. Also in Brooks, this small, family-operated winery is a low-key spot surrounded by country charm. Open on weekends, they are known for their tempranillo and sparkling viognier.
Visit Clarksburg this Winter
Small-town charm is the name of the game in Clarksburg, a serene wine-growing region in southern Yolo County. With rolling vineyards, pastoral farmlands, and epic views of the Sacramento River, Clarksburg makes for a peaceful winter retreat.
No trip to Clarksburg is complete without a visit to the Old Sugar Mill, a historic sugar beet refinery that is now home to more than a dozen tasting rooms. Its rustic-chic setting — with original brickwork and vineyard views — creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Each of the independently operated wineries offer tastings; some even have fire tables and mulled wine to keep you warm on cold days.
Other tasting rooms in the Clarksburg area include Heringer Estates, which offers tastings in its heritage barn; Bogle Family Vineyards, which has a cozy indoor tasting room and outdoor fire pits; and Julietta, which serves wine alongside comforting dishes such as soups and panini.
Visit Yolo County’s Cozy Tasting Rooms This Winter
If you’re looking for a winter getaway filled with small town charm and cozy tasting rooms, consider a visit to Yolo County. Whether the quaint streets of Winters, the bucolic countryside of Capay Valley, or the river-backed vineyards of Clarksburg, there are countless places to explore. Winter brings fewer crowds and an intimate vibe, so be sure to explore the many lodging options in Yolo County and book your trip today.
