By The Wayfarer
Explore even more with the Yolo: Vineyards, Farms & Cultural Gems Tour
If you’re planning a visit to Winters, CA, you’re either in the know—or about to be. Just 30 minutes west of Davis and under an hour from Sacramento, this historic farming town is a gem for anyone craving slower rhythms, locally grown everything, and a genuine sense of place.
It’s the kind of town where you can park once and forget about your car for the day. Where wine is poured by the winemaker, live music floats out of courtyards, and brunch involves eggs from down the road.
Here’s your local-curated list of the most rewarding, relaxed, and delicious things to do in Winters, CA—plus an optional (but highly recommended) self-guided audio tour that connects Winters to the landscapes and stories all around it.
1. Stroll Historic Main Street
Start with the heart of it all: Main Street. Walkable, welcoming, and refreshingly free of chains, it’s packed with local flavor in every sense.
Pop into:
- Turkovich Family Wines – A warm tasting room with standout reds and a bonus: their creamery next door sells cheese made from their own herd.
- Berryessa Gap Tasting Room – Full-bodied wines and a connection to one of the oldest family farming operations in town.
- Winters Cheese Company – Build your dream charcuterie board.
- Buckhorn Vintage – Farmhouse home goods and gifts with rustic charm.
- Lupita’s Boutique & Hacienda – Stylish Western wear, colorful accessories, and conversation.
Almost everything in Winters is local, owner-run, and happy to talk about the town.
2. Dine Well, From Morning to Night
Winters punches far above its weight in the food department. Whether you’re here for a few hours or overnight, you’ll eat well—and probably talk about it later.
Try:
- Putah Creek Café – The community’s gathering place for breakfast and lunch. Order the huevos rancheros or the tri-tip sandwich.
- Preserve – Elevated, seasonal cuisine served in a warm, beautifully designed space. Great for date night or a slow dinner with friends.
- Hooby’s Brewing – House-brewed beer, a kid- and dog-friendly patio, and food that goes beyond bar fare.
- Lupita’s Mexican Restaurant – Comforting and authentic. Order the chile verde.
Pro tip: grab picnic supplies and head to the creek (see below).
3. Wander the Putah Creek Trail
Just south of downtown, Putah Creek winds past town under bridges and between big sycamores. You can walk it, picnic beside it, or just sit and listen to the water.
Access the trail behind the Winters Community Library or from Rotary Park, and follow it east or west depending on your mood. You’ll pass sculpture, bird habitats, wildflowers in spring, and cool shade in summer.
Bring coffee and take it slow.
4. Shop the Saturday Farmers Market (Seasonal)
From spring through fall, Rotary Park hosts a small but excellent farmers market on Saturday mornings. Think:
- Tomatoes still warm from the sun
- Hand pies and fresh scones
- Lavender bundles and homemade soap
- Friendly dogs and live acoustic music
It’s everything you hope for in a small-town market—especially if you need road trip snacks or gifts to bring home.
5. Catch Live Music or a Local Event
Winters has a lively creative community that knows how to put on a good show. Depending on when you visit, you might catch:
- Free summer concerts at Rotary Park
- A jazz set in the Berryessa Gap courtyard
- A bluegrass band at Hooby’s or Preserve’s back patio
- Special events like Fourth Friday art walks or Carnitas Festival
It’s low-key, high-vibe, and often spontaneous—ask a shopkeeper what’s happening that evening.
6. Take the Yolo: Vineyards, Farms & Cultural Gems Audio Tour
Want to expand your experience? The Yolo County countryside surrounding Winters is full of stories, family farms, and backroads that reward curiosity.
This self-guided audio tour starts near Winters and guides you through a loop of scenic, local-rich stops including:
- Wineries in Capay Valley
- Lavender fields and olive oil tastings
- Stories of land stewardship, irrigation drama, and the roots of California’s farm-to-fork movement
You can do it in a few hours—or stretch it over an afternoon and a night in Winters. Think of it as your open-road extension of a day in town.
7. Stay Overnight and Wake Up Slow
Winters is perfect for a one-day trip—but even better if you stay overnight and let the quiet settle in.
Top choices:
- Hotel Winters – Boutique, luxurious, and right on Main Street with a rooftop soaking tub and in-house spa.
- Abbey House Inn – Restored Victorian charm with the kind of hospitality that makes you want to stay an extra day.
- Airbnbs & Farm Stays – If you want more space or a little creekside solitude.
Nothing beats waking up to a quiet street and a slow coffee before heading back to real life.
Final Thoughts
Winters, CA isn’t trying to be the next big thing—and that’s why it’s so good. It’s a place where the food is thoughtful, the wine is close to the vine, and the pace of life is exactly what your brain needs.
Whether you’re here for a Saturday stroll, a date night dinner, or a weekend retreat with friends, you’ll leave Winters a little more grounded—and probably planning your return.
And when you’re ready to roll through the hills and hear the stories behind the scenery?
Cue up the Yolo: Vineyards, Farms & Cultural Gems tour and let the road take you further.
Because in Winters, everything good starts small—and grows with time.
by xotatech.com