Exploring a town you’ve never been to before is the best way to spend a weekend in Northern California. Even if you’ve lived here your whole life, it seems like there’s always new places that are just waiting to be discovered. The little-known town featured here is perfect for a day trip, although you might find yourself wanting to stay longer so you can really see everything this place has to offer. Nestled in between Sacramento and Napa Valley, this small town is full of historic charm, farm-to-table eats, and plenty of attractions to keep you busy during your stay. The next time you’re on the hunt for the perfect getaway destination, give this town a chance.
The rural town of Winters is a small community located along Putah Creek in the western Sacramento Valley. This charming town is the definition of a hidden gem. It may be home to just 7,000 people, but you'll find yourself falling in love with this town's big character.
The town of Winters was officially established in 1875 and it wasn't long before the community became a busy agricultural and commercial center. From the very beginning, the town's base has been comprised of merchants and ranchers. Even today, agriculture is the core of this delightful community.
Winters may not have the name recognition that Napa Valley does but the town sees a lot of visitors who are stopping by for a taste of their two local wineries. After just one visit to a place like Berryessa Gap Vineyards, you'll start to wonder if this is the real wine country that people should know about.
And the food scene is pretty spectacular, too. Winters is an agricultural community so you can bet that you'll come across excellent eateries that offer farm-to-table flavor in a cozy small town atmosphere.
Putah Creek Cafe is a favorite among locals and even gained some national attention when it was featured on "Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives" on Food Network. If you're looking for some of the best eats that Winters has to offer, you'll find it here.
This is the type of place that could only exist in a small town like Winters. It's the type of cafe where the locals come to order their usual and converse with friends over a steaming cup of coffee. The cafe is known for their breakfast food but they also offer wood-fired artisan pizza on Friday and Saturday nights.
Are you the type of person that is always looking for the next adventure? Winters is a great destination for doing just that. Recreation is abundant for all types of outdoor enthusiasts. If you're a hiker, the Stebbins Cold Canyon Trail is a must.
The trail is a unit of the University of California Natural Reserve System and boasts spectacular views of the Berryessa Mountains and Lake Berryessa—the largest lake in Napa County.
Looking for something a little different? Winters is home to a spectacular company called Yolo Ballooning Aventures. The one-of-a-kind hot air balloon ride lets you view this incredible region of California like you never have before. Don't forget your camera!
If you're looking for the perfect day trip destination, look no further than this amazing town. Winters has a little bit of everything for everyone and we only just scratched the surface in this article. The hardest part will be finding time to explore it all!
