Introducing: YOLO

Globe hopping 20 / Introducing...

Authentic Yolo County

With attractions that include orchards, vineyards, farm-to-table- inspired restaurants and much more, authentic Yolo County, California, quite literally offers visitors a breath of fresh air

Located in Northern California, Yolo County is adjacent to the state capital, Sacramento, and close to iconic locations in the region like Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, Sonoma – and even San Francisco.

Framed by the main east-west corridor of I80 and the north-south I5, the area is easily accessible yet seems a world away from the hustle and bustle of those main routes.

Served by fl ights from several U.S. cities, Sacramento International Airport puts visitors right at the doorstep of Yolo County, along with many of Northern California’s (or ‘NorCal’ if you’re local!) best tourism assets.

Yolo – or ‘You Only Live Once’, as the area is known – is a vast territory, dotted with a few cities with a special, small-town feel: think open landscapes of thousands of acres of farms, orchards, vineyards, rolling hills, hiking trails, streams and lakes. It is also a primary bird watching area: 250-plus species of migratory birds pass through on their way from Canada to Mexico.

Check out some of the reasons why Yolo County is moving from a ‘well-kept secret’ to a ‘must-visit stop’ on any NorCal itinerary:

Top experiences

Winters: Winters is calling foodies! This characterful small town was voted fourth in a list of the Top 10 Best Small Town Food Scenes by USA Today. It is a convenient base from which to explore the local attractions. Tucked into the heart of the town the four-star, all-suite Hotel Winters off ers simple country luxury. Wineries: Having long provided grapes to neighbours Napa and Sonoma, Yolo’s 12 boutique wineries are buiding their own reputations. You will enjoy delicious, aff ordable and authentic tasting experiences provided by winemakers and owners who want to share their family story along with the (liquid) fruits of their labours.

REFINED ELEGANCE AT PARK WINTERS

Farm to Table: Many Yolo restaurants focus on locally sourced seasonal produce, meats and other accoutrements. A weekly Farmers’ Market in the city of Davis is recognized as one of the nation’s best. Ag Tourism Experiences: Yolo County is the genuine farm and fi eld experience destination. Farms are open during seasonal periods to provide visitors with a close-to-the-earth-experience. Sunfl owers in the summer, the almond bloom in February, lavender in the spring, and grapes and olives in the fall are among the many ways visitors can connect with their food sources by signing up for a tour. Festivals and Events: Explore by foot, boat, bike, car and rail. Hiking trails, hundreds of miles of bike routes, boating activities on streams, rivers and lakes, scenic train rides, adventuresome drives and classic car shows are all available year round.

Arts, Culture and Entertainment:

First-class theatre and unique musical performances, museums, art galleries and trails, music festivals, and more are on off er.

MEAD IS MADE BY FERMENTING HONEY

Attractions: Yolo County’s attractions largely consist of those provided by Mother Nature. Honey, mead, olive oil, winery tasting rooms, local distilled spirits, wildlife viewing, massive bat fl y-outs, and open landscapes with amazing sunsets comprise just a few of the off erings. Lodging: Elegant, comfortable and aff ordable options – from a fi ve-star B&B to four-star country luxury to limitedservice properties from familiar brands – cater to all budgets and preferences. visityolo.com •

Yolo experiences

With family-run wineries, honey tasting rooms and an abundance of local produce at farmers markets, Yolo County showcases California’s ‘local side’

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The River Fox Train

The River Fox Train, a sister of the worldfamous Skunk Train that runs through the redwood forests of Northern California, traverses the countryside of Yolo County with rail adventures offered weekly. Visitors enjoy railbike rides, beer and wine trains, nostalgic railroad charm, ivy-covered woodlands and glistening riverfront views with every travelled mile. RiverFoxTrain.com

The HIVE

Founded in 1979, Z Specialty Food is a pioneer for varietal honey and home to Island of the Moon Apiaries and Moon Shine Trading Co. All are based at The HIVE Tasting Room and Kitchen, off Highway 5. Visitors to the first tasting room to show off the vast array of flavours, colors and textures of varietal honey can taste 30-plus honeys from all over the world, along with mead tasting in the pollinator gardens. thehivewoodland.com

Berryessa Gap Winery

The family that helped ignite Napa Valley with its premium grapevines and rootstock is pioneering fine wine production in Winters. Enjoy wine tastings – Petite Sirah, Tempranillo and Albariño – and food and wine pairings at the chic downtown tasting room on the estate winery at the start of scenic CA Highway 128. Tour the facility and enjoy stunning views. berryessagap.com

Davis Farmers Market

Davis Farmers Market at Central Park in downtown Davis has connected both residents and visitors to local food suppliers since 1976. Open year-round, the market is held every on Saturday morning and Wednesday afternoon. Stalls are lined with farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, choice meats, seafood, eggs, honey, fresh-baked breads, hot foods, plants, flowers, wine and crafts. DavisFarmersMarket.org