Winters has become a hot spot.  It’s a historic place, established in 1875, and today this small Yolo county town is capturing the hearts of the Food Network, Sunset magazine and seemingly every cyclist in the area (who come for the coffee and stay for the scenery).   Winters represents the essence of the Sacramento Valley: family, farms, food and community.

Water and History Run Through It

Water, in the form of Putah Creek, is just steps from the revitalized downtown.  The Putah Creek Walk and Nature Trail parallels the creek and boasts a community garden where locals grow fruits and vegetables and then swap and share the bounty.  If you are in the reading mood, there’s even a mini library too.  The historic trestle bridge which spans the creek was built in 1908, but has been refurbished into a biking an pedestrian bridge, is a must see.

Fantastic Food

Putah Creek is so central to Winters that there’s even a restaurant named after it, Putah Creek Cafe. Up to 2,000 people have been know to eat here on a given weekend and the Food Network’s Guy Fieri featured it on his Diners, Drive-ins and Dives show.  Hint:  It opens at 6 am and that’s when the farmers get there, and your best chance of eating without a wait.  Speaking of farmers, step next door and check out Turkovich Family Wines, created by a local farming family who’ve added wine and cheese making to their business.  Ficelle across the street, Buckhorn Steakhouse (housed in 1891 building) and Preserve are all fantastic places to find a blend of local agriculture and good cooking.  As mayor Cecilia Aguiar-Curry says “You can’t find a bad meal in Winters.”

Piano Playing and Community Events

You can find a piano smack dab in the middle of town.  Anyone can play, and an old piano, put in a public space, is quintessential Winters. Every fourth Friday March-October Main street is home to food vendors, street side dining, live music and local art displays. Historic home walking tours, Berryessa Gap Winery (just a few miles from downtown and owned and operated by another local farming brood) and simply soaking up a slice of Sacramento Valley life are all reasons to stop by the gem that is Winters.