Best known as California’s capital city, Sacramento is not necessarily considered a destination for wine lovers. However, wineries and wine-tasting rooms have proliferated over the past several years in the downtown corridor and surrounding regions. More than 90 wineries have found a home in this agricultural Eden that produces walnuts, almonds, cherries, olives, tomatoes, and prunes, the bounty of which helps to feed the entire nation. It’s no surprise that grapes also thrive in the terrain’s rich and varied soil.

It was in the mid-1800s that the Sacramento Valley emerged as a leading California wine region. At the time, the area accounted for about 16% of the state’s total vineyard acreage. The region became a major wine production center until Prohibition, but even then, several wineries survived by producing sacramental and medicinal wines. For much of the last century, Sacramento Valley’s wine grapes ended up in blends made by statewide wineries. Today, the area is home to 23,834 vineyard acres, of which primary grape varieties include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Sauvignon Blanc. Also abundant are old-vine Zinfandel, Syrah Chenin Blanc, Vermentino, Viognier, and Petite Sirah. 

Farm to Fork Festival

SIP

Sacramento’s wine scene is often referred to as “the Napa Valley of 30 years ago,” as it remains relatively undiscovered, and many wine tastings are complimentary. For visitors, access to the wine-making process and the winemakers is a given, and many vintners and winemakers greet wine tasting guests personally. In nearby Clarksburg, along the Sacramento River, the Old Sugar Mill is home to a multitude of wineries (Clarksburg Wine Company, Todd Taylor, Carvalho Family, Elevation Ten, and Draconis, among others) that are happy to share their wines.

Clarksburg is also home to the popular Bogle Family Vineyards, founded in 1968. In West Sacramento, former San Francisco Giants manager Dusty Baker leads Baker Family Wines, where both dogs and kids are more than welcome. In the downtown/midtown area, there’s Acheson Wine Company, whose entire production is served on tap from stainless steel kegs, Bailarin Cellars, serving hand-crafted, small lot varietals, Lucid Winery, a humble “urban industrial micro-winery,” Revolution Winery & Kitchen, serving unique, made-on-site wines, and Whired Wine-Window, where wine is served in the classic Italian manner—through a portico window.

EAT

With such close proximity to fertile farmland, local chefs can source the freshest local ingredients, resulting in innovative menus. And the city knows how to celebrate its wine and culinary culture on a grand scale. The Legends of Wine event is a lively, social celebration held annually that showcases local wineries and the agricultural bounty for which the region is so highly regarded. And the city’s joyful, annual Farm-to-Fork Festival, held long-table style on the iconic Tower Bridge in early fall, celebrates local producers and restaurants.

Popular restaurants include Mulvaney’s B&L, renowned for its commitment to local sourcing and a refined dining experience focusing on seasonal cuisine. The iconic Firehouse Restaurant in historic Old Sacramento has changed little in 60 years and continues to offer fine dining in an Old World atmosphere. It’s a state legislator and staff favorite, as is the iconic Frank Fats, site of many a political deal, and considered by fans to serve the best Chinese food in town. The best fried chicken in the city can be found at Fixin’s in the Oak Park neighborhood, owned by former NBA star and former Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson. 

The chic and comfortable Grange Restaurant & Bar at the Citizen Hotel emphasizes farm-to-table dining within its creative menu. And Beast + Bounty features fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and inventive cocktails within a lively atmosphere.

Tower Bridge Dinner at Farm to Fork Festival

STAY

Sacramento features a range of hospitality options, from the State Capitol-adjacent Hyatt Regency Sacramento to The Kimpton Sawyer Hotel right across from Golden 1 Center, home of the Sacramento Kings NBA team. (Stay there during NBA play, and one is sure to spot players from the opposing team roaming the lobby and restaurant.) For a more boutique experience, The Citizen Hotel, a Marriott Autograph Collection property, provides a sense of place with its collection of political art. And the Westin Sacramento Riverfront Hotel & Spa is worth a peek after recently undergoing a multi-million dollar transformation.

For something more intimate, consider lovely Vizcaya, a circa 1889 Victorian with just a handful of rooms surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens.

PLAY

Sacramento is one of the most historic cities in California. As California’s capital, it boasts culture and rich historical significance, evident in its artfully preserved Gold Rush-era architecture and landmarks like the State Capitol. The city is home to a thriving arts community with numerous galleries, theaters, and festivals. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the scenic beauty, and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere invites exploration. The California State Railroad Museum in the historic district of Old Sacramento is a popular destination for all ages. The now empty and merely ceremonial Governor’s Mansion and the Leland Stanford Mansion are both open for tours, as is the State Capitol. The Crocker Art Museum and the California State Library are treasure troves of art and state history.

The largest mural ever painted by famed Maynard Dixon, known for his depictions of the American West, can be found in the library’s Gillis Hall. Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park is a preserved historical site that provides insight into the early settlement of California and the Gold Rush era. For little ones, Fairytale Town is a charming, storybook-themed playground. For walking, hiking, or biking buffs, the 32-mile-long American River Parkway is a natural wonder, as are the city’s many parks. Simply walking its tree-lined downtown streets is a lovely adventure. Sacramento is known as the “City of Trees” for having the densest tree canopy of any major city in the world.

Whether seeking history, culture, natural beauty, cuisine, or wine, Sacramento truly has it all.

For more information www.visitsacramento.com