The insider’s guide
Cole and Sara Ogando’s stash of best places to experience Yolo County: Palms Playhouse: This is the place for live music. This intimate 220-seat venue is housed in the restored, historic Winters Opera House, one of California’s oldest theaters. It spotlights jazz, folk, rock, country and the blues. 13 Main St., Winters, (530) 795-1825. www.palmsplayhouse.com. Raley Field: The Ogandos like nothing better than to take in the Sacramento River Cats minor league baseball games here. The stadium, right on the Sacramento River, is home to the Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. 400 Ballpark Drive, West Sacramento, (916) 376-4700. www.raleyfield.com. Fly Fishing at Putah Creek: It’s the creek that was memorialized in the Creedence Clearwater Revival song, “Green River.” A stream that winds through Yolo County, it was designated last year by the California Fish and Game Commission as both a “Wild Trout Water” and a “Trophy Trout Water.” The former indicates its population of rainbow trout is self-sustaining; the latter that the fish often exceed 18 inches long and are plentiful enough to be catchable on a regular basis. For first-time visitors, Sara suggests taking a guided outing.
www.putahcreektrout.org
RootStock: Not only can you shop for French linens, Spanish cookware, Italian pottery and locally made candles, olives oils and artwork, but you can taste wine here, too. This combination gift shop and tasting room offers glasses and bottles to try from four local wineries. Once a month, it also hosts an open-Mike night for local talent. 22 Main St., Winters, (530) 7946008. www.rootstockgifts.com.
Heringer Estates Winery: The local Heringer family has been farming and making wine for six generations. “Their varietals showcase the family pride and care that is put into every bottle,’’ Sara says. “Their Moscato Bianco and Primativo are our favorites, and on our wine menu at Preserve.” Find the tasting room inside the historic Old Sugar Mill, home to 10 other winery tasting rooms. Old Sugar Mill: 35265 Willow Ave., Clarksburg, (916) 744-1615, www.oldsugarmill.com. Heringer Estates Winery: Private tours available upon request. 37375 S. Netherlands Road, Clarksburg. (916) 744-1615. www.heringerestates.com.