Explore: Winters for food lovers
Pie was the initial draw, but a day trip to Winters has plenty more to offer
It was the promise of pie that first brought me to historic Winters.
In a twist of fate, my boss at the time — who was on a road trip to Oregon — found herself in the small Yolo County city after her car broke down nearby. Faced with a few hours to kill, she and her travel companions wandered into a bakery next door to the auto repair shop, enticed by a sign advertising fresh peach pie. Before they were back on the road, the pie had been devoured straight from the box. I knew I had to have it. A few weeks later, I put a visit to the Restoration Hardware outlet in Vacaville — and a stop in nearby Winters — on my to-do list.
The pie was everything she promised. But it was even more than the fruit-filled dessert that sparked my love affair with Winters. It might have a small-town feel, but the locals have built up a worthy destination, with culinary treasures, scenic walks and the most sociable neighbors. I’ve been back every year since.
If you find yourself in the area, here’s a great way to spend a day.
Caffeinate
You’ll notice the cyclists first at Steady Eddy’s, a familyfriendly coffee shop. It’s a stop on several bike trails and where they congregate to eat breakfast or lunch while enjoying an excellent brew from Royal Coffee. The rustic wood facade and outside deck are the perfect spot to take a break and unwind while you check out the gazebo across the street. If you find yourself strolling (or pedaling) in at lunch, grab a turkey cranberry club — it’s a local favorite. 5-A E. Main St.; (530) 795-3588. www.steady-eddys.com. Open 6 a.m.-3.p.m. weekdays, starting at 7 a.m. weekends.
Stroll the town
Stop by the visitors center and grab a map of the Historic Main Street walking tour, during which you’ll learn about many of Winters’ buildlarge ings, dating back to the late 19th century. Cross the Southern Pacific Railroad Bridge and the Yolo-Solano Bridge, which spans Putah Creek. You can do it at your own pace, but the gazebo in the park in the center of town is a good place to rest your tired feet at the end and check out some local color. 11 Main St., (530) 7952329, www.discoverwinters.com.
Stop for lunch
A hip, rustic corner spot on the edge of town, Preserve Public House almost feels out of place next to its longer-standing neighbors. The restaurant opened just four years ago, and it has a more “current” vibe, as though it could have been plucked out of a city. The darker interior boasts a large round bar at the center, with TVs for sports viewing and bar games (plus a ton of local beers) on tap. But the bright, charming patio is the best place to lounge for lunch. The “preserve” theme carries throughout, with salumi and, of course, preserves — think jalapeño jelly — on the menu. The green bean salad with prosciutto, walnuts and burrata is a favorite choice, as is the sinful mac-n-cheese. Preserve operates as a mini marketplace too, so you can take a taste of the restaurant home. 200 Railroad Ave.; (530) 795-9963, www.preservepublichouse.com. Lunch and dinner Wednesday-Monday.
Sample some wine and cheese
At Turkovich Family Wines/Winters Cheese Co., you’ll spot the outdoor living room first, and it’s tempting just to sit down on one of the plush-cushioned couches on the spot. But head inside to grab some wine first. The tasting room belongs to Turkovich Family Wines, a small business in which winemaker (and third-generation farmer) Christopher Turkovich crafts small-lot wines from local vineyards. The Winters Cheese Co. occupies a spot in the same building (and by that we mean a cheese case). But they’re available for sampling or buying along with the wine. 304 Railroad Ave.; (530) 795-3842. www.turkovich wines.com. Open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; food and flights available 5-9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday.
Try the pie, of course
It wouldn’t be a trip to Winters without dessert, and Lester Farms Bakery is the place to go. Sure, the cookies, cupcakes and soft serve will curb a sweet tooth, but it’s the pies — specifically, the fresh peach, apricot and apple made from local fruit — that make this recently renovated bakery a standout. The stand-alone building is a few blocks down from the busier commercial area, just past the auto repair and hardware stores, but it’s one you won’t want to miss on your way out of town. 606 Railroad Ave.; (530) 795-1474, www.lesterfarms.com. Open 6 a.m.-2 p.m. Mon.-Tues., until 4:30 p.m. Weds.-Sun.
Get your beer on
Still have a little room? About a mile outside of Winters’ main strip, join the bikers, tourists and locals for a cold one. At the Berryessa Brewing Co. — where craft beers are made on site — a no-frills taproom lists a rotating selection, from the mild Common Sense to the deep, nuanced Baltic Porter. Try them all in a sampler or stick with one. Take a seat at an outdoor picnic table, play a game of Cornhole or giant Jenga, and grab a bite from the food truck. Berryessa Brewing Co., 27260 Hwy. 128.,