Winters lies on Putah Creek in the western Sacramento Valley, near the California Coastal Range. Agriculture has shaped the town’s history and remains part of what visitors can discover today: a farmers market, a historic commercial district, garden tours and wine tastings each offer a different focus. You can tailor your stay to your interests—whether that means local history, regional produce or a look at farmland.
Agriculture and Local History
Settlement in the area began in 1842, when John R. Wolfskill took possession of the Mexican land grant Rancho Rio de los Putos, comprising 17,754 acres of land on Putah Creek. There, he raised livestock and planted vegetables, fruit trees and grapevines. The area’s early settlement and the later founding of Winters are two distinct chapters in local history: Winters was founded after the Vaca Valley Railroad agreed to designate the town as the northern terminus of its line.
The Winters Main Street Historic District tells the story of the development and changing nature of commerce, particularly in connection with agriculture, from the late 19th century through shortly after World War II. At the same time, the district preserves the scale and architectural character of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Economic and architectural history come together in one place.
The First Christian Church also offers a glimpse into architectural history: it is an example of the Mission Revival style, which was widespread in California in the early 20th century. The Winters Museum is dedicated to the town’s history and shares it through educational programs, research, oral histories, and photo and artifact exhibits. Those interested in the town’s development can explore a historic district, a single building and the museum’s collections as distinct ways of engaging with the past.
Markets, Gardens and Wine
The Winters Farmers Market is located in Downtown Winters at the intersection of E Main Street and Railroad Avenue. Offerings include local produce, fresh flowers and food vendors. Garden tours at Park Winters include a kitchen garden where organically grown produce and flowers are cultivated for farm-to-table experiences. Tour details may change; check the latest information before your visit.
Another way to experience wine and agriculture is through private wine tastings and winery tours at Turkovich Winery, available by reservation. Since reservation requirements may change, check them before making plans. The three offerings have different focuses: the market brings together produce, flowers and food vendors; the garden tour highlights cultivation; and at Turkovich, wine tastings and winery tours take center stage.
From March through October, the 4th Friday Kickback & Classic Car Show takes place every fourth Friday in Downtown Winters. If you’d like to plan your visit around it, check the latest dates before your trip; the seasonal schedule may change.
Orchards and a Westbound Route
The Davis Bike Club’s Backroads of Winters Bike Trail passes through farmland and orchards. It offers a different perspective on the agricultural landscape than the market and garden tour: here, the route runs through fields and orchards rather than focusing on produce or cultivation. The information provided does not specify a duration or difficulty level; plan your ride according to your own needs.
Highway 128 is also connected with Winters: it begins in the historic agricultural town and heads west toward the coast. If you’re planning to take this route, check current road conditions. Together, these themes offer different ways to experience the area—from the historic town center and agricultural products to a bike ride or a westbound road trip.
Discover more destinations: Davis, Rumsey, West Sacramento, Esparto, Woodland.
For the regional travel guide: Yolo.
