Explore the sprawling vineyards in Yolo County’s Clarksburg, and you’ll find plenty of tempting wineries, besides the popular Old Sugar Mill tasting destination. Branch out a bit and you’ll find these wine havens are in such close proximity, you can visit several in just one day. Add a stop for lunch and a picturesque hike, and you’ve curated the perfect Yolo — or YOLO — wine country escape.
Hiking inspiration
Start your day with a trek along the Blue Heron Trail, a paved .9-mile loop that’s part of the Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, with access from the parking lot on Hood Franklin Road. Wear sunscreen and a hat — there’s not a lot of shade — and enjoy a bit of bird watching while you’re there, then head for the wineries 20 minutes away.
Another option? Take a gentle trek along Elk Slough. Clarksburg’s Heringer Estates has access to the Little Hoot’s Nature Walk, an approximately 1.5-mile leisurely stroll along the water. Simply park in the guest lot near the winery tasting barn and walk up the hill. When you reach the water, turn left or right to continue the walk along the waterside trail. The trail is accessible to the public between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily; no reservations needed.
Post-stroll sips
After your waterside stroll, settle in at the 150-year-old Heringer barn for a tasting flight of wines made from local grapes, from the sparkling rosé to the primitivo and tannat. The historic setting and vineyard views make the reservation-only experience feel both rustic and incredibly special.
Wine flights — white, red and reserve — change with the seasons. Right now that white flight ($15), for example, includes the 2021 bubbly, pinot gris, sauvignon blanc and chenin blanc. If you’re hungry, grab nibbles from the menu — think small charcuterie bites to share — but save room for lunch at Husick’s.
A barbecue stop
The central location of Husick’s Taphouse makes it a natural stop at any point during your Clarksburg wine tasting adventure. This barbecue-centric roadside eatery bills itself as “a beer and bbq oasis in a sea of great wine.” The vibe is casual and kitschy with inviting tables indoors, picnic tables on the patio and simple, delicious food.
You can get your tri-tip on a slider ($10.75 for three), a sandwich ($17.50) or a
plate ($19), which includes slaw and their famous cornbread (personal fave). Vegetarians will be happy to hear jackfruit is an option for all three of those dishes, and there are other veggie options, as well.
Afternoon sips
Julietta Winery lies just four minutes from Heringer and offers a well-appointed tasting room that opens to an outdoor patio and lawn where local artists often perform. Enjoy a tasting flight of four wines or go the frosé route, with one of Julietta’s wine slushies, then choose something special to take home — perhaps a bottle of the 2017 Tannat ($36).
If you have time for one more, head to Bogle Vineyards. The big-brand wine label has
roots in Clarksburg, plus some adventure opportunities of its own. Tastings are available at Bogle’s Home Ranch by reservation and include sips of some of Bogle’s most popular wines from sauvignon blanc to merlot and other well-known varietals.
Book a picnic table and the fee ($100) includes two bottles of wine plus swag to take home. Bogle’s upcoming special events include a “Field of Dreams” Movie Night in the Vines ($25, dinner included) on Sept. 9. And a 7-mile harvest hike ($30) on Sept. 18 that includes a mid-hike stop at Husick’s Tap House for lunch and sips.
If You Go
Heringer Estates: Reservation-only tastings are $15-$30. The winery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at 37375 Netherlands Road in Clarksburg; https://heringerestates.com.
Husick’s Taphouse: Open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday-Sunday at 36510 Riverview Drive in Clarksburg; www.husickstaphouse.com.
Julietta Winery: Tasting flights are $15, and reservations are recommended. The winery is open from noon to 6. p.m. daily at 51221 Clarksburg Road in Clarksburg; www.juliettawinery.com.
Bogle Vineyards:
Reservation-only tastings are $20. The Clarksburg winery is open to the public Thursday-Sunday at 37783 County Road 144; https://boglewinery.com.
