Yolo County is set to host its inaugural YOLOFEST, a three-day celebration designed to showcase the region’s rich agricultural heritage, burgeoning wine industry, and vibrant local businesses. Scheduled from March 27 to March 29, the festival, spearheaded by Visit Yolo, promises an immersive experience for both residents and visitors, offering a diverse array of events, culinary delights, and lodging specials, providing an ideal opportunity for a spring weekend getaway. This ambitious new festival aims to consolidate Yolo County’s reputation as a premier destination for agritourism and gourmet experiences within the broader Northern California landscape.
A Deep Dive into Yolo County’s Agricultural Heartbeat
Yolo County, nestled in California’s Central Valley, boasts an agricultural legacy that dates back centuries. Often referred to as a vital component of the "salad bowl of the world," the county is renowned for its fertile soils and Mediterranean climate, which support a remarkably diverse range of crops. Annually, Yolo County’s agricultural output contributes hundreds of millions of dollars to the state’s economy, with key crops including tomatoes, almonds, walnuts, processing fruits, and a rapidly expanding viticulture sector. The county’s proximity to the University of California, Davis, a global leader in agricultural and viticultural research, further solidifies its position as an innovation hub for sustainable farming practices and food science.
The genesis of YOLOFEST lies in the county’s desire to highlight this agricultural prowess and the "farm-to-fork" movement that has gained significant traction across California. This movement emphasizes connecting consumers directly with the source of their food, promoting local economies, and fostering sustainable practices. YOLOFEST serves as a tangible manifestation of this philosophy, inviting participants to engage directly with growers, producers, and artisans who are the backbone of Yolo County’s economy and cultural identity. The festival is not merely a collection of events; it is a strategic initiative to boost local tourism, stimulate economic activity, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the region’s unique offerings.
The Vision Behind YOLOFEST: A Weekend of Exploration
Visit Yolo, the county’s official tourism organization, has positioned YOLOFEST as a cornerstone event for springtime tourism. Guysell Geter, President of Visit Yolo and General Manager of Hotel Winters and Carboni’s Ristorante Bar and Market, articulated the festival’s core mission: "YOLOFEST invites both visitors and locals to savor the very best of Yolo County at their own pace, with a full weekend of experiences featuring live music, unique shopping, wine and spirits tasting, and local farm-to-table restaurants. Spring is the perfect season for a weekend escape—time to reset, explore, and enjoy a refreshing breath of fresh air." This statement underscores the festival’s dual purpose: to attract external tourism and to foster community pride and engagement among locals.
The festival is structured to encourage a self-guided exploration across the county’s distinct communities, including Winters, Davis, West Sacramento, Woodland, and the expansive Yolo Countryside, which encompasses Capay Valley, Clarksburg, Esparto, and Zamora. This decentralized approach allows visitors to tailor their experience, whether they are seeking intensive culinary workshops, tranquil farm tours, lively street fairs, or sophisticated wine tastings. The emphasis is on authentic, firsthand experiences that immerse participants in the local culture and landscape.
Culinary Journeys and Spirited Tastings
Food and wine lie at the heart of YOLOFEST, offering a spectrum of experiences for every palate. In Davis, Great Bear Vineyards will host two distinct "Sip Yolo" events on March 28. The morning will feature a "Vegan Tapas Class" from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., where guests can embark on a plant-based culinary journey to Spain, preparing and then enjoying their creations paired with the estate’s wines. This event, priced at $65, highlights the growing interest in diverse dietary preferences within gourmet tourism. In the afternoon, from Noon to 5 p.m., the same vineyard will host "Sausage Fest," a hearty celebration featuring British, German, and local artisan sausages, rustic bread, sauerkraut, fried onions, and specialty mustards, complemented by estate wines and an optional barrel tasting for $45.
Winters will contribute significantly to the spirits aspect of the festival. Patio29 Spirits Co. will host "Spirits of Yolo County" throughout the weekend (March 27, 2-9 p.m.; March 28, 3-8 p.m.; March 29, 1-5 p.m.). This event offers free entry, allowing guests to sample cocktail and tasting specials crafted from their award-winning, grain-to-glass spirits, all made from local Yolo County grains and fruit. On March 28, Berryessa Gap Vineyards will present "Sip Yolo: Roots to Wine" from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., an educational and sensory journey. This ticketed event begins with a demonstration and tour at Martinez Orchards, where participants will learn about grapevine rootstock grafting, a fundamental aspect of viticulture. The experience culminates with an exquisite tasting at Berryessa Gap Vineyards, featuring their Winters Highlands AVA wines, with a special focus on their "hero grape," Petite Sirah.
The Capay Valley will also feature prominently in the culinary narrative. Taber Ranch, on March 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., will cap off YOLOFEST with "Sip Yolo: Live Music," offering wood-fired pizzas and wine at its picturesque hillside estate. While entry is free, food and wine are available for purchase. Séka Hills Olive Mill & Tasting Room in Brooks will provide an "Experience a Taste of the Capay Valley" on March 28-29, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This Native-owned, state-of-the-art olive mill offers immersive, behind-the-scenes guided tours demonstrating the transformation of estate-grown olives into award-winning extra virgin olive oils. Guided tastings follow, with ticket options ranging from basic olive oil tastings to expanded experiences including wine tastings and charcuterie boards. General visits to the tasting room are free.
Farm-to-Table, Farm-to-Experience: Agritourism at its Best
Beyond the immediate consumption of food and drink, YOLOFEST emphasizes direct engagement with the agricultural landscape that defines Yolo County. Full Belly Farm in Guinda, a pioneering organic farm in the Capay Valley celebrating 40 years of operation, will offer "40 Years of Organic Farming" tours from March 27-29, starting at 10 a.m. These hour-long tractor tours, led by seasoned farmers, provide an intimate look at organic farming practices. Tickets are $15 per person, with advance registration required.
Morgan’s of California in Winters will host an Open House on March 27-28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., inviting families to explore its 15-acre organic pick-your-own fruit farm with free Gator tours. Complimentary samples, cookies for feeding goats, and a small playground for children make this a family-friendly highlight. Turkovich Family Wines in Winters will host "Lamb Education Day" on March 28, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Set among the vines and rolling hills, this free event aims to educate visitors about lamb and its crucial connection to local agriculture, offering insights into sustainable animal husbandry.
In the Capay Valley, Capay Valley Lavender will offer "Farm Tours & Distillation Demonstrations" from March 27-29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with guided tours at 10 a.m. and essential oil distillation demonstrations at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Guests are free to roam the fragrant farm between activities. Polestar Farm in Esparto will have an "Open Farm Stand & Farm Tours" from March 27-29, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., highlighting seasonal crops and on-farm practices.
A unique experience in West Sacramento, the "Yolo Explorer" train ride (March 27-29), offers scenic journeys through the heart of Yolo County’s agricultural landscape. Traveling past working farms, open fields, and seasonal crops, passengers enjoy sweeping views of the Sacramento Valley and the distant Coast Range. Tickets range from $73-$90. For a more active adventure, "Railbikes at River Fox Train" (March 27-29) allows participants to pedal through the Yolo countryside on guided railbike adventures directly on the tracks, providing a fun and scenic way to explore the river corridor and surrounding farmland. Tickets for this unique experience range from $109 to $139.
Arts, Culture, and Community Festivities
Beyond food and farms, YOLOFEST integrates cultural and community-focused events. In Davis, the Pence Gallery will offer a "Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt" on March 28-29, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This free event encourages visitors to explore the gallery’s exhibits with an art-themed scavenger hunt, with completed clues earning a chance to win a $25 gift certificate. Hooby’s Brewing Farm in Davis will host "Line Dancing" on March 27, from 4-9:30 p.m., providing an evening of dancing, food, and craft brews. Lessons begin at 5:30 p.m., with a suggested $5 donation benefiting a local charity.
The "Winters Spring Open Saturday Streetside Fair" on March 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will transform Main Street into a lively marketplace. Shops will extend outdoors for sales, joined by local vendors and organizations showcasing products grown and made in Winters and the surrounding area. The fair will also feature live music, an Easter egg hunt, a balloon artist, a face painter, a floral truck, and an ice cream truck, ensuring entertainment for all ages. Steady Eddy’s in Winters will fuel festival-goers with "Brewed for YOLOFEST" from March 27-29, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering fresh-roasted coffee with an all-day coffee tasting on Friday.
In Esparto, Grindstone Wines will host "Girl’s Day" on March 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., celebrating women-owned small businesses with mimosas, wine specials, local vendors, street eats, and live music. The HIVE in Woodland offers a "Free Honey Facility Tour" on March 28, from 1-2 p.m. Nectar Director Josh Zeldner will guide visitors behind the scenes of their 20,000-square-foot, net-zero energy facility, demonstrating how honey is produced from blossom to bottle. RSVP is requested for this insightful tour.
Economic and Cultural Implications
The introduction of YOLOFEST represents a significant strategic move for Yolo County’s economic development and tourism sectors. By consolidating a diverse range of activities under a single, well-marketed event, Visit Yolo aims to amplify the county’s appeal as a weekend destination. The anticipated influx of visitors is expected to provide a substantial boost to local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, wineries, breweries, farms, and retail establishments. The festival’s focus on "shop local" and "eat local" directly supports the county’s small businesses and agricultural producers, fostering a stronger local economy.
Furthermore, YOLOFEST serves as a powerful branding tool, reinforcing Yolo County’s identity as a vibrant agricultural and culinary hub. By showcasing sustainable farming practices, craft beverage production, and local artistry, the festival contributes to a positive perception of the region, potentially attracting new residents, businesses, and ongoing tourism beyond the festival dates. The emphasis on educational experiences, such as farm tours and distillation demonstrations, also aligns with a growing consumer interest in understanding the origins of their food and drink, promoting transparency and appreciation for agricultural labor.
The event’s multi-community approach ensures that the economic benefits are distributed across the county, rather than being concentrated in one area. This collaborative spirit among towns like Davis, Winters, Woodland, West Sacramento, and the rural Capay Valley fosters regional cohesion and showcases the collective strength of Yolo County. For residents, YOLOFEST offers an opportunity to reconnect with their local heritage, discover new businesses, and engage in community-building activities, enhancing civic pride and quality of life.
In conclusion, YOLOFEST is more than just a springtime festival; it is a meticulously planned initiative designed to celebrate, educate, and economically uplift Yolo County. Through a rich tapestry of food, wine, agriculture, and cultural events, it invites participants to experience the authentic charm and robust productivity of this vital California region, setting a precedent for future annual celebrations. For a comprehensive list of YOLOFEST events, lodging specials, and a detailed map, visitors are encouraged to consult the official YOLOFEST website.
