‘Liquid Tourism’ in California’s Central Valley

California’s Central Valley is an agricultural hub where visitors will find unrivalled farm fresh produce and experience local craft at its finest.

A term they have coined ‘liquid tourism’ is exactly what it sounds like, no visitors to the region will leave thirsty thanks to a plethora of small batch wineries, craft brewery experiences, even honey and olive oil tasting rooms.

Wine tasting with a personal touch

The Central Valley is home to a huge variety of vineyards, wineries and tasting rooms, many of which are family run businesses. Visitors to tasting rooms will often get to meet the makers themselves whilst they sample wines. Winters Highlands has just received its American Viticultural Area certification, and winemakers in the region have long been recognised for their commitment to sustainable practices. Turkovich Winery is just one of several family owned wineries in the area that welcomes visitors with a tasting room.

Smell the Lavender

Spanning 27 acres, the Capay Valley Lavender farm also grows herbs, figs, pomegranates, citrus, and olives. Founded by farmer Sherri Wood in 2017, Capay Valley Lavender now grows five acres of lavender and produces many lavender-made products, including lavender lip balm, hand cream, essential oil, candles as well as tea and syrups. There are even Lavender spiced baking kits. Visitors can experience tours of the farm, enjoy a picnic and take part in hands-on workshops.

Honey from across the globe

The Hive in Davis, Yolo County has been a family business since 1980. Founder Isahai Zeldner began beekeeping in Israel. After studying at UC Davis – one of the most well-established honeybee research facilities in the country- Zeldner attended classes in queen rearing, beekeeping and agriculture. The Hive, opened by Zeldner’s growing family in 2021, is a sustainable educational learning centre with the largest selection of honey and mead in California. Visitors can taste over 30 different types of honey made in Yolo as well as honey beer.

A tasting with a twist

For something a little different to a wine tasting, Visitors can do an olive oil tasting inside Séka Hills 14,000 square feet olive mill facility. It offers visitors an insider’s view of how the Tribe’s olives are grown, milled and finished into award-winning extra virgin olive oils. Guided tours and tastings offer visitors a chance to experience products from the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation that now includes wines, honey, beef jerky and seasoned nuts.

A well-deserved pint

Visitors can follow the Bakersfield and Kern County Brewery Trail, and attempt to visit all 12 breweries on this unique craft beer trail. All the breweries make their craft beer locally in Bakersfield, so the area offers a wide variety of brews. Key stops include Lengthwise Brewing Company and Kern River Brewing Company.