Capay Valley (pronounced CAY-PAY) is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of YOLO County in Northern California. Amongst locals it is known as an agritourism destination – filled with the freshest produce, beautiful landscapes, and friendly people. Interested in a unique day trip from the Bay Area? Keep reading for a Day trip to Capay Valley, CA: Bay Area Day Trip Itinerary.
Getting to Capay Valley
Getting to the Capay Valley isn’t too far a drive From:
- Sacramento – 45 minutes
- Davis & Winters – 20-40 minutes
- Napa – 1 hour
- San Francisco – 1.5 hours
- San Jose – 2 hours
What to do in the Capay Valley
Pick up some fresh produce at Motroni Ranch Produce
We stumbled upon Montroni Ranch while driving towards Capay. Located in Esparto, this off the beaten path spot is a perfect description for what I love about the area. Follow signs down a dirt road to the ranch, where you’re welcomed with a sign that says “Honor System: If I’m not here, please help yourself, leave your payment in the box.” We luckily had the opportunity to meet Mike (the owner) who had just finished picking some fresh squash and eggplant!
- Address: 24727 County Road 22, Esparto, CA 95627
- Orders & Information (since they don’t have a site or social media): (530) 661-3005
- What they sell: tomatoes, onions, garlic, zucchini, squash, olive oil, figs, watermelon & more!
Have lunch at the Commons Farm Kitchen
Would you believe me if I told you I had one of the best sandwiches of my life at the Commons Farm Kitchen? When our waiter Bert mentioned this as “his favorite sandwich ever” I knew we had to order it! Located in Guinda off Highway 16, this spot opened in 1926 as a roadside Bar-B-Q joint.
Nowadays the interior is renovated, and the menu revamped by Chef Jenny MacDonald and Bert Bach. Their menu features locally sourced items. They serve brunch on weekends during the spring and summer, and lunch & dinner all year round.
- Address: 7624 Highway 16, Guinda, CA 95637
- Hours: Check out their hours here, as they vary throughout the year.
- Popular Dishes: Eggs Jenny, Torta de Milanesa de Pollo
Go Wine & Olive Oil Tasting at the Séka Hills Olive Mill and Tasting Room
End your afternoon with some wine & olive oil tasting at the Séka Hills Olive Mill and Tasting Room. Sip wine and enjoy a charcuterie board while feeling like you’re in the middle of Southern of Italy. This spot brought me back to my days in the olive orchards in Sicily!
The tasting room is located inside their 14,000 sqft olive mill where you can also take a tour of the facility. My favorite part about our visit was the focus of the Séka tribe’s importance of sustainability. Other than olives, on the property they also grow garbanzo beans and asparagus (which they serve in their dishes).
- Address: 19326 Rd 78, Brooks, CA 95606
- Tasting Room Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 11AM – 5:00PM
- Popular wines include: the Rosé, the tuluk’a (the Patwan word for red), and the Viognier (white)
For more information on Capay Valley, check out the “Visit Yolo” website.
Looking for more Yolo County activities? Consider checking out the Davis Sunflower fields or a trip to Sacramento!
