Enjoy a Fall Picnic at These Sacramento-Area Wineries

The leaves are turning and there’s a slight chill in the air — fall has officially arrived in the greater Sacramento area! Now is a great time to get outdoors and take in all the season has to offer. Although typically associated with spring, picnicking is also a popular fall pastime. Coupled with wine tasting, and you’ve got the makings for a perfect fall day! 

Sure, there are plenty of public parks and recreation areas where you can picnic near Sacramento, but sometimes you want to sample wine along with your lunch. Many wineries welcome picnickers and have ample grassy spaces for laying out blankets or chairs. Some have picnic tables and lawn games, and nearly all of them have views of the vineyards and epic fall vibes. Best of all, if you don’t feel like packing lunch at home, many sell food on site. 

And now, onto some of our favorite wineries for fall picnics near Sacramento!

Great Bear Vineyards | Davis 

Photo courtesy Great Bear Vineyards

This massive estate in Davis has won numerous awards for its sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay. Their lovely winery overlooks the vineyards, and they host a number of special events throughout the year, including food pairings, yoga and tours. You can pre-order a cheese or charcuterie box, or enjoy live music on select nights. 

Sierra Vista Vineyards & Winery | Placerville 

Located in Placerville, this stunning winery specializes in Rhône varietals. The grounds have views of the rolling vineyards and mountains beyond, and you can bring a picnic, enjoy a bottle of wine and try your hand at a game of cornhole or Jenga. You can even reserve a pod to enjoy the outdoor views in comfort during winter.  

Dono dal Cielo | Newcastle

This lovely country winery in Newcastle produces a range of wines, including petite sirah, zinfandel and rosé. Their laid-back estate has a covered patio and grassy lawn and guests are encouraged to bring a picnic any day except Saturday, when there’s a food truck on site. Bring your kid, bring your dog, and enjoy a day of relaxation!

Bogle Winery | Clarksburg 

Photo courtesy Bogel Vineyards

Bogle’s home ranch in Clarksburg has everything you need for a great fall day. They have tastings, picnic tables, and plenty of space on their vineyard-facing patio or lawn. They also offer snacks in their wine shop. Live music, outdoor movies and other special events are also held throughout the year. 

Ciotti Cellars | Lincoln

This small-batch, family-operated winery in Lincoln is a great place to spend an autumn day. You can bring a picnic or grab food from a food truck and relax on their outdoor patio. They also have live music! They offer a range of wines, as well as mimosas and sangria.  

Windwalker Vineyard | Fair Play

Pack up a picnic and head up to the beautiful community of Fair Play to enjoy a day of wine tasting at Windwalker Vineyard. They have a range of wines on offer, including chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, viognier, Malbec, zinfandel and cabernet sauvignon. You can sip a glass of wine while overlooking the vineyards and the rolling hillsides.

Scribner Bend | Sacramento 

Photo courtesy Scribner Bend

Although Scribner Bend doesn’t allow outside food, they do have a pizzeria onsite. They also sell cheese, crackers and other wine-friendly snacks, so you don’t have to bother with packing a picnic before you leave the house! Located on the Sacramento River, the beautiful grounds are covered with roses and other flowers, making for a lovely backdrop for a day of wine tasting.

Fenton Herriott Vineyards | Placerville

Idyllic mountain scenery is the draw at this charming winery just outside of Placerville. They offer tasting in their picnic area, complete with tables and a covered pavilion. They even have bocce! Special events include a harvest celebration, release parties and bottle-your-own-wine events. 

Grindstone Wines | Esparto

Photo courtesy Grindstone Wines

Anchored by a charming farmhouse, this family-run winery in Esparto features a wraparound porch and sweeping views of the Dunnigan Hills. Bring a picnic or purchase lunch on food truck days, and sip on their estate-grown cabernet, petit Verdot or sparkling viognier.  

Valensin Vineyard | Galt

How about a little paddling with your picnicking? This winery in Galt is adjacent to an artificial lake, where they offer paddle boating, water skiing, and paddle boarding. There’s a waterfront patio, and although no outside food is allowed on food truck days, they do offer cheese, charcuterie and crackers for sale.  

PaZa Estate Winery | Auburn

Photo courtesy PaZa Estates Winery

This rustic winery in Auburn is a relaxed spot for day of sipping and picnicking. The scenic grounds overlook the vineyards, with views of the Sutter Buttes in the distance, and there’s a quaint open-air shed just for tasting! Selections include everything from viognier and rosé to barbera and Sangiovese.