The Best Winery Events & Experiences Near Sacramento

The holiday season is the perfect time of year to explore the many great winemaking regions throughout the Sacramento area. From Yolo County to El Dorado, Placerville to Sacramento, there are plenty of tasting rooms to visit. Best of all, during the holiday season, many of them offer special events, such as winemaker dinners, hands-on workshops, and holiday celebrations.

 Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with friends or a romantic date night, sipping local wine is one of the best things to do in Sacramento when the weather cools down. The following are some of the best winery events and experiences in the Sacramento region.

 A Taste of Thanksgiving | Elk Grove | Nov. 15

Christopher Cellars in Elk Grove is hosting a special food-and-wine pairing featuring the flavors of traditional Thanksgiving dishes. Chef Brett Bohlmann of Boulevard Bistro will be preparing each Thansgiving-inspired bite, designed to complement wines selected by winemaker Christopher Mora. 

 Pod Tasting | El Dorado County | Nov.-March

Love wine tasting outdoors but can’t take the chill of winter? Sierra Vista Winery in El Dorado County has a solution: heated tasting pods. The transparent domes allow guests to take in the winter scenery while sipping their estate-grown vintages. Pods seat 4-6 and have themed décor such as French chateau, cozy cabin, and jungle safari.

Old Sugar Mill

 Fall Centerpiece Workshop| Clarksburg | Nov. 21

You can sip wine while getting ahead of your Thanksgiving tablescape during this hands-on workshop at the Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg. A florist will walk you through creating a fall-inspired centerpiece using autumn blooms, mini pumpkins, and candles. No experience is needed and participants get discounted wine tasting and a goodie bag to take home.

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 Popcorn & Wine Pairing | Placerville | Nov. 21-22

Get ready for the movie-watching season by learning the nuances of pairing flavored popcorn with wine. Held at Holly’s Hill Vineyards just outside of Placerville, visitors can sample artisan popcorn from Nibblers Popcorn Co. and learn which wines provide the right texture, spice, and balance. 

 Fab 40s Wine Trolley | Sacramento | Through December

This nightly event hosted by Lucid Winery in Downtown Sacramento starts with wine tasting and ends with a trolley ride through the Fabulous 40s neighborhood in East Sacramento to view the holiday lights. Beginning Dec. 5, the event begins at Lucid where you can sample wine and grab a beverage to go. Then, you hop on the trolley for the nightly viewing. Tickets are required in advance.

Wine & Wrap | Sacramento & Brooks | Dec 3 & 6

Need to get the pesky gift wrapping out of the way but want a little “me” time too? Head to Seka Hills, which is hosting wine drinking and gift-wrapping events at both locations: Midtown Sacramento on Dec. 3 and Brooks on Dec. 6. All you need to bring are your gifts and holiday cheer — wrapping paper and supplies will be provided.

 Holiday Charcuterie Workshop | Rocklin | Dec. 5

Learn how to build the perfect holiday charcuterie board during this hands-on workshop at Cante ao Vinho in Rocklin. You’ll learn how to organize a board, which items to include, and how to prepare appetizers. You can also enjoy a wine flight or a glass of wine during the workshop. Tickets include all food, material, and wine.

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 Santa Brunch | Granite Bay | Dec. 5-6

Come meet the jolly old elf himself at Twin Rocks Estate Winery in Granite Bay. Not only can you take holiday photos with Santa, but you can also indulge in a gourmet family brunch. As always, you can also sip award-winning wines in their festive tasting room.

Bogle Vineyards

 Repeal Party | Bogle Vineyards | Dec. 5

December 5 might not be a notable date for everyone, but to wine enthusiasts and historians, it marks the date when Prohibition was repealed in the United States. Bogle Vineyards in Clarksburg is celebrating with a repeal party, which includes seasonal bites, 1930s vibes, and of course, plenty of wine. Vintage attire is encouraged!

 Holiday in the Hills | Placer County | Dec. 5-6

Wineries throughout Placer County are celebrating the holidays with this two-day passport event that includes a toy drive for Toys for Tots. The theme this year is “A Christmas Story,” so feel free to dress in your favorite vintage holiday attire or pink bunny suit. Tickets for the self-guided tour include tasting at more than 20 wineries and a commemorative wine glass. Each participating winery is hosting its own special events, which may include live music, food and wine pairings, cave tours, and more.

Turkovich Wines

 Food & Wine Pairing | Winters | Dec. 8

Turkovich Wines in Winters is hosting a special food and wine pairing ahead of the holidays. Featuring Chef Christopher Wong, the event will feature three courses, each prepared with local, seasonal ingredients, each paired with one of Turkovich’s acclaimed wines.

 Holiday Singo | Elk Grove | Dec. 19

Think you know holiday music? Put your knowledge to the test during a “singo” night at McConnell Estates Winery in Elk Grove. The musical-themed bingo invites visitors to listen to song clips to mark them off their cards. First place gets a $100 gift card! They will also be serving their signature red wine hot chocolate.

 Holiday Social Club | Placerville | Dec. 19

Celebrate the holiday season in style at this winemaker’s dinner at Edio Vineyards in Placerville. The event starts with caviar bumps and sparkling wine, followed by a special holiday cocktail and a plated dinner. Afterwards, enjoy the hot chocolate bar and a dessert from the adjacent Joan’s Apple Bakery. The evening continues with a live DJ and dancing.