With more than 200 wineries situated within a 75-mile radius of the state Capitol, Sacramento can lay claim to being a “farm-to-glass” capital as well as a capital of farm-to-fork cuisine.
The capital city’s two urban wineries, Revolution Wines and Cabana Winery & Bistro, offer dog-friendly seating, delicious chow and small-production wines, produced on site, that you won’t find anywhere else. Revolution’s outdoor seating area fills up fast on weekends, so get there early to snag a table with your best friend and enjoy tasty small plates or larger entrees matched to your wine selection. At Cabana, eight varietals and blends are showcased, along with a light menu featuring tapas, salads, panini and quiche. More than 50 additional wines are on the menu, and your server will be as quick to bring a water bowl for your dog as a menu for her people.
You don’t have to go far to be engulfed in the rural landscapes surrounding Sacramento. Plan a leisurely weekend afternoon for a trip south of town on Highway 160, the “River Road,” to the Clarksburg wine region along the Sacramento River. It’s expanding like a supernova these days, with a new boutique winery opening up every other month, it seems.
Our four-paw favorite is Miner’s Leap, open weekends for tastings in a beautifully landscaped, multi-level lawn and patio area outside a century-old barn. Pack a picnic or some snacks, sample the offerings (we’re partial to the Albarino) and choose a bottle to enjoy in a shady spot just over the levee from the river.
