5 Farm, Wine, Food and Fun Sacramento Region Events
The weather outside might look frightful, but the opportunity to explore is more than delightful with events being offered all around our communities. 
December is filled with many chances to go out and explore our hills, valleys and peaks. Northern California is blessed with farms, vineyards, and the chance to shop locally. Get out your calendars and plan for a few weekend road trips this December….it’s time to get up and get active!
5 Ways to Explore your Own Backyard:
1. Twin Peaks Orchards Fruit Tasting Open House – Placer County http://www.twinpeaksent.com/events.htm
Sunday, December 2nd – 11am – 3pm Free admission. Fruit tastings, u-pick mandarins & persimmons, brick-oven pizza, shopping, farmers market, hay rides, and so much more! Fun for the entire family!
2. Holidays in the Hills Toy Drive – Placer County Wine Trail http://www.placerwine.com/events.htm
December 8th & 9th: 11am – 5pm; 17 Participating Wineries – Free Tastings with Unwrapped Toy Donation. Live music, food, Christmas shopping, carolers, chocolate tastings, vineyard tours…..lots of fun in beautiful settings.
Download – Holidays in the Hills Wine Trail Map
Download – Holidays in the Hills Activities List
3. Lucero’s 2nd Annual Winter Crush – Corning, CA http://www.lucerooliveoil.com
Saturday, December 8th; 10am – 4pm – Free admission!
Enjoy the unique experience of witnessing the annual citrus olive oil crush by touring the mill and tasting the fresh olive oil being made right before their eyes. The event will also feature live music performances and a vendor market place highlighting local artisan producers, eateries and more than 10 local microbreweries. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to watch live cooking demonstrations hosted by four local chefs, one of whom will be Lucero Olive Oil’s own Bobby Lucero. Fun kids activities throughout the day.
4. Mountain Mandarin Orchard Days – Placer County Mandarin Farms http://www.mountainmandarins.com
Saturday, December 15th: 9 – 5pm – Free admission, family fun!
During Orchard Days visitors can purchase mandarins and mandarin products along with arts and crafts just in time for holiday giving. There’s also food, farm animals, and other family fun. Visit our Orchard Map page for map and orchard information.
5. Sierra Foothill Farm & Wine Bus Tour – Placer County Farms http://www.zerve.com/LocalRoots/Sierra
Sunday, December 16th – 10:30am to 2:30pm – Advanced ticketing required.
Local Roots Food Tours will be offering an advanced ticketing tour in their Culinary Passport Touring Bus to go out and explore 6 different farms, vineyards and indoor market. Tastings directly from olive oil, mandarin, organic and nut farms. Gourmet lunch with wine pairings at local vineyard. Dessert and shopping at local bakery and market. Local trained guide will journey with bus group down narrow lanes, dirt roads and up vineyard hills to explore part of Placer County some only read about. History, culture and great food & wine. Fun day out and about exploring while being driven around.