A California Tour: A Drive Through the Delta’s Wine Country and Historical Towns

The California Delta’s numerous wineries, laid back atmosphere and rural charm draw plenty of visitors every year. But there is also a remoteness to Sacramento County’s quaint riverside towns, which have barely changed since the Gold Rush era. On this driving tour through the Delta’s wine country, passing the historical towns of Hood, Locke, Walnut Grove, Ryde and Clarksburg, I’ll share the stories that most travelers miss. This two-hour tour hugs the Sacramento River between Freeport and Isleton, once known as the Paris of the Delta. As you cruise along Highway 160, I’ll tell you about the area’s rich history, its agriculture, and point out the towns, museums, restaurants, and wineries you’ll pass. Your journey will also take you off the main highway to visit the Grand Island Mansion and Clarksburg Wine Country. As you enjoy the spectacular views while you drive, you’ll hear stories about the area’s past, including forgotten hamlets like Paintersville and Vordon. You’ll also have the opportunity to: • Learn how the California Delta went from marshland to farmland • Discover the significance of the steamboat and the railroad in early Delta towns • Hear the history of the two greatest steamboats to cruise down the river, the Delta King and Delta Queen • Find out why the Delta is a premiere water resource in California • Explore the rustic towns of Locke and Walnut Grove and learn about the significant contributions made by the Chinese and Japanese • View the opulent Grand Island Mansion • Visit several of the Clarksburg Appellation’s wineries and tasting rooms, including Bogle Family Vineyards, Hemly Cider, and Scribner Bend Vineyards • Wind down at the charming waterside restaurants along the Sacramento • Relive Delta stories of floods, fires, murder, prohibition, and steamboat racing • Drive along Clarksburg Wine Country’s back roads If you don’t stop and get out of your car anywhere on this tour, this 65-mile drive along a two-lane levee road can be completed in about two hours. However, if time is not an issue, feel free to stop along the way and enjoy any one of the restaurants, wineries and museums listed in Places to Stop Along the Way.

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