Discover Yolo County

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson plays tourist in his own backyard of Yolo County with three local business owners.

First up, Johnson talks with Rafael Galiano, co-owner of Park Winters, a charming 10-acre estate that is a highly sought-after venue for weddings and events. Galiano gives Johnson a tour of the boutique property, from its historic Victorian B&B to its flower farm and seasonal restaurant. Galiano also shares insights into the town’s character and what initially drew him to this stretch of California countryside. “Aside from the geographic beauty, it's the community of people around us that have made it special,” he says. “I describe Yolo County as a breath of fresh air.” Galiano also gives his top picks for great eating and outstanding outdoor experiences in the area.

Next, Johnson speaks with Georgeanne Brennan, a James Beard Award-winning author and partner in L'Apéro les Trois tasting lounge in downtown Winters. The epicurean shares insights into what makes her business so special, from sourcing the best local produce to the gourmet tastings. “People tell us, ‘Wow—I feel like I’m in France,’” she says. Brennan also delves into her favorite neighborhood culinary finds before sharing info on some only-in-Winters events worth attending.

Lastly, Johnson speaks with honey expert Amina Harris, the longtime owner and “Queen Bee” of The Hive in Woodland. Harris guides Johnson through some of the shop's unique offerings, including rare and local honey flavors, a mead tasting experience, and The Hive’s new weekend brunch. Harris also provides recommendations for exploring the best hiking trails around Yolo County. "You can walk up Putah Creek and see all kind of birds and river otters, turtles and egrets," she shares. "It's really terrific."

GUESTS

Rafael Galiano, co-owner of Park Winters

Georgeanne Brennan, partner in L'Apéro les Trois

Amina Harris, owner of The Hive

RESOURCES

Rafael Galiano is the co-owner of Park Winters, a destination for weddings, events, and getaways in Winters.

Park Winters

Winters

Yolo County

Yolo County Fair

The Inn at Park Winters

Flower Farm

The Farmstand

Lake Berryessa

Woodland

Davis

Mustard Seed

House of Shah

Sunflowers in Yolo County

Yolo County Almond Bloom

Berryessa Gap Wine

Turkovich Family Wines

Georgeanne Brennan is a James Beard Award-winning author and partner in the aperitif lounge L'Apéro les Trois.

L'Apéro les Trois

Preserve

Buckhorn Steakhouse

The DeVilbiss Room

Putah Creek Café

Albariño Wine Stroll

Berryessa Gap Wine Annual Paella Fest

Amina Harris is the longtime owner of The Hive, a honey shop and mead tasting room in Woodland.

The Hive – Tastings

Capay Valley

Center for Land-Based Learning

Putah Creek

UC Davis Arboretum

Woodland’s Edible Teaching Garden

Old Dale Carnegie Library

ABOUT THE HOST

Soterios Johnson, formerly the local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on radio station WNYC, moved from New York City to Woodland in 2016. By combining his journalistic instincts with his personal curiosity, Johnson uses the California Now Podcast platform to develop a deeper understanding of his adopted home.

OUR TEAM

Host, Soterios Johnson

Editorial Director, John Godfrey

Producer, Kate Eplboim

Technical Producer, Sarah Dealy

“Bangs (Instrumental)” performed by Aaron Taos