More and more I find that great getaways really are in my backyard. Once again, this was proven too true on a recent journey in and around the Sutter Buttes. The back road excursion includes three small Sutter County communities and their up-and-coming wineries and tasting rooms. Locals may want this to stay a well-kept secret, but the Wineries of the Sutter Buttes are waiting to welcome you.
Open to the public, these three intimate wine tasting rooms radiate hospitality. You won’t find anyone but the wine-makers or their families and friends behind the pour. These are truly Sutter County’s family of “first” commercial wineries: Cordi Winery the county’s first commercial winery. Munger Family Vineyard the first in the town of Sutter. Sicilia Vineyards the first in Yuba City.
Take a chance on unexpected places and the roads less traveled. A stress-free day trip, create your own wine trail adventure. Depending on your approach, the Wineries of the Sutter Buttes are 45-60 miles north of Sacramento and in proximity to Yuba City, Marysville, Chico, and other foothill communities. You’ll likely need GPS to help find your way. That’s a good thing. However, what I advise is that you wander, get lost, find a longer way around, and breathe in the views!
The Sutter Buttes, unknown to most, emerge like a mythical ship that appears and disappears as you circumnavigate the 40-mile base on North, South, East and West Butte roads. A small circular complex of eroded volcanic lava domes that rise above the flat plains of the Sacramento Valley in Northern California’s Sutter County, the Buttes are situated just outside Yuba City. Recognized as “the world's smallest mountain range,” the Sutter Buttes has as their highest point the summit of South Butte, at 2,122+ feet, which is also the highest point in Sutter County.
“Every season in the Buttes is different,” remarked Sicilia co-owner Sandie Adams. “Lush green hillsides and wildflowers in the winter and spring give way to golden hills in the summer and fall.”
Privately owned, the Sutter Buttes are only accessible through Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes and events. There are a series of county roads that circle the Sutter Buttes; Pass Road goes through them on the south side. The loop is about 45 miles. A driving and wine tasting tour is a tranquil way to enjoy the locality. Fill your wildlife and nature senses and then your wine glasses at nearby wineries. The Sutter Buttes are also a much-loved destination for local cyclists.