5 Places to Visit in the Inland Valleys
California鈥檚 vast interior region is dotted with unexpected destinations just off of Interstate 5. So exit the freeway and discover a riverboat hotel, fabulous sweet wines, a restaurant that raises its own beef and a vineyard run by modern-day monks.
Inland Valleys聽Road Map
5 Inland Valleys聽Destinations
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Photo by David Litschel/Alamy1New Clairvaux Vineyard
In 2000, Trappist-Cistercian monks revived winemaking activities at the former Great Vina Ranch, which was established in the late 19th century. Taste a rare American Assyrtiko and see a vineyard and abbey that follow medieval traditions.
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Photo by Meg Baggott2Delta King Hotel & Restaurant
Relive Sacramento鈥檚 river-town history with a dinner of braised lamb shank and a bottle of Fiddletown Zinfandel before settling in for the night aboard this classic riverboat.
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Photo by Meg Baggott3Robert Mondavi Institute
Many of the world鈥檚 top winemakers and viticulturists learned their skills at University of California, Davis鈥攁nd you can too. Call or email in advance to attend a lecture or tour this cutting-edge learning center focused on wine and food that includes a research winery, brewery and gardens.
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Photo by Meg Baggott4Delicato Family Vineyards
Charge your Tesla and sample brands that include Gnarly Head, Noble Vines and Black Stallion. Garagiste winemakers can buy supplies for their own amateur fermentations.
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Photo courtesy of Harris Ranch5Harris Ranch
At this inn and restaurant owned by California鈥檚 largest beef marketer, guests can live out their carnivorous dreams. Shrug off the whiff of stockyard outside and slice into a 24-ounce, cowboy-cut ribeye inside the cool, luxurious Old West-style steakhouse.
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Getty6See the Rest of our Guide to California
Make sure to check out the rest of our comprehensive guide to California travel!