Northern California wine tasting for $25? Here’s what I got at this kid-friendly spot

Affordable wine tastings in California are possible.

You just have to be willing to explore wineries beyond the Napa Valley.

That’s what I was told when I asked around for winery recommendations in Northern California that wouldn’t break the bank. I’ve been itching to put on a pretty dress and sit across from a beautiful landscape while sipping a curated selection of wine.

But money is tight.

I’m being honest because you’ve all been so honest with me.

One of the most repeated suggestions I get for this affordability series — where I stretch $25 a month on a Sacramento activity you suggest — is to include family-friendly activities. Sacramento Bee reader Eva Schwartz has a budget-friendly recommendation that is kid-friendly but won’t feel catered entirely toward children.

Plus, it’s a quick drive from the capital city.

Roughly a 15-minute drive from downtown Sacramento in Clarksburg sits what used to be a beet sugar refinery. Now more than 80 years later, the Old Sugar Mill houses 14 wineries stocked with zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, barbera, tempranillo, chardonnay, chenin blanc and sangiovese.

After Eva’s first child, Isaac was born, she and her husband Brent discovered wineries were the perfect medium between going out with their kid and not “totally giving up” on adult activities.

“Wineries with pretty areas where the kid could run were our go-to,” the Sacramento native said.

“We needed something nearby.”

My time at Old Sugar Mill

Once I reached what looked like an old factory building situated along the Sacramento River, I knew I was in the right place.

Location: 35265 Willow Ave, Clarksburg

Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week

Parking was surprisingly easy to find in the afternoon on an early June Saturday. Me and my partner, along with several people pushing baby strollers, walked inside the front entrance of the Old Sugar Mill.

While you can catch a glimpse of the river when you walk in, there aren’t views of rolling green vineyards —and the attire may not meet Napa’s finest standards.

The setup was simple.

One long hallway guides you past several wineries positioned on either side of the building. Another set of double doors takes you to an outdoor space with a large grass field Eva said is perfect for kid to run through, plus a couple of food trucks and seating areas.

A dirt path guides you to the Boiler Room, which is where you’ll find the last of the wineries.

This brick building is set up differently than the main space. The entire area is one large standing room with the wineries situated on the outskirts and bistro tables positioned in the center.

After looking around at our options, we chose Bonitata Boutique Wine for two reasons:

1. It was one of only two wineries that fit our $25 budget.
2. Peach mango sparkling wine was on the tasting menu (tie-breaker).

How we spent the $25 budget at Old Sugar Mill

When my partner and I walked to the tasting bar of Bonitata Boutique Wine, we were immediately greeted by the wine steward.

She gave us laminated tasting menus to mark off our flights, which included white, red, sweet and sparkling wines.

I chose tri blanca, barbera, cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel “style” port and peach mango. My partner stuck to red wines; petite sirah, sagrantino, zinfandel, cabernet franc and “mystery red.”

The tasting fee was $9.32 per person for five wines. The fee is waived if you buy a bottle for $18 or more.

Bonitata Boutique Wine tasting room at Old Sugar Mill

Bonitata Boutique faced large industrial windows.

The vibe was casual. Patrons celebrated birthdays while others sipped wine alone.

Our tastings weren’t served at the same time. Instead, the wine steward progressed us through our samples alongside a bar filled with other customers.

Is the Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg affordable?

If you don’t care about the price, your tab can add up quickly.

Before I visited Clarksburg, I called each winery and asked about the tasting fees — which is different from what’s posted on the Old Sugar Mill website.

Most tasting fees range between $15 and $25 per person. Typically, tasting fees are waived with a bottle purchase.

The Old Sugar Mill can fit within a $25 budget, depending on which wineries you visit and how many people you bring along with you.

Our total came up to $24.99 (for two people), which included a $1.35 service fee plus a $5 tip.

If you’re on a budget, eat before you go to avoid high food truck prices.

A plus: There’s ample free parking.

I didn’t get to wear a pretty dress and sip wine surrounded by scenic views. But I did get a wine-tasting experience close to Sacramento for a great deal.

Thanks, Eva!

Have a suggestion on where I should go next? Email btaylor@sacbee.com.

This story was originally published July 6, 2023 at 5:00 AM.