During our 109-day RV trip in 2021, my top ten wish list included a stay at a California winery. Thanks to the Harvest Hosts program, that wish led us to Sicilia Vineyards in Yuba City—which became one of the most memorable stops of our journey.
Harvest Hosts is a membership program for RV travelers that offers overnight stays at wineries, breweries, farms, and other unique destinations across the United States. While the one-night stay is complimentary, guests support their hosts by making a purchase, usually around $20. Stays are dry camping, meaning RVs must be fully self-contained—a trade-off that rewards travelers with unforgettable settings.
Sicilia Vineyards sits at the base of the Sutter Buttes and is owned and operated by David Smith and Sandie Adams. Modeled after traditional Italian vineyards, the property feels transported straight from the countryside of Italy. As we drove down the long, winding driveway, vineyards stretched out on both sides, gradually revealing the beauty of the estate, like curtains lifting on a stage. Near the house, the grapevines are netted for protection, adding to the authentic vineyard feel.
Sandie greeted us on arrival and helped us position our motorhome beside the vines, a quiet, serene and peaceful spot.
Sicilia Vineyards offers weekend wine tastings, and we joined one that afternoon featuring six selections, including Primitivo, Teroldego, and Barbera, along with a rosé blend. Although I don’t drink alcohol for medical reasons, I enjoyed learning about the wines and the winemaking process, while my husband sampled each and declared them excellent.
After the tasting, Dave led us on a tour of the grounds. The formal garden, complete with statues, adds to the vineyard’s Old-World charm. Sicilia grows warm-weather Italian grape varietals such as Greco, Fiano, Coda di Volpe, Primitivo, Barbera, Negro Amaro, and Teroldego. Sampling the grapes directly from the vine offered a rare glimpse into the flavors behind the wines. Dave’s explanations about vineyard management and winemaking made this first-ever vineyard visit especially fascinating.
Olive trees line one side of the property, while mountain views rise on the other—though wildfire smoke limited visibility during our visit. By morning the skies had cleared, revealing a beautiful vineyard view we woke up to with birds singing.
Before departing, we caught up with Dave testing freshly picked grapes for sugar content—a fitting farewell to a stay that blended education, beauty, and tranquility. Thanks to the hospitality of Dave and Sandie, Sicilia Vineyards was a highlight of our trip and a destination I happily recommend.
No compensation was received for this visit or article.
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Debra Parmley is a multi-genre author who after living for 23 years just outside Memphis, TN, sold everything to live full-time in a 43-foot motorhome with her Air Force veteran husband. She writes as they travel the U.S.
She has written military romantic suspense, contemporary romance, historical romance, dystopian romance, holiday romance, fairy tale romance, urban fantasy romance, poetry and nonfiction.
Debra travels widely, reads widely and writes widely. You will find danger, action and adventure, and romance in her stories.
In her Tales from the Trailer articles for Fresh Fiction, she shares the RV lifestyle and travel adventures in the U.S. from the point of view of a working author.
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