It’s one of the great joys of summer: fruit fresh from the orchard and garden. Berries and early apples are now in season at many local farms. Click through the above gallery for five favorite u-picks in Sonoma County.
5 Favorite U-Pick Farms in Sonoma County
It’s one of the great joys of summer: fruit fresh from the orchard and garden.
Kokopelli Farm, Sebastopol: This organic farm grows boysenberries, blackberries, and raspberries. It’s been in business for nearly 30 years and welcomes berry pickers by appointment. There’s also an on-site farmstand. Call ahead at 707-829-8185. (Chris Hardy/For Sonoma Magazine)
Earthseed Farm, Sebastopol: This 14-acre solar-powered farm and orchard is the first Afro-Indigenous permaculture operation in the state. The farm welcomes berry and fruit pickers by appointment on select days in July and August (find upcoming u-pick dates on the farm’s website). Plums, pluots, blackberries, raspberries, and a variety of apples are available. 707-829-0617, earthseedfarm.org. (Beth Schlanker/The Press Democrat)
Boring Farm, Sebastopol: This family-friendly, certified organic red raspberry u-pick farm welcomes berry pickers by reservation on Saturday mornings. There is plenty of space for a post-berry-picking picnic by the ponds. Reservations at theboringfarm.com. (Shutterstock)
Chileno Valley Ranch, Petaluma: Mike and Sally Gale bought this Petaluma ranch in 1993 and planted 400 apple trees. They welcome apple pickers on Sundays starting in August. Baked goods and farm-fresh honey and lavender are also available. Reserve ahead at mikeandsallygalebeefranch.com. (Kim Carroll/For Sonoma Magazine)
Apple-A-Day Ratzlaff Ranch, Sebastopol: This family-run farm in Sebastopol grows apples and pears and makes the sweetest apple cider. Golden Delicious and Rome Beauties are offered for u-pick starting in September. 13128 Occidental Rd., Sebastopol, 707-823-0538, appleadayranch.com. (Kim Carroll/For Sonoma Magazine)