Ruby-red strawberry juice drips down your chin and your hands are sticky and stained purple with blackberries. It’s the joy of summer, when fresh fruit not only flourishes but can be savored right from the garden at roadside stands or from u-pick farms. Then, as the beloved Gravenstein ripens in late July, you can pick apples in and around Sebastopol. Here are a few favorite spots for procuring berries, apples and other produce.
Kokopelli Farm, Sebastopol
Boysenberries, Blackberries and Raspberries: This organic farm, owned and operated by Shepherd Bliss, has been in business for over 30 years. The farm welcomes berry pickers by appointment only and also has an on-site farm stand. Call 707-829-8185 to make an appointment. The best time for berry picking is in the morning; that’s when the berries taste the best, says farmer Shepherd. Youth over 15 are welcome. 1543 Cunningham Road, Sebastopol, 707-829-8185
Earthseed Farm, Sebastopol
Blackberries, Raspberries, Plums, Pluots, Apples: This 14-acre solar-powered organic farm and orchard in Sebastopol is operated in accordance with Afro Indigenous permaculture principles. It 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 in the summer. 3175 Sullivan Road, Sebastopol, 707-829-0617, earthseedfarm.org
Boring Farm, Sebastopol
Raspberries: This family-friendly, certified organic red raspberry u-pick farm welcomes berry pickers on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from June through September. Make reservations online and check the farm’s Facebook page for the latest info. There is plenty of space for a post berry picking picnic by the ponds. Raspberries are $11.99 per pound. 4200 Canfield Road, Sebastopol, theboringfarm.com
West County Community Farm, Sebastopol
Produce, Herbs and Flowers: Formerly known as Green Valley Community Farm, this Sebastopol farm offers a special Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) membership program that allows members to pick flowers, herbs and seasonal crops from June through Thanksgiving. The farm grows over 20 varieties of edible and cut flowers, over 20 varieties of perennial and annual herbs, and a vast assortment of produce, from strawberries and cherry tomatoes to pumpkins and sugar snap peas. Due to its popularity, the farm’s 2025 CSA program is currently full, and a waitlist is available for when spots open up. 1720 Cooper Road, Sebastopol, westcountycommunityfarm.com
Lao’s Strawberry Stand, Sebastopol
Strawberries: Easier than U-pick, but just as fresh: Lao Saetern’s wood shack brims with baskets of super-sweet, glistening, gorgeous strawberries he personally farms. Expect long lines and, sometimes, rationing of the precious nibbles to one basket per person. 5556 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol, just west of Duer Road, 916-860-2945
Watmaugh Strawberries, Sonoma
Strawberries: Another popular stop for strawberries, this farm stand on Arnold Drive at W. Watmaugh Road, just south of the town of Sonoma, sells just-picked berries that are ripe all the way through and still warm from the sun. The stand occasionally sells produce other than strawberries, like apricots, cherries, peaches and nectarines. Check their Facebook page for hours of operation. 1120 Watmaugh Road, Sonoma, 916-807-1538
Duckworth Family Farm, Sebastopol
Blueberries: This Sebastopol farm is open for u-pick blueberries in June — their season lasts only seven weekends so make sure to contact the farm beforehand as the growing season varies each year, or sign up for the farm’s newsletter for updates on blueberry picking. After harvesting berries, guests can treat themselves to blueberry ice cream made right on the farm. Reservations, made online, are required. 2950 Canfield Road, Sebastopol, 707-829-7999, duckworthfarmblueberries.com
Apple-A-Day Ratzlaff Ranch, Sebastopol
Golden Delicious and Roman Beauties: This family-run farm in Sebastopol grows apples and pears and makes apple juice. U-pick of Golden Delicious and Roman Beauties is offered in September and October and Gravensteins are available for purchase when in season (from late July). Visit website or Facebook page for updates. 13128 Occidental Road, Sebastopol, 707-823-0538, appleadayranch.com
Chileno Valley Ranch, Petaluma
Apples: Mike and Sally Gale bought this Petaluma ranch in 1993 and have since planted 400 apple trees. They welcome apple pickers on Sundays starting in September and stay open for picking as long as there are apples. Honey, lavender and baked goods will be available to purchase. $10 entry fee per family; apples are $2 per pound. 5105 Chileno Valley Road, Petaluma, 707-765-6664, mikeandsallygalebeefranch.com
Shone Farm, Forestville
Berries, Flowers and Cherry Tomatoes: Santa Rosa Junior College’s student-run farm in west county will hold u-picks on select Fridays in July and August. They will also be selling cut flowers, beef and other goods like olive oil and berry preserves. Free parking and admission. See website and Instagram for details and updates. 7450 Steve Olson Lane, Forestville, 707-535-3702, shonefarm.santarosa.edu
Laguna Gold Fruit Co., Santa Rosa
Peaches: The farm has 16 varieties of peaches (both white and yellow) to choose from while walking through the 10-acre orchard. Upon arriving, guests will receive picking baskets that hold up to 10 pounds of fruit and directions to the ripest peaches. U-pick season is from the first of July through the end of August. Open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. 2600 Laguna Road, Santa Rosa, 707-322-5806, lagunagoldfruit.com
Kaila Bohler, Charlie Wiltsee and Maci Martell contributed to this article.