The scenic route: Pit stops at California farms and ranches

Sometimes a moment away is necessary. Taking a breath of fresh air and reconnecting with the soil, sun and California agriculture could be the perfect remedy. These overnight destinations offer the ideal escape, inviting guests to slow down, savor the scenery and experience the beauty of rural California. 

Alpen Cellars, Trinity Center

Founded by the Groves family in Trinity County, Alpen Cellars is one of the region’s few vineyards and one of California’s only off-grid wineries. Built from a passion for winemaking and a belief that grapes can thrive in unexpected places, the winery offers year-round tastings and seasonal “glamping,” or glamorous camping, at its Vineyard Hideaway. Visitors can enjoy mountain views, hiking trails, a private swimming hole and some of the best stargazing Northern California has to offer. alpencellars.com/vineyard-hideaway/ 

Aspen Meadow Pack Station, Pinecrest 

Since 1929, Aspen Meadow Pack Station in Tuolumne County has welcomed generations of outdoor enthusiasts to California’s Emigrant Wilderness. Located in the Stanislaus National Forest near Pinecrest, the historic pack station offers guided horseback rides and multiday pack trips surrounded by alpine lakes, granite peaks and mountain meadows. Like their horses, owners Seth and Caitie Diemel are sure-footed guides, helping visitors experience the beauty of the Sierra Nevada backcountry. aspenmeadowpackstation.com 

Quixote Farm, Pauma Valley

Quixote Farm Stay brings the charm of European agritourism to San Diego County. Inspired by Lara Lanfried’s childhood in Spain, she and husband Skip created a farm-stay experience in which guests can reconnect with nature and enjoy the simple pleasures of country living. Located among citrus and avocado orchards, the property offers overnight stays in cottages, safari tents and a converted barn. Visitors can pick fresh fruit, enjoy scenic views and spend time with the farm’s rescue animals. quixotefarm.com

In this edition…

• Researchers study potential of agave crop
• Investigadores estudian el potencial del cultivo de agave
• California grazing sector threatened as goat herder wage soars to $240K
• California's pest prevention system needs an update
• Mechanical harvest research bolsters table olive prospects
• Overnight guests add key revenue stream for farms
• Advocacy in Action: Grazing, wild horses and the Endangered Species Act
• Smart sprayers slash farm labor and herbicide costs
• How will early blooms and light crop affect navel orangeworms?
• Finding her second act: Former dancer builds new life with U-pick raspberry farm
• Bountiful Finds: A curated collection of goods made by Farm Bureau members
• Now in season: You can grill just about anything
• The scenic route: Pit stops at California farms and ranches
• Grape expectations: Sweet flavor with healthy twist
• A life in motion: Avocado farmer helped revolutionize the modern skateboard
• Imagine this: Students tell stories about agriculture
• AI in agriculture: Balancing innovation and new risk
• Workforce training program seeks input from employers