Farm trail expands to five weekends
Wineries, farms open October weekends for annual showcase
The Sierra Oro Farm Trail returns in October for its 17th year of showcasing the bounty of Butte County farms and wineries.
Traditionally the event has taken place during just one weekend, but this year’s farm trail will take place over all five weekends in October giving ticket holders more opportunity to visit, explore and sample the offerings of 31 farms and wineries.
It will also make the venues less crowded, parking easier, allow for easier social distancing and make it easier for the farmers and vintners to staff the event, said Nicole Johansson, Sierra Oro Farm Trail organizer.
“The Sierra Oro Farm Trail is expanding so that we can welcome more guests with an enhanced experience, fewer crowds and more specials. Additionally, this shift to a month-long tour allows guests more time to spread out and enjoy their favorite stops at their leisure without having to rush,” said Johansson.
In past years, ticket sales have been capped at 2,500 and have sold out bringing a lot of people to the farms and wineries over a “fun but hectic” two days, said Johansson. With the event extended to 10 days over five weekends ticket sales will not be capped giving more people the opportunity to participate.
“Stretching it out brings a lot of benefits,” said Johansson.
While the farm trail has been expanded, the cost for a mobile pass that will get purchasers into each
venue one time during the month for tasting has not increased. The price remains as in past years — $40 — and children 12 and younger are free.
Pass holders can set their own pace as they explore the 31 farms and wineries as hours for each stop are posted within the mobile pass. Locations are open on the weekends and many have added hours during the week. The mobile pass also provides access to special discounts and events throughout the month exceeding $150 in value, according to Johansson.
“One of the reasons our trail has been so popular for nearly 20 years is the amazing variety diversity of the agriculture we have here. There are so many different crops, specialty crops, wines and specialty food products that people can experience on the trail while meeting the people who grow and produce the rich bounty,” said Johansson
Participating farms and wineries include Almendra Winery & Distillery, Book Family Farm, Butte College Environmental Horticulture Nursery, Butte View Olive Company, Calolea Olive Oil, Chico State University Farm, Dog Creek Cellars, Earthworm Soil Factory, Gale Vineyards, Harvest Hill Farm, Hickman Family Vineyards, Hodges Nursery and Gifts, LaRocca Vineyards, Lavender Ranch, Live Vine Wines, Llano Seco Rancho, Lodestar Farms, Long Creek Winery and Ranch, Lundberg Farms, Maisie Jane’s California Sunshine Products, Milk and Honey 1860, Mooney Farms, Nescere Vineyards, New Clairvaux Vineyard, Noble Orchards, Odyssey Winery, Patrick Ranch Museum, Pedrozo Dairy and Cheese Company, Purple Line Urban Winery, Sohnrey Family Foods, Spencer Shirey Wines, TJ Farms and Wooley Farms.
“Butte County has been like ground zero for tragedy. These farmers and vintners have been hit with one disaster after another — the spillway break, fires, rolling blackouts and the pandemic. All of it has affected their businesses. The farm trail gives everyone who purchases a pass and the opportunity to reinvest and buy locally,” said Johansson.
The Sierra Oro Farm Trail is sponsored by Butte County Farm Bureau, Explore Butte County and Tri Counties Bank.
To purchase a mobile pass for Sierra Oro Farm Trail visit www.sierraoro.org.