Cassidy Ranch

One afternoon in the spring of 2021, Elizabeth and Tucker Stein were on a bike ride not far from their new Sonoma home. The couple, new to Sonoma from San Francisco, weren’t looking for property. Yet, both stopped when they came to a “For Sale” sign along their route. A small farm flanked by Sonoma’s Los Carneros District vineyards lay before them. They fell in love with the peaceful surroundings and purchased the farm that summer, naming it Cassidy Ranch.

The Steins envisioned a community gathering place—one providing a host of family-oriented activities such as U-pick experiences featuring their diverse selection of seasonal vegetables and flowers, plus classes, events and a pumpkin patch. They started in on farm improvements. The acreage, once a produce supplier to Bi-Rite in San Francisco, had lain fallow for the last few growing seasons. Once essentials like soil and water were established, they renovated the barn, added a small farm shop and a large greenhouse for their seedlings and began improving the soil with compost. And because they love playing Pickleball, they installed a court overlooking the flower beds.

With three of the five acres planted, they have dedicated the crops to various seasonal flowers and produce. In the summer months, there are eight different types of sunflowers, plus dahlias, zinnias, poppies, snapdragons, scabiosa and clarksia, which give way to fall blooms later in the year. Summer squash, sweet corn and popcorn will be available well into October, when fall crops such as winter squash, kale and pumpkins will slowly begin to take their place. A bee colony establishing itself near the greenhouse is expected to supply honey within the next year.

The best part of Cassidy Ranch is the immersive, family-friendly farm experience that it offers—particularly one not far from the Sonoma Plaza. Additionally, a new community-supported agriculture (CSA) harvest subscription program offers a weekly Farm Club membership box featuring fresh produce, herbs and flowers or a Flower Club membership offering a fresh bouquet. A gourd tunnel will be ready for the fall season and their October 7–8 Pumpkin Patch event. Reminding us of the joy of connecting with nature’s bounty, a visit to Cassidy Ranch should not be missed.

22661 S. Central Ave. Drop-ins welcome Friday through Sunday from 9am to 5pm Closed on Mondays.

Reservations required midweek through the ranch website: Cassidy-Ranch.com.

A $20 booking fee is credited toward any flowers or produce picked at the farm, which are charged based on volume.

Caryn Schulberg is a Sonoma-based certified wine writer and content creator. carynschulberg.com