farm tours monterey county

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Monterey and Salinas

Whether the destination is Pebble Beach for a round of golf, or whale-watching in the Monterey Bay, a cannabis farm tour is only minutes away in Salinas, the regional agribusiness hub that dozens of cannabis companies now call home.

This region has forever been known for its rich agricultural history, endless stretches of berry farms, and for the ancestral home of Nobel Prize laureate  John Steinbeck  and the nationally renowned  National Steinbeck Center Museum.

Salinas is now home to a growing number of cannabis farms. Join us on a farm visit through this burgeoning cannabis growing region.

To book your farm tour in the Monterey and Salinas area, please email [email protected] or call our toll-free Reservations line at 1-866-216-9970.

Please note: Same-day tours are not possible at this time. We must receive your booking request at least 48 hours prior to your planned visit.

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Spreckles Boulevard West at Hwy 68, Salinas, CA 93908

• Phone (831) 455-2575

The Farm is an agricultural education center and local farming business just outside of Salinas, California. We offer fresh organic produce for sale, farm tours, special family activities and a pleasant rural destination. Open for tours year round, produce stand open April through December.

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Monterey County Salinas Valley Farm Tour

Set out on a captivating journey through the verdant tapestry of Monterey County with a visit to the Salinas Valley Farm Tour. This immersive experience serves as a gateway to the abundant agricultural heritage of California , offering a glimpse into the intricate world of farming.

As you traverse through the picturesque landscapes and breathe in the essence of the fertile valley, prepare to uncover a tapestry of stories waiting to be unraveled.

What hidden gems and culinary delights await those who venture into this agricultural paradise?

• Experience a unique agricultural education tour in California .
• Discover the history and environment of Monterey County, CA.
• Taste deep-fried artichoke hearts or artichoke cupcakes .
• Learn about over 40 different crops in the Salinas Valley .

Here's some more nearby activities we've reviewed

• Monterey and Big Sur Discovery: Private Tour From San Jose
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Tour Details

Within the Monterey County Salinas Valley Farm Tour, travelers can expect a comprehensive exploration of the region’s agricultural industry and environment, packed into a 3-hour immersive experience.

The tour provides valuable agricultural education by offering visitors the opportunity to learn about the various crops grown in the Salinas Valley.

Plus, participants get to indulge in delightful food tasting sessions, where they can savor deep-fried artichoke hearts, artichoke cupcakes , and fresh berries .

This hands-on experience allows guests to not only taste the local produce but also gain insights into the farming practices and culinary delights of the region.

The tour’s focus on agricultural education and food tasting sets it apart as a unique and enriching experience for individuals interested in the intersection of farming and gastronomy.

Experience Highlights

What makes the Monterey County Salinas Valley Farm Tour stand out as an unforgettable experience?

This unique tour offers a perfect blend of agricultural education and culinary delights, making it a must-do for visitors seeking an immersive farm experience. Participants have the opportunity to taste deep-fried artichoke hearts, artichoke cupcakes, and fresh berries , indulging in the region’s culinary offerings.

On top of that, as the only agricultural education tour of its kind in California, guests can explore the history and environment of Monterey County, CA, gaining valuable insights into the local farming practices. With guided walking tours at Pezzini Farms Artichokes and a driving tour of Salinas Valley showcasing over 40 different crops, visitors are treated to a comprehensive exploration of the region’s rich agricultural heritage.

Activity Highlights

As visitors explore the agricultural wonders of the Monterey County Salinas Valley Farm Tour, they’re treated to a hands-on exploration of the region’s rich heritage and culinary delights through a variety of engaging activities. Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Learn about the Salinas Valley agricultural industry during the 3-hour tour.
• Taste deep-fried artichoke hearts or artichoke cupcakes.
• Enjoy a guided walking tour at Pezzini Farms Artichokes.

These activities offer a unique and immersive experience, allowing guests to connect with the agricultural roots of the Salinas Valley while discovering the diverse crops that thrive in this fertile region.

It’s a perfect blend of education and enjoyment for those interested in agriculture industry discovery .

Booking Information

For convenient access to booking details, visitors can explore the essential information provided for reserving a spot on the Monterey County Salinas Valley Farm Tour. To ensure a smooth booking process, it is important to check the availability of the tour before confirming. Below is a table highlighting key aspects of the booking information for the farm tour:

This tour offers a unique opportunity for farm education and exploration of the Salinas Valley agricultural industry. Make sure to secure your spot in advance to guarantee tour availability.

Additional Details

Discover more about the behind-the-scenes workings of Monterey County Salinas Valley Farm Tour through additional detailed insights.

When booking, customers receive a confirmation text if they haven’t replied to the email sent. This ensures that all guests have the necessary information for a smooth experience.

Plus, the tour offers various add-ons to enhance the visit, such as exclusive tastings or hands-on activities. These tour add-ons can be selected during the booking process to customize the experience to individual preferences.

The confirmation process and tour add-ons contribute to making the Monterey County Salinas Valley Farm Tour a personalized and well-organized adventure for every participant.

Common questions

Are Children Allowed on the Tour?

Children are welcome on the tour. Engaging child-friendly activities are included, but parental supervision is needed. The experience offers a unique opportunity for families to explore the agricultural industry together in a fun and educational way.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

There are age restrictions in place for participants, ensuring safety and enjoyment. Parental supervision might be required for younger attendees. It’s a great opportunity for families to learn and explore together on this unique farm tour.

Are Restrooms Easily Accessible During the Tour?

Restroom breaks are strategically provided during the tour, ensuring easy accessibility for all participants. Accessibility concerns are addressed with conveniently located restrooms along the route, allowing for a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Can Special Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated for the Tasting Portion of the Tour?

Special dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Vegetarian options , vegan substitutions , and gluten-free accommodations are available upon request during the tasting portion of the tour. Please inform the guide in advance regarding any allergies.

Is There a Restroom on the Van for Longer Drives Between Locations?

Restroom breaks are provided for comfort during longer drives between locations. Travel logistics ensure convenience with onboard facilities. Participants can relax knowing they will have access to a restroom on the van throughout the tour.

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Join the Salinas Valley Farm Tour for a captivating journey through Monterey County’s agricultural heartland. Experience the beauty of Pezzini Farms Artichokes, taste local delights , and gain valuable insights into the region’s rich history.

With small group sizes and convenient van transportation, this 3-hour adventure offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse crops and vineyards of Castroville.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience in California’s bountiful Salinas Valley!

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Welcome to ag venture tours: about us

Specializing in wine tasting, sightseeing, and agricultural education tours of the Monterey Bay region of Central California since 1997. We are the oldest operating tour company in the area offering both half and full-day tours with advance reservations. We are also available for large group tours and can provide a step-on guide service if necessary.

Our Mission is to educate our guests about wine, agriculture, and the rich history and beautiful environment of the Monterey Bay region. Our reputation and experience are second to none in the local tourism industry. We especially value our guests, the community, and the environment, sustaining both the hospitality and agriculture industries of the area.

The safety and comfort of our guests always come first. Our policy on Covid-19 is that unvaccinated guests are recommended to wear a mask while indoors (van included). Please don't come on the tour if the guest is feeling ill. -->

Van transportation, private wine tastings, or educational lectures (wine or agriculture) are also available by reservation.

Book your tour with us directly or click on the Peek booking links to access our 2024 tour calendar. Tours can also be booked through GetYourGuide.

We guarantee that you will love our tours and be safe in our hands!

Disabled guests can be accommodated on van tours with advance notification as a special vehicle needs to be hired. Please call Ag Venture Tours directly to discuss your options and tour prices.

Gift Certificates starting from $100 are available for any of our tour options.

Wine Enthusiast Magazine lists Monterey County as one of the "10 Best WineTravel Destinations 2013"

Meet Your Guide

Evan Oakes is the owner and tour coordinator for Ag Venture Tours, founded in 1997. Prior to Ag Venture Tours, Evan has been working as an agricultural research scientist for the University of California Cooperative Extension office is Salinas, California, since 1992. He has agricultural degrees from both the University of California, Davis, and Fresno State University, with a specialty in viticulture (grape growing). Evan spent two years working in Australia for a large vineyard and winery before moving to the Monterey Bay area. He is active in many local wine, agriculture, and hospitality organizations and is on the Board of the Monterey Bay Chapter of the American Insitute of Wine and Food. Evan currently lives in Watsonville, California.

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Open Farm Tours | Explore family-owned sites in…

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Open farm tours | explore family-owned sites in santa cruz and monterey counties.

Pajaro Pastures. (Contributed)

A team member of Esperanza Community Farms. (Contributed)

Cafeteria project at Pajaro Valley High School. (Contributed)

Want to explore a lavender labyrinth, eat dinner on a ranch with a chef and visit farms across Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties? Check out 2022’s Open Farm Tours which occurs Oct. 8-9.

There are 15 family-owned sites including four new participants: Esperanza Community Farms, Mariquita Farms, Pajaro Pastures Ranch and Terra Cultura. Some are open one day, others both. Pre-registration is required; there are limits on how many can be at each farm at one time and last year’s events sold out. All fees go to the farms.

“Our team is interested in becoming known as a local response to economic justice and food insecurity in the Pajaro Valley,” says Esperanza Community Farms Co-Leader Mireya Gomez-Contreras. “Our model is unique in that we address these issues with creativity and a social justice lens. Our subsidized CSA program reaches those who would otherwise not be able to regularly access fresh organic local produce due to financial hardship—even though many are the very farm laborers that harvest the produce.”

Esperanza Community Farms’ Farm-2-Cafeteria project addresses the gap in education about sustainable farming and environmental stewardship.

“And our newly formed nine Organic Farmer Co-op activates our local demographic to reach their full potential as farmers with multiple generations of regenerative farming experience and skills,” adds Gomez-Contreras. “Although growing fruit and vegetables is at the heart of what we do, we are not just about producing food. We address institutional barriers that limit small farmers, especially farmers of color, from achieving the well-being everyone deserves.”

The Farm-2-Cafeteria project was initiated by a group of Pajaro Valley High School students who visited the farm “…and repeated over and over they wished they could eat salads at school from the farm. We listened,” says Gomez-Contreras. They found seed money to launch a student-led program in June. “Students harvested at 7 a.m., washed and chopped produce for two hours in their school cafeteria and packaged it in biodegradable bowls to serve to their peers. This simple, transparent and economically viable project is what we’re now trying to grow in scale to serve 500 students over the next two years at PVHS.”

Guests visiting Esperanza Community Farms will find organic produce including carrots, cucumber, lettuce, cabbage, cilantro, broccolini, squash, corn and parsley. There will be miso salad dressing tasting with local business Hakouya.

Santa Cruz County’s Mariquita Farm is excited about Open Farm Tours.

“We thought it would be a nice way for people to visit the farm in small groups and see the lavender labyrinth that we created over the last two years while we were mostly keeping isolated for COVID,” says Starr Linden, who manages the farm with Andy Griffin. “We have a nice home farm with a mix of annual and perennial gardens to see and donkeys that make the visit a complete joy.”

The farm focuses on herbs and vegetables for the restaurant market plus veggie boxes, flowers and bulk tomatoes for home cooks.

“The farm business has been in operation for 30 years, but we have only begun transitioning this space from livestock pasture to citrus orchards and flower gardens in the last five years,” shares Linden.

Those who visit Oct. 8 will see the labyrinth “…surrounded by marigolds that will be coming into flower,” says Linden. “Half of the labyrinth was planted in November 2021 and flowered this summer.” The remaining rows, completed in May, have mostly not flowered yet. “We expect full flowering next spring. Labyrinths are often used as a meditation tool, but the walk is different for everyone.”

The farm also features a production garden that’s “a blend of our take on the traditional Mexican milpa and an Italian garden. Think of it as a field along the ‘Oaxacan-Sicilian border.’ Ragusa, Sicily, is on the 38th parallel, just as we are, so there’s an environmental parallel to consider when planting citrus, olives and herbs,” explains Linden. “And the people who’ve worked on the farm for years are from Oaxaca, so there’s a relevant influence in the gardens picked up from their experience and friendship relating to the corn, squash and beans growing in the garden.”

Ryan Abelson, who founded Pajaro Pastures Ranch in 2011 in his backyard with 300 baby chicks, is now in Corralitos on 12 acres. He looks forward to Open Farm Tours.

“I want to strengthen the connection between producers and our community. Also, I love introducing adults and children to livestock if they have never seen them before,” he said.

At Open Farm Tours, Pajaro Pastures’ tours “will be a casual introduction to sustainable livestock husbandry,” says Abelson, with a discussion of “small farming viability, supply chain economics and community-focused agriculture.” There will also be a goat petting zoo, tractor rides, and meat and eggs for sale. “The last tour each day will roll into a fabulous farm dinner prepared by talented chefs: Andy Huynh of Full Steam Dumpling on Saturday and Jessica Yarr of Chicken Foot on Sunday. Jessica and Andy, both good friends, have a passion for supporting local agriculture. We’ve talked about doing this for years.”

When asked to share a couple unique aspects about PP, Abelson replies, “This isn’t a regular livestock farm. The animals are truly living outside and free to be themselves and have a non-GMO diet. Also, we do our own meat processing in town. We cater as well. With my farm-built 300-gallon smoker trailer, we can come to you!”

The fourth first-time 2022 participant, Terra Cultura, has three co-executive directors: sisters Rachel and Jessica Wohlander, and Jessica’s husband Travis Hill. Before founding Terra Cultura in 2017.

“Jessica and Travis spent a year WWOOFing all over the world working on different organic farms and eco-villages, learning all sorts of different growing techniques,” says Rachel, referring to Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms. “Meanwhile I was in New York City doing urban gardening and getting my MFA. We witnessed community gathering spaces that we loved fall victim to gentrification and saw the need for place-based, ecologically focused community hubs.”

They decided to create a space “…that wove together food justice and ecological farming, culture and creativity, and community and collaboration in the form of a nonprofit educational eco-arts farm. It has been really exciting to build this project collectively from the soil up over the past five-plus years and watch the community blossom around it. We wanted to live more in line with our values while working towards environmental, social, racial, and economic justice. Terra Cultura is, ever-increasingly, a model through which we are able to do that,” Rachel explains.

Terra Cultura’s programming includes field trips, a summer camp, and arts events. On Oct. 8-9, they will offer Open Farm Tours attendees guided tours which include a pollinator garden, healing garden, no-till veggie row crops, solar powered irrigation system, yurt and chickens. Plus, there will be a compost tea demo, and products for sale including produce and tinctures.

Whether you visit first-time farm participants or some of the 11 veteran venues, Open Farm Tours is an excellent opportunity for people to spend time together outdoors exploring a vibrant farming community.

“People attending can learn about how our food systems work as they explore our diverse agricultural landscape,” says Penny Ellis, who launched OFT in 2013.

Ellis is especially thrilled about OFT’s 2022 partnership with nonprofit Community Alliance with Family Farmers to expand the tours toward a more regional platform.

“CAFF operates as a network of family farms and services at the state level that are united in advancing agriculture that builds healthy communities and eco-systems,” says Ellis.

What: Open Farm Tours

When: Oct. 8-9, days/hours vary depending on location

Where: 15 farms and other venues in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties

Cost: Admission varies depending on venue and activity. Also, products will be available for purchase at select farms.

Register: openfarmtours.com/tickets.

More information: openfarmtours.com, facebook.com/openfarmtours/.

Pets: No pets are allowed at farms or other venues.

Participating Farms, Nursery & Winery in alphabetical order:

Blossom’s Farm

Dos Aguilas Olive Grove

Esperanza Community Farm

Fruitilicious Farm

Live Earth Farm

Luz Del Valle Farm

Mariquita Farm

Monkeyflower Ranch

New Natives Farm

Pajaro Pastures Ranch

Storrs Winery

Terra Cultura

Terra Sole Nursery

Thomas Farm

Whiskey Hill Farm

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Ag Venture Tours

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Ag Venture Tours & Consulting specializes in wine tasting, sightseeing and agricultural education tours of the Monterey Bay region of California. Wine tasting tours visit either the Monterey Wine Country (Salinas Valley, Carmel Valley) or the Santa Cruz Mountains. Sightseeing tours include the Monterey Peninsula (Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Carmel), Big Sur or Santa Cruz. Agricultural education tours feature the world famous Salinas and Pajaro Valleys. Our tours can be customized to your interests, offering both half and full day excursions. Our guides are friendly and knowledgeable with extensive backgrounds in the agriculture and wine industries. If you would like to reserve a tour, you are welcome to use the Zozi online booking service or contact Ag Venture Tours directly by email or phone.

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Living Life Simply in Beautiful Coastal California

The Secret Gardens of Historic Monterey

Often hidden behind a wall or a gate, secret gardens denote mystery, privacy, and solitude. Secret gardens offer solace; a place to sit or walk and contemplate.  They give you permission to be inspired, to dream, and to be at peace.

My own garden has its secrets: I love to share them with friends who come to enjoy the peaceful solitude of my farm.  The roses that defy being eaten by deer, puzzling my neighbors.  The “April in Paris” sweet peas that have self-sown and freely proliferate.  The mesmerizing scent of the white, star-flowered jasmine that grows just outside my bedroom, perfuming the night air.

Monterey has some of the most fascinating and delightful secret gardens ever.  What makes these gardens so special is that they are located on the grounds of some of the most historic properties in Monterey.   The secret gardens here are all completely unique, enticing you with beautiful colors and heavenly scents.

1.   The Larkin Garden is located at 510 Calle Principal at the intersection with Jefferson.  Thomas Larkin built the two-story mud adobe brick home during Mexican rule of California.  An American merchant,  he became the only United States Consul to Alta California under Mexican rule.

2.   The Memory Garden , located at 20 Custom House Plaza in Monterey, was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr. in 1927.  It has an 8-foot high adobe wall and three gates.  Inside the garden is a 15-foot diameter fountain surrounded by lovely magnolia trees.

3.   The Casa del Oro Garden is at the corner of Pacific and Scott Streets just across from the First Theatre.  This is the only garden not enclosed by a wall.

4.   The Stevenson Garden is named for the boarding house where Robert Louis Stevenson stayed in 1879 while courting his future wife, Fanny Osbourne.  He stayed on the second floor of the French Hotel at 530 Houston Street and worked on essays as well as ideas for future works, including Treasure Island .

In front, a white picket fence frames a bevy of blooms.  Behind the old French Hotel is the secret garden, featuring meandering pathways surrounded by high fencing and featuring an ancient gate at the rear.

5.   The Casa Soberanes Garden , located at the corner of Pacific and Del Monte, features abalone shells and wine bottles as edgings for the flowerbeds in its secret garden.

6.   The First Theatre Garden is located at the corner of Pacific and Scott Streets.  Whale bones frame the entrance of the theatre building, vestiges of Monterey’s whaling history.

7.   Hidden behind a very old wall at the corner of Polk and Munras is the Cooper Molera Adobe secret garden and orchard, Built in 1827, the property is a National Trust Historic Site.   What fun to m eander among the rustic elegance of the only historic redwood barns within the city limits of Monterey and enjoy the charming and beautiful plants and flowers here.

Hours : The Larkin, Memory, Casa del Oro, Stevenson, Casa Soberanes, and First Theatre gardens are open daily from 9 am-4 pm.  For more information, see California State Parks .   Hours for the Cooper Molera garden are Tuesday through Saturday: 11 am – 4 pm, and Sunday 11 am– 2:30 pm.

I hope you enjoyed this post and are able to visit the secret gardens of Monterey.  Thank you for visiting my blog.  Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!

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• Have a Seat: Garden Bench Inspiration
• Magical & Enchanting Gardens of Carmel-by-the-Sea

Monterey Farmgirl

Living life simply on a small farm in Monterey County.

One Comment

Love this blog! How beautiful to see all of these amazing gardens, thank you for sharing!!!

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