Sonoma County Farms

Two weekends ago I visited some farms in Sonoma County. Its rare to find farms in this area as most of the land is used to grow grapes. 

The Oak Hill Farm sits on 700 acres of land on the side of a mountain in Glen Ellen, CA. The farm grows fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Privately owned since the 1950's, Anne Teller (owner) chose to keep the farmland free of chemicals and other pesticides.

The 100 year old barn houses a store, open to the public to buy seasonal produce, flowers, and handmade wreaths. Oak Hill sells to restaurants, grocery stores, and at local farmer's markets.

In contrast to Oak Hill, the Bi-Rite Farm is a smaller working farm in the Carneros Valley. Across the street from gorgeous vineyards, the farm is home to several pigs, a greenhouse, a small shed for storage, and two plots of land.

Specialty and hard to find varieties of fruits and vegetables are grown. Bi-Rite employees (and excited customers) are encouraged to harvest and help out lead farmer and produce buyer, Simon.  The crops that come from this farm are sold in the market.

As a side note, one the of best parts about this day was stumbling upon the Fremont Diner. Top notch comfort food in the middle of farms and vineyards. They also grow their ingredients out back. 

That mini chicken sandwich can't be beat. You know a place is a winner when the lady working the register says she comes to eat dinner on her days off.

Cricket Creek Farm

In continuing the tour of Massachusetts farms, last Sunday I visited Cricket Creek Farm with my friend Elizabeth and her four legged companion, Jackson. Our friend, Jenni, is spending the rest of this year as a cheese-maker at CC, and we wanted to check out her new home. From Boston, the drive is all of three hours, but it's a scenic drive on Route 2. 

Located near Williamstown, Cricket Creek is a small, grass fed dairy with a herd of 40 Brown Swiss and Jersey cows.  Pigs, chickens, and guinea hens also roam the farm, and Cricket Creek is one of the few Massachusetts farms licensed to sell raw milk.  It is very delicious and unlike any milk found in the grocery store. Thick, smooth, and fresh. 

piglets hang out under the a-frame

afternoon nap from the sun


The farm includes a store stocked with bread, eggs, beef, pork, milk, and other condiments. Customers use the honor system when paying for their items.  A CSA (community support agriculture) program allows customers to receive weekly shares of meat, eggs, and dairy products. Boston cheese fans can purchase the award winning cheeses at Formaggio Kitchen. Central Bottle, and City Feed and Supply.  

a cat named creamy on watch in front of the store