Rooted in the Central Coast

Sowing the seeds of a grassroots agritourism movement in the rolling hills and coastal valleys of California’s San Luis Obispo County is Lynette Sonne – founder of FarmsteadED. Through FarmsteadED, she is building bridges between the region’s small-scale farmers and a public eager to reconnect with where their food and wine comes from. And San Luis Obispo County — affectionately dubbed “SLO Cal” — is uniquely positioned as a hub for agritourism.

“I think ‘learn by doing’ is a big part of it,” Lynette explains, echoing the philosophy championed by nearby California State Polytechnic University (Cal Poly). “We apply that as producers across the board. We learn by doing and we share with others. Whether that’s another farmer or that’s a consumer, that’s how we roll here in SLO Cal.” 

What is FarmsteadED?

Launched in 2014, FarmsteadED is a community-based organization that curates hands-on educational experiences on local farms, ranches, and artisan operations throughout San Luis Obispo County. Its core purpose is to bring consumers closer to the producers who grow, raise, and craft the goods they love—offering opportunities for both sides of the food system to learn and connect.

FarmsteadED’s signature offering is the SLO County Farm Trail, a self-guided network of working farms, open-air markets, and tasting rooms that span the county’s diverse agricultural landscapes. But the organization does much more than map-making. It produces seasonal events like:

• Workshops and Field Days – Learn to make sourdough, shear sheep, distill lavender, or press olive oil.
  
• Open Farm Days – A multi-day event in late summer where dozens of farms open their gates for tours, tastings, demos, and u-pick experiences.
  
• Pop-Up Farm Tours – Curated visits to lesser-known farms, often featuring meet-the-maker moments and regional bites.
  
• Private Custom Experiences – For groups, families, or companies looking for an immersive, hands-on day on the farm.
  

Lynette draws inspiration from international agritourism, particularly Italy’s agriturismo model. “A lot of the things we do have come from other agritourism programs—Agritourismos in Italy,” she notes. But the beauty of FarmsteadED lies in how it adapts global ideas to the local SLO Cal landscape.

A Rich Agricultural Tapestry

San Luis Obispo County is uniquely suited to host an agritourism movement of this kind. Its Mediterranean climate, varied elevations, and ocean influence create ideal conditions for a broad range of crops and farm types. In the cooler Edna Valley, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay thrive, while the warmer inland Paso Robles region produces robust Rhône varietals like Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre.

Beyond wine, the county is rich in:

• Olives – Pressed into award-winning oils, particularly around Creston and Templeton.
• Avocados and citrus – Especially in the southern and coastal parts of the county.
• Blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries – In abundance during spring and summer.
• Heritage grains and pastured livestock – Found across the inland valleys.
• Lavender, herbs, and cut flowers – Popular with farmstay experiences and artisan producers.
• Stone fruits and nuts also have a presence in smaller orchard operations and mixed farms.

FarmsteadED Bridges the Rural-Urban Divide

In a world where food systems often feel distant and opaque, FarmsteadED invites people to step into the world of the producer—to touch the soil, meet the growers, and experience the season firsthand. It’s this sense of connection that Lynette believes is vital not only to the local economy but to cultural and ecological sustainability.

“We’re really lucky to have these kinds of partners,” she says, referencing the many farms that participate in the SLO County Farm Trail. “And it’s a pretty special place to live and be.”

Through storytelling, hands-on education, and grassroots collaboration, FarmsteadED is ensuring that San Luis Obispo County remains not just a beautiful place to visit—but a vibrant, working landscape that feeds the body and soul.

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This article was written by Alison Needham, @agirl_defloured, photos by James Collier for California Grown.