San Benito County – A Delicious California Destination
When you think of California, your mind might drift to the sandy beaches of Santa Monica or the bustling streets of San Francisco. However, San Benito County, tucked away in California’s Central Coast region, is a true gem for agriculture-curious travelers, wine enthusiasts, and food lovers.
A Taste of Local Agriculture In and Around San Benito County
Fairhaven Orchards
Agriculture-curious travelers, take note: San Benito County is a paradise for those who love fresh, local produce. One of the standout spots is Fairhaven Orchards, known for their delicious fresh cherries, apricots, walnuts, and dried fruits. A trip to Fairhaven Orchard’s Red Barn offers a delicious pit stop for families and solo adventurers alike. Check them out along your journey.
Sea to Sky Farm
Nestled high in the Santa Cruz Mountains is Sea to Sky Farm, a picturesque farm cultivating a variety of produce, including sweet potatoes, rhubarb, cauliflower, kale, onions, stone fruits, flowers, and culinary herbs—just to name a few! The enchanting atmosphere of the female-run farm is enhanced by a redwood fairy circle and an Indigenous people’s ceremonial site, adding to the magic of its charm. Sea to Sky sells their produce at eight different farmers’ markets throughout the area each week, so finding their delicious produce is pretty easy.
Sea to Sky Farm’s produce is also featured on the menus of quite a few local restaurants and eateries, so stop by Penny Ice Creamery, Bantam, and Wild Roots Market to get a taste.
Wineries that Impress in and Around San Benito County
Bonny Doon Vineyard
Wine enthusiasts, no trip to San Benito County would be complete without a visit to its renowned wineries. Bonny Doon Vineyard is a must-visit. This vineyard is celebrated for its innovative winemaking techniques and exceptional wines. The tasting room offers a delightful experience where you can sample a variety of wines, each with its own unique character.
Satori Cellars
Another gem is Satori Cellars, which features award-winning, estate-grown red wines like Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Petite Sirah. Nestled among picturesque vineyards, Satori Cellars is the epitome of cool.
Their outdoor-tasting cabana is surrounded by 15 acres of happy, pampered Santa Clara Valley grapes. It’s a dog-friendly, kid-friendly, family-friendly, and group-friendly establishment. Bring a picnic, listen to music, watch the game, play bocce, relax, and unwind. Plan your trip by checking their website for dates of their public tasting events.
Culinary Delights and Historic Sites in and Around San Benito County
Casa de Fruta
San Benito County isn’t just about farms and vineyards; it also boasts some fantastic dining spots and historic landmarks. Casa de Fruta is a perfect example. This roadside attraction began as a small wayside farmstand in 1943. Today, it has a deli, a wine-tasting room, ice cream, and a delightful restaurant. It’s a great spot to enjoy a hearty meal while sampling and stocking up on local produce and wines.
Mission San Juan Bautista
For those interested in history, a visit to Mission San Juan Bautista is a must. This historic mission offers a glimpse into California’s rich cultural heritage.
Shadowbrook Restaurant
After exploring the mission, head over to Shadowbrook Restaurant for a truly memorable dining experience. Renowned for its romantic ambiance, incredible gardens, delectable cuisine made from locally sourced produce, and a fine selection of California wines, Shadowbrook is the perfect way to cap off your San Benito adventure. Be sure to order the Creamy Artichoke Soup, they’re famous for it!
Shadowbrook Restaurant: A Spectacular Experience in Capitola, Ca
Nestled in the charming town of Capitola, CA, Shadowbrook Restaurant is more than just a place to dine—it’s a true culinary experience! Since 1947, this Capitola institution has been serving up freshly sourced culinary creations using local California-grown produce—some from its very own roof-top garden!
Click here to read about our visit to Shadowbrook.
San Benito County, CA, is a delightful destination that offers a unique blend of agriculture, wine, food, and history. Whether you’re picking fresh fruit at Fairhaven Orchards, sipping on exquisite wines at Satori Cellars, or enjoying a meal at Shadowbrook Restaurant, San Benito promises an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags, hit the road, and discover the delicious destination that is San Benito County.
San Benito Road Trip – Tips for Your Travel Tool Kit
California Farmstand 101: The Best Farmstands in California
Whenever we plan a California road trip, we make sure to plan as many stops as we can at permanent farmstands on our route!
There is nothing better than visiting a unique farmstand, eating locally grown produce, and sampling delicacies from the Golden State – all while searching for the perfect souvenir.
Click here to plan your road trip pit stops.
On the Road Again? Check out this California Grown Spotify playlist:
Don’t Forget to Share your Next California Road Trip with Us!
San Benito County is not just a place to visit; it’s a community to be a part of. Share your road trip experiences with us on social media using #CAGROWN. Follow us on Pinterest for more recipe inspiration and updates on the latest happenings.
We’d love to hear your thoughts, so leave a comment below and share this post with friends and family who might enjoy embarking on a delicious road trip to San Benito, too.
This article was written by Meg van der Kruik. Photo credit James Collier for California Grown.