Tag: Fairhaven Orchards
San Benito County, tucked away in California’s Central Coast region, is one of California’s premier agricultural powerhouses, producing an impressive array of crops. With its fertile soil and favorable climate, this thriving region contributes significantly to the state’s agricultural output with a diverse selection of produce. San Benito County is not only a vital part of California’s agricultural identity but also a testament to the hard work of the farmers who tend this land. From expansive vineyards to bountiful orchards, San Benito County is a delicious place to visit!
What California Crops Grow in San Benito County
A better question might be, what doesn’t grow in San Benito County? According to the San Benito County Department of Agriculture, the diverse agricultural production in the county includes leafy greens such as spinach, lettuces, tomatoes, vegetables and row crops, peppers, fruits, nuts, winegrapes, and nursery stock – including flowers. Celebrating its sesquicentennial -150 years – San Benito County is lush with verdant agriculture that spreads between large and small communities such as Hollister, Prunedale, Aromas, San Juan Bautista, Panoche and Tres Pinos.
Agricultural Destinations in San Benito County
Fairhaven Orchards
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 Big Red Barn during harvest season offers a delicious pit stop for families and solo adventurers alike. For the ride, load up on the best-dried apricots we’ve ever tasted. Why not grab a few extra pounds to have once you get back home. We promise you will thank yourself later!
If you are cruising through the area outside of harvest season, you can set up an appointment to stop by and purchase dried apricots, dried cherries, and walnuts. You can also plan for road trip snacks ahead of your trip by purchasing from Fairhaven Orchards online.
The Growing Fields of Christopher Ranch Garlic
While Christopher Ranch processes all of its garlic in their nearby Gilroy plant, their growing fields are located primarily in San Benito and Santa Clara counties. What started as a small family farm has become the largest garlic producer in the United States. Rows of Christopher Ranch garlic pepper San Benito County and are tended by skilled hands with the utmost care. From planting to harvest, Christopher Ranch ensures their garlic meets the highest quality standards for taste, safety, and sustainability.
Wineries to Visit in San Benito County
Calera
Just outside of Hollister, California you can taste award-winning Pinot Noir while taking in the views of the Diablo Mountain Range. At Calera, you’ll experience a favorite of both local and visitors alike. From the dog-friendly patio to their esteemed, historic wine caves, you’ll discover why Calera is considered one of the Central Coast’s most revered wineries.
Eden Rift
Nestled in the rolling hills of San Benito County, Eden Rift Vineyards is one of California’s oldest estate vineyards, dating back to 1849. Renowned for exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this historic winery blends tradition with innovation. The unique terroir, influenced by the San Andreas Fault, gives the wines distinctive characteristics. Visitors can enjoy serene wine tastings and explore the beautifully restored estate and lush vineyards. Eden Rift offers a memorable journey into California’s winemaking heritage.
Satori Cellars – in Nearby Santa Clara County
Wine tasting in San Benito County? You should also visit Satori Cellars in nearby Santa Clara County. Satori Cellars 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. Just be sure to check their website for the dates of their public tasting events before planning your trip.
Culinary Delights and Historic Sites in 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
Planning a visit to Mission San Juan Bautista offers a unique opportunity to explore a significant piece of California’s history. Founded in 1797, this historic mission is located in the heart of San Benito County and features beautifully preserved architecture and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can stroll through the tranquil gardens, admire the intricate artwork, and learn about the mission’s role in California’s past. With its serene atmosphere and educational exhibits, a trip to Mission San Juan Bautista is a must for history enthusiasts and families alike. For more information and to plan your visit, check out their website.
Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles National Park, located in San Benito County, is a breathtaking destination with an interesting volcanic past, resulting in striking geological formations. The park draws outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers from all over to experience the over 30 miles of scenic hiking trails, view diverse wildlife, and take in the monoliths, sheer-walled canyons, and meadows of wildflowers. The unique landscape of Pinnacles, shaped by ancient volcanic activity, offers visitors the opportunity to wind through lush valleys, towering cliffs, and picturesque caves. The park is also a haven for rock climbers and bird watchers, providing opportunities to spot the majestic California condor. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, Pinnacles National Park is a must-visit gem in San Benito County. You can learn more about this destination at visitcalifornia.com.
Plan Your San Benito Road Trip: Tips, Tunes and Farmstands for Your Tavel Tool Kit
San Benito County is a delightful destination that offers a unique blend of agriculture, wine, food, and history. Whether you’re stocking up on dried fruit and walnuts at Fairhaven Orchards, sipping on exquisite wines at Satori Cellars, or enjoying a tour of Mission San Juan Bautista, this area of the Golden State promises an unforgettable experience – so pack your bags, hit the road, and discover San Benito County!
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!
Nothing is 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.
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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.
Wondering Where to Head after Visiting San Benito County?
Where to go next on your agritour? Check out these nearby Santa Cruz County gems. Click on the images below to learn more about these delicious California destinations.
This article was written by Meg van der Kruik. Photo credit James Collier for California Grown.
When it comes to finding the best fresh and dried apricots, cherries, and walnuts, look no further than Fairhaven Orchards in Hollister. This family-run farm has been in business since 1958, offering top-notch produce that leaves taste buds yearning for more. Fairhaven Orchards embodies the heart and soul of California agriculture, from its fresh fruit and luscious dried apricots to its flavorful walnuts.
A Rich Heritage: Generations Of Farming Excellence
Nestled in the fertile lands of Hollister Ranch, is Fairhaven Orchards – a labor of love for three sisters and their families. They are passionate about keeping this family farm’s legacy alive for years to come.
Julie Gillio and Nicole Rakovich are two of three daughters who are carrying on their family’s farming traditions at Fairhaven Orchards in Hollister, California.
“My father and uncle started farming here in 1958. When my uncle passed away in 2007, my brother and I started working full-time with my dad to help him out with the farm. My brother got sick, and he was our main farmer. He instilled a lot of the great farming practices that we have here today.
When my brother passed, all three of my siblings decided that we were going to take it on and keep this family tradition going. Since then, our husbands have gotten involved. My sister Julie’s husband, Tim, is our main farm manager, and my husband, as well as my brother-in-law, are involved with our harvest operations. My sister is involved in the harvest practices as well. When everything gets busy, it’s all hands on deck,” says Nicole.
Growing Community and Family: The Heart of Fairhaven Orchards
Fairhaven Orchards is not just about growing fruit; it’s about community and family. Nicole shares:
“Some of our employees have been working for us for 40 years. Even those who aren’t with us anymore still come back and visit. They treat our land like it is theirs, and now their children and grandchildren are coming back and working for us,” says Nicole.
This sense of family extends to their customers, who return year after year to enjoy the fresh fruit and friendly atmosphere.
Fabulous California Blenheim Apricots: A Rare Delicacy
The Royal Blenheim apricot is a rare gem in the world of dried apricots. It grows well in the mild climate of Hollister, and these California apricots offer a distinctive sweet flavor you are not likely to find in your local grocery store. Julie explains:
“You can’t grow Royal Blenheim just anywhere. There’s a very small region where you can grow a Royal Blenheim apricot, and Hollister’s the ideal climate,” says Julie.
This region’s unique conditions, including just the right amount of chill hours, make these apricots exceptional. Their delicious flavor and sweet notes set them apart from Mediterranean apricots and Turkish apricots, making them a must-try varietal.
Here Are A Few Of Our Favorite Dried Apricot Recipes:
The distinctive flavor of Fairhaven Orchard’s dried apricots makes them perfect for all sorts of occasions. They make a great snack on their own, and are also wonderful in all sorts of recipes – like the ones below.
What Types of Dried Apricots Are Available at Fairhaven Orchards?
Fairhaven Orchards offers different types of dried apricots, including slab apricots, colossal apricots, jumbo extra-large, and extra fancy apricots, to suit different preferences and occasions.
“We only have one variety of dried apricots, the Royal Blenheim, but we grade the apricots once they’re dried in two different sizes.
The slab apricot is an overripe apricot, and when you put it on the (drying) trays, it falls apart a little bit because they’re so sweet and sticky.
The colossal apricot is our biggest apricot, and they’re beautiful for charcuterie boards and chocolate dipping. Those are the ones that you want to purchase when you’re going to do something great with them, something fancy, like a dinner party.“
“Then we have kind of the middle of the road, it’s the jumbo extra large, it’s a super delicious, medium-sized apricot. And we do have others; we offer extra fancy, and those are even smaller than the jumbos.“
Where can you purchase Fairhaven Orchards Dried Apricots?
- In-person: Fairhaven Orchard’s farm stand is located in the heart of San Benito County in Hollister, California. If you’d like to plan a visit, their address is 1448 Bolsa Road.
- If you live or are in California, you may be able to find their products in stock at a nearby boutique grocer.
“We carry our product in a lot of boutique grocery stores all through California from Napa down to Ventura and even further south, close to the border of Mexico. They have a stand down there that sells our apricots,” says Julie.
- Online: You can order dried apricots, dried cherries, and walnuts directly from Fairhaven Orchard’s website by clicking here.
Health Benefits of Dried Fruit: Both Delicious and Nutritious
Fairhaven Orchards’ dried apricots are a healthy snack packed with nutritious benefits. They are a good source of fiber and a great source of the antioxidants vitamin A and vitamin C.
The unique tray-drying process at Fairhaven Orchards ensures that these apricots retain their intense flavor and delicious sweetness. Whether you enjoy them on their own, in granola bars, or in your favorite recipes, these dried apricots are sure to satisfy. Want to learn more about the benefits of dried fruit? Click here to read the article.
Dried Fruit: A Pantry Staple Worth Exploring.
Dried fruit is like Mother Nature’s fruit snacks – and is amazing in both sweet and savory dishes.
Did you know that the recommended daily serving of fruit for a 2,000-calorie diet is 2 cups? It’s true! I’m 100% sure I am not eating my quota, and I’m betting that you may not be either. There is no easier way to eat your share than by nibbling on dried fruit from California. Click here to learn more.
Fairhaven Orchards Cherries: A Feast for the Senses
Fairhaven Orchards isn’t just about apricots. They also boast some of the most amazing fresh and dried cherries in California.
“Another special thing about our fruit stand is we have a lot of variety of cherries, and when you go to a grocery store, you really don’t know what variety you’re purchasing. Here at Fairhaven, we have several varieties, and customers always have their favorites. We have Royal Hellens, Royal Hazel, and Black Pearl is a new variety that my brother planted, and it’s really popular. It’s a nice, big, sweet black cherry. We have a pie cherry, it’s called a Tartarian. They’re small cherries with more water content, so they’re perfect for pies. Then we also have a, kind of blush cherry, and it’s called the Rainier. It’s not my favorite, but a lot of customers do like it,” says Julie.
Walnuts: The Unsung Heroes
Fairhaven Orchards also offers some of the finest walnuts in California. Nicole shares some valuable storage tips:
“When you buy a product from Fairhaven Orchards, whether it be dried apricots or walnuts or even fresh cherries, you’re going to want to put those in refrigeration. That’s the best way to preserve them after you’ve opened the package. And if you’re going to have long-term storage with those dried apricots or walnuts, you’re going to want to put them in the freezer to preserve the peak color in those dried apricots and taste in those walnuts,” says Nicole.
Visit Fairhaven Orchards: An Experience Like No Other
Visiting Fairhaven Orchards is more than just a trip to the farm; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect spot for a day trip in the scenic Santa Clara Valley. The region boasts beautiful wineries, hiking trails at the Pinnacles, and off-roading at Hollister Hills. Plus, their Red Barn is a charming place to pick up fruit and nuts for snacks on the ride home.
Fairhaven Orchards stands out as a seller of the vanishing Blenheim apricot and other top tier produce. Their commitment to quality and family values makes them a cornerstone of California agriculture. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a nutritious snack or looking to elevate your savory dishes, remember Fairhaven Orchards—the home of the best-tasting apricots, cherries, and walnuts in California.
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This article was written by Meg van der Kruik. Photo credit James Collier for California Grown.