Sustainable Culinary Experiences in Sonoma County

Farming is a way of life for many in Sonoma County, where sustainability isn’t a catchphrase — it’s paramount to caring for the land and community. Producers of Sonoma County veggies, fruit, dairy, and more believe in the health and safety of the soil, water, air, workers, neighbors, and animals. This commitment to sustainable farming produces not only a collective well-being but also a bounty of colorful, nutritious food.

Here are a few extraordinary experiences to discover while supporting sustainability in the renowned agricultural and culinary region of Sonoma Wine Country.

Farmers’ Market Tour, Cooking Workshop & Lunch with Relish Culinary Adventures

This half-day tour begins at the Healdsburg Farmers’ Market, where you’ll meet local farmers and producers to learn about their sustainably harvested bounty. Then, you’ll select market ingredients such as seafood, veggies, herbs, and artisan cheeses. There will be extra time to purchase take-home treasures, too.

You’ll then proceed to the nearby Relish Culinary Center for a hands-on cooking workshop. The payoff for your labors? Enjoying the seasonal lunch you helped create, paired with tastes of local wines.

Vegan Wine & Farm Sanctuary Tour with La Belle Vie Tours

Hop aboard a Mercedes Sprinter van for a fun, guided tour of Charlie’s Acres, a Sonoma Valley farm sanctuary that’s home to about 140 rescued pigs, goats, cows, chickens, and horses. Afterward, you’ll visit two Sonoma County wineries known for their vegan wines (wines clarified with non-animal-based fining agents) and enjoy an al fresco vegan box lunch. Leaving from and returning to downtown Sonoma, this deliciously plant-based experience lasts six hours.

Hands-On Cheesemaking Classes with The Epicurean Connection

With an inspiring passion for Sonoma County farmstead cheese, chef and cheesemaker Sheana Davis will show you how to make your own cheese within 90 minutes — and how to use it deliciously. In addition to creating a roughly 3-pound wheel of fresh ricotta (that you’ll have to share with others) and learning about sustainable dairy production in the county, you’ll enjoy a cheese board and wine and take home some cheesemaking tools of your own.

Apple Picking at Chileno Valley Ranch

Most of the year, Mike and Sally Gale raise grass-fed beef and lamb on their Petaluma ranch, but come autumn, they invite you to celebrate the season by picking apples from their sustainably farmed orchard. Of the 15 varieties grown here — including Honey Crisp, Pink Lady, and Arkansas Black — 3 or 4 are usually available at any one time. Reservations for 90-minute U-Pick appointments must be made in advance and there’ll be plenty of apple recipes on offer.

Mushroom Forays with the Sonoma County Mycological Association (SOMA)

Hunting in the woods for wild mushrooms is a (wildly) popular pastime in Sonoma County, but to ensure a sustainable, tasty, and non-toxic harvest — forage with a knowledgeable guide. Throughout the fall, winter, and spring, SOMA holds guided forays that depart from Salt Point State Park by 10 am and end with specimen identification and (if you’re game to bring some grub to share) a potluck lunch. See the SOMA website for fees, sign-up info, and what to bring on your mushroom collection adventure.