The San Francisco Bay Area—made up of nine counties encircling the Bay—may be best known for tech and iconic cityscapes, but it also boasts a rich agricultural legacy. Thanks to diverse microclimates and fertile soils, the region produces everything from wine grapes to organic vegetables. Fog-cooled vineyards in Napa and Sonoma yield world-class wines, while Marin and Santa Cruz Counties support thriving organic farms. Along the Half Moon Bay and Pescadero coast, you’ll find fields of Brussels sprouts, artichokes, and strawberries. The East Bay’s hills host cattle ranches and olive groves, while the Santa Clara Valley—once called the “Valley of Heart’s Delight”—still grows cherries, apricots, and winegrapes. Even urban areas support agriculture through community gardens, rooftop farms, and backyard orchards.
Agritourism here is as varied as the region itself. Napa and Sonoma offer immersive wine experiences, from vineyard tours to winemaker-led blending sessions. On the coast, Swanton Berry Farm invites visitors to pick organic strawberries or enjoy pies with a view of the Pacific. Marin and Sonoma are cheese-lover havens, home to artisan dairies offering tastings and farm tours. The Bay Area’s farmers markets are among the state’s best, with the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market in San Francisco drawing chefs and foodies from across the region.
Whether you’re sipping Cabernet in a sun-soaked vineyard, sampling fresh goat cheese in rolling hills, or picking berries along the coast, the Bay Area delivers a vibrant mix of flavor, landscape, and tradition. Its agricultural scene—both rural and urban—is essential to the region’s identity and offers visitors a delicious way to connect with CA GROWN food.
The Bay Area has long been at the forefront of the farm-to-table movement thanks to its proximity to world-class farms, dairies, and fisheries. Here, chefs forge close relationships with local growers, ensuring that their menus highlight the freshest, most sustainable ingredients each season has to offer. From intimate farm dinners to hyper-local tasting menus, these […]
The Bay Area is home to several under-the-radar wine regions offering stunning landscapes, exceptional wines, and intimate tasting experiences.
Take a twirl in a garlic bulb or swing through the air on a mushroom chair at the world’s only produce and agriculture-driven theme park, Gilroy Gardens!
Visit Roses of Yesterday and Today at the basin of the Byrne-Milliron Forest in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Home to over 230 varieties of old, rare, unusual and selected modern roses.
Add these family friendly wineries to your summer vacation itinerary! Activities like hiking, ziplining, farm tours and grape juice tastings help keep younger guests occupied while the adults enjoy a glass (or two) of wine in peace.
