Sierra Oro Farm Trail returns for five weekends in October – Chico Enterprise-Record

The Sierra Oro Farm Trail returns in October for its 17th year showcasing the bounty of farms and wineries in Butte County.

Traditionally, the event has been held over a single weekend, but this year’s Farm Trail will run on all five weekends in October, giving ticket holders more opportunities to visit, explore and to sample the offerings of 31 farms and wineries.

It will also make venues less congested, easier parking, allow for easier social distancing and make it easier for farmers and winegrowers to manage the event, said Nicole Johansson, organizer of Sierra Oro Farm Trail.

“The Sierra Oro Farm Trail is growing so that we can accommodate more guests with an improved experience, fewer people and more promotions. Plus, this move to a one-month visit gives customers more time to lay down and enjoy their favorite stops at will without having to rush, ”said Johansson.

Over the past few years, ticket sales have been capped at 2,500 and sold out, bringing many people to farms and wineries over two “fun but eventful,” days, Johansson said. With the event extended to 10 days over five weekends, ticket sales will not be capped, allowing more people to participate.

“Stretching it brings a lot of benefits,” Johansson said.

Although the farm trail has been widened, the cost of a mobile pass that will allow shoppers to access each location once in the month for a tasting has not increased. The price remains the same as in previous years – $ 40 – and children 12 and under are free.

Pass holders can set their own pace as they explore the 31 farms and wineries, as the times for each stop are displayed in the mobile pass. Locations are open on weekends and many have added hours during the week. The mobile pass also gives access to special discounts and events throughout the month worth more than $ 150, according to Johansson.

“One of the reasons our trail has been so popular for almost 20 years is the incredible diversity of agriculture we have here. There are so many different cultures, special cultures, wines and specialty foods that people can experience on the trail while meeting the people who cultivate and produce the rich bounty, ”said Johansson

Participating farms and wineries include Almendra Winery & Distillery, Book Family Farm, Butte College Environmental Horticulture Nursery, Butte View Olive Company, Calolea Olive Oil, Chico State University Farm, Dog Creek Cellars, Earthworm Soil Factory, Gale Vineyards, Harvest Hill Farm , Hickman Family Vineyards, Hodges Nursery and Gifts, LaRocca Vineyards, Lavender Ranch, Live Vine Wines, Llano Seco Rancho, Lodestar Farms, Long Creek Winery and Ranch, Lundberg Farms, Maisie Jane’s California Sunshine Products, Milk and Honey 1860, Mooney Farms, Nescere Vineyards, New Clairvaux Vineyard, Noble Orchards, Odyssey Winery, Patrick Ranch Museum, Pedrozo Dairy and Cheese Company, Purple Line Urban Winery, Sohnrey Family Foods, Spencer Shirey Wines, TJ Farms and Wooley Farms.

“Butte County was like the zero point of tragedy. These farmers and winegrowers have been hit by disaster after disaster – the ruptured spillway, fires, power outages and the pandemic. It all affected their businesses. The Farm Trail gives anyone who buys a pass and the opportunity to reinvest and buy locally, ”Johansson said.

The Sierra Oro Farm Trail is sponsored by the Butte County Farm Bureau, Explore Butte County, and Tri Counties Bank.

To purchase a mobile pass for Sierra Oro Farm Trail, visit www.sierraoro.org.