Cider pressing with Ethic Cider. Go on a Fall Farm Adventure Sept. 27 & 28 with Sonoma County Farm Trails. (Sonoma Farm Trails_

As autumn leaves start to turn and the air grows crisp, Sonoma County is gearing up for one of its most beloved seasonal events: Weekend Along the Farm Trails. This annual fall tour, happening Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 27–28, invites locals and visitors alike to celebrate the harvest across dozens of farms and artisanal producers. It’s a casual, self-paced open house of agriculture at the peak of harvest, where you can bask in the rustic charm of Sonoma’s countryside and savor the bounty of the season. All are welcome – in fact, the event is free to attend (with a quick online registration) and offers something to delight all ages.

There’s nothing quite like fall in Sonoma County. The rolling vineyards glow gold, orchards hang heavy with ripe apples, and pumpkin patches dot the landscape with bright orange. During the Farm Trails weekend, this idyllic setting becomes an autumn playground. Visitors can meet local farmers and friendly farm animals, enjoy guided tours and tastings, and take part in hands-on workshops that showcase the region’s

agricultural splendor. It’s not just a family affair, either; whether you’re a parent with kids in tow, a couple on a fall outing or a solo adventurer, the warm, welcoming vibe will draw you in.

What better way to embrace the season than roaming country roads and discovering farm-fresh fun at every stop? Weekend Along the Farm Trails truly offers a choose-your-own adventure, with more than 20 participating locations across the county. Here are just a few of the harvest-time highlights you can look forward to: • Pick your own produce: Stroll through patches and orchards to pick pumpkins, apples, squash or even bouquets of fresh-cut flowers right from the field. • Hayrides and orchard tours: Climb aboard a hay wagon or an old-fashioned apple trolley for a ride through the farm. • Meet the animals: From cuddly goats and sheep to chickens and cows, plenty of barnyard buddies are waiting to say hello. • Tastings and treats: Sample artisan jams and honeys, sip fresh-pressed apple cider (or even local wine and craft cider for the adults) and enjoy homemade baked goods. • Hands-on workshops: Learn about jam making, soap crafting, beekeeping, pollinator gardening and more.

Part of the magic of this weekend is the diversity of farms and experiences on the tour. Each stop has its own personality and charm, giving you a real taste of Sonoma County’s agricultural heritage. Whether you’re winding through a lavender labyrinth at Bees N Blooms in Santa Rosa or hopping on an orchard apple trolley at Gold Ridge Organic Farms in Sebastopol, you’ll find unique activities that capture the spirit of fall.

At Petaluma’s Deep Roots Farm, for instance, families can enjoy a classic pumpkin patch complete with hayrides and kids’ games, while just down the road, Lala’s Jam Bar might be whipping up small-batch preserves and offering sweet samples of their seasonal spreads.

Foodies will find plenty to love along the Farm Trails. You can sip a glass of local cider or wine paired with farmstead cheese at Horse & Plow in Sebastopol, or savor an apple brandy tasting at Ambix Spirits, known for its heritage apple orchard and distillery. Those with a DIY streak can visit Soap Cauldron in Penngrove for a soap-making demonstration, or head to Zannah Farms in Santa Rosa, where you can craft your own floral bouquet straight from the fields.

Animal enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Goatlandia in Sebastopol, a farm sanctuary where friendly goats and other rescues await a cuddle or a treat – a heartwarming experience that often ends up being a highlight for many visitors. In every corner of the county, from the coastal ranchlands of Tomales to the apple orchards of Sebastopol, there’s something special to discover.

Beyond the individual activities, Weekend Along the Farm Trails is about celebrating community and tradition. Sonoma County Farm Trails, the nonprofit behind the event, has been connecting the public with local farms for more than 50 years, fostering a deep appreciation for the county’s agricultural roots. This annual fall tour carries on that legacy. Longtime attendees often describe it as “Sonoma County at its purest” – a weekend where urban dwellers, rural farmers and everyone in between come together to share in the simple joys of harvest time.

So mark your calendar and plan to hit the road for a leisurely fall farm adventure. Wear your cozy flannel, grab a basket for all the apples and pumpkins you’ll collect, and get ready to breathe in that sweet autumn air. Whether you’re navigating a corn maze, learning to churn apple butter or just relaxing under an old oak tree with a cup of fresh cider, Weekend Along the Farm Trails promises a memorable slice of Sonoma’s fall life. Don’t miss this chance to soak up the season’s warmth, meet the folks who grow your food and

experience firsthand the rich tapestry of farms that make Sonoma County so special. It’s fall fun, farm-fresh and served up with Sonoma style – see you on the Farm Trails!