Whether you call it farm-to-table, farm-to-fork, dining in the fields, agritourismo, or agritourism, the topic has risen like cream and caught the imagination of city slickers everywhere. The big difference now is that in the last 10 years, the rise of small organic farms and the quality and reliability of their produce has increased tremendously. This is a bonanza for those of us with a yearning for food we can relate to on all levels. Agritourism helps to reconnect diners to the origins of food and honors the local farmers and food artisans who cultivate and create it, all while having a fun time in the outdoors and being close to nature.
Here in Northern California, there are many opportunities to indulge in fine dining in the midst of fields or vineyards.
Sol Yoga Trips features events at Gospel Flats Farm in Bolinas, CA that include learning to cultivate vegetables yourself, practicing yoga, and enjoying a splendid feast.
On the outskirts of Petaluma, at Della Fattoria/Webber Farms you can explore one of the Bay Area’s finest bakeries and then sit down to a major feast – including their famed and beautiful breads.
Outstanding In The Field stages plein aire events each year off and on independent farms and artisanal ranches across the country. Local chefs create extraordinary feasts in impromptu kitchens and folks flock to join in the fun and celebrate the seasonal bounty, community spirit, and the wonderful friendships which can be made over the dining table.
Many agritourism dinners feature one long table that everyone shares, whether it’s amidst the backdrop of lavender fields, cow pastures, or rolling vineyards, this sets a style that is totally anchored in a sense of place and of course a sense of the theatrical.
If the thought of enjoying fruits and vegetables grown right where you are and dining on succulent roasted meats raised on the farm appeals to you, then the rich, cultural experience that combines a love of food with the local land heritage is sure to capture your attention.
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