Spotlight on Smokey Ridge Ranch – Farmstand & Winery
If you’ve driven along Carson Road, you’ve probably noticed the charming barn that’s home to Smokey Ridge Farm’s fruit stand and wine tasting. The family-owned, sustainably farmed ranch was purchased in 1924 and is now in its fourth generation of owners.
Now that apple season is upon us, the barn is buzzing with activity. Smokey Ridge grows all their produce on site, including 17 varieties of apples, olives, chestnuts and figs as well as wine grapes making it a one-stop-shop for wine tasting, fresh produce and gourmet items.
Since apples are the marquee fruit this time of year, Smokey Ridge offers side-by-side tastings of traditional apple varieties like Winesap, Jonathan, Macintosh, Granny Smith, Rhode Island Greenings, Arkansas Blacks, Red Delicious and Golden Delicious as well as newer varieties including Mutsu (the most popular!), Jonagold, Pink Ladies and Fuji. Guests are welcome to stroll into the orchard and pick their favorites themselves.
Have you ever picked your own chestnuts? These delicious nuts are available for u-pick in late September into October. They also produce a line of artisan preserves, condiments, and hard apple cider. A visit to Smokey Ridge is an opportunity to discover something new.
As a compliment to their delicious produce, guests can taste their full spectrum of red wines, including Syrah, Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Tempranillo and Grenache. If your tastes run sweeter, guests can sample Rosé and Late Harvest Zin. The vines were planted in 1999 and produce just 500 cases a year – so be sure to try them before they are gone!
Smokey Ridge is open May 7 through December. See more information here.
Insider tip: Show up early to beat the crowds during October, the busiest time of the year.