Scenic Route the Pit stops at California farms and ranches Chilly days call for an adventure. Many tasting rooms see smaller crowds in winter, giving visitors a chance to explore, meet the people behind the products and enjoy locally crafted goods right where they’re produced. On your next road trip, make a stop and get a taste of what California agriculture has to offer. Here are three ideas to get you started.
Good for you Tips and insights from a registered dietitian By Ashley Hawk
Talley Vineyards, Arroyo Grande Nestled in the San Luis Obispo Coast AVA, this family-owned winery is led by third-generation farmer Brian Talley. With farming roots dating back to 1948,
Talley Vineyards emphasizes stewardship, sustainability and the land. Visitors can enjoy tastings of estate-grown chardonnay and pinot noir while learning how coastal climate, farming practices and family legacy shape each bottle. To complement the wine-tasting experience, Talley Vineyards offers culinary pairings featuring local artisan cheeses. talleyvineyards.com
Earthy, savory and endlessly versatile, mushrooms are one of the most underrated foods in the produce aisle. They add depth and richness to meals while delivering impressive nutrition—no matter how you slice or sauté them. Health benefits of mushrooms Mushrooms may be low in calories, but they’re rich in the nutrients your body relies on daily. • Support immune health: Mushrooms contain antioxidants such as ergothioneine and beta-glucans that help protect cells and support immune function. • Heart-healthy: They’re naturally low in sodium and rich in potassium, which supports healthy blood pressure. • Energy support: B vitamins found in mushrooms help the body convert food into energy. • A rare plant-based source of vitamin D: Some mushrooms provide vitamin D, especially those exposed to UV light. Are all mushrooms created equal? Not exactly. Different varieties offer unique flavors and benefits. • White button and cremini: Mild, affordable and versatile for everyday cooking. • Portobello: Meaty texture that works well as a plant-forward main dish. • Shiitake: Rich, savory flavor with compounds linked to immune and heart health. • Oyster and maitake: Delicate textures with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Easy ways to use mushrooms The good news? All mushrooms offer benefits, so choosing a variety you enjoy is what matters most. Mushrooms adapt effortlessly to almost any meal. Why mushrooms deserve a spot on your plate
Olivina, Livermore
Established in 1881, Olivina is the largest olive orchard in the East Bay, with more than 10,000 trees rooted in Livermore Valley soil. Olives are
grown, harvested, milled and bottled entirely on the estate. Under Master Miller Charles Crohare, the team produces six distinct cultivars shaped by varietal and season. Visitors can walk the orchard, sample oils and explore a working operation with deep agricultural roots. Monthly tastings are hosted the first and third Sunday, with private groups by appointment. theolivina.com
Gowan’s Cider, Philo For 150 years, the Gowan family has crafted cider from organic heirloom apples grown in Mendocino County’s Anderson Valley. The
• Sauté with garlic and olive oil as a simple side. • Add to omelets, scrambles or breakfast burritos.
multigeneration business grows, harvests and presses its apples on site, producing fruit-forward alcoholic and nonalcoholic ciders shaped by the region’s climate and soils. Named Cidery of the Year by the American Beer Festival, Gowan’s Cider reflects a long history of hands-on orchard work. Visitors can taste cider beneath the apple trees or take home a bottle—and maybe even return for a refill. gowansheirloomcider.com
• Roast with herbs and vegetables for an easy sheet-pan dinner. • Finely chop and mix into ground meat for tacos, burgers or sauces. • Stir into soups, grain bowls and pasta for extra flavor and texture.
The bottom line: Whether you’re cooking for flavor, nutrition or both, mushrooms deliver. They enhance meals with savory depth while quietly supporting heart health, immunity and overall wellness—proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated.
Farm Bureau members: Do you operate an agritourism site? Contact us to be featured: agalert@cfbf.com.
Ashley Hawk is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutritional science. To learn more tips and tricks to help you feel your best, follow her at @ashleyhawkrd.
Winter 2026 California Bountiful 7
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