Guests from around the world are drawn to the family-run ranch, which is a 105-acre agricultural preserve and working farm of estate vineyards, olive orchards, gardens and fruit trees. It is also home to sheep, burros, chickens and guardian dogs. “We live really kind of hectic and connected lives and sometimes silencing that and just enjoying some open space or connecting with animals and plants really feels right,” Benward said. A slice of rural life Beltane Ranch is one of hundreds of sites throughout California where farm and ranch owners welcome guests seeking an opportunity to experience a slice of rural life. Agritourism, as it’s called, encompasses a range of activities from horseback riding, pumpkin patches and wine trails to corn mazes, U-pick orchards and farm stays such as Beltane Ranch. A repeat visitor, Morgan Dewey said she and her family stay there frequently after having identified it as a perfect venue for her wedding in 2010. “The family is so lovely and warm and they clearly are passionate about the history of the place and preserving it and making it sustainable,” the San Francisco resident said. “I appreciate their warmth and hospitality. It is just one of our favorite places in the world.” A member of Beltane Ranch’s wine club, Dewey said she returns to the ranch for special events, to celebrate anniversaries or to dine and drink a great glass of wine. “The property is incredible. I just don’t know of any- thing else like it in the area,” Dewey said, adding that the hosts consider the needs of all guests—including the youngest. “They’re really sweet with the kids,” she said. “They have a junior rancher map that shows where to walk around the property: Here’s where the sheep are and here’s where the carrots are that you can feed to the horses.” Behind the scenes “Presenting an experience to people that wows the guests” is one of the family’s goals, according to Lauren Benward’s brother, Alex. He oversees the general farming operations at Beltane Ranch, while his partner, Kelly Koeberer, manages livestock and horticulture. “Sharing what we do and seeing it click is just amazing,” he said. “To see people learn and get excited and be like, ‘I didn’t know this is how asparagus grows’ is great.” Koeberer pointed out that guests can simply relax at the ranch or pursue a more immersive experience. “They can walk through the vineyard and visit the sheep. Or they might pick raspberries or jump in and
Beltane Ranch’s historic estate inn, right, was built in 1892 and purchased by the current owners’ family in 1936. Guest rooms and common areas showcase photos, heirlooms and furnishings, above, that tell the story of the property’s caretakers. Today, Alexa Wood and her children, Lauren and Alex Benward, own the Sonoma County ranch.
26
May/June 2022
Powered by FlippingBook