The Official Guide to the 2026 Rustic Ramble
Spring is the most beautiful time of year to visit the Capay Valley and the best way to experience it is during the Rustic Ramble, happening on Sunday, April 26.
The Rustic Ramble is a self-guided tour of farms and gardens in the beautiful Capay Valley providing opportunities to explore farms, orchards, and private gardens that are rarely open to the public. Stops include tours, tastings, and hands-on activities, plus you can meet the farmers and gardeners that steward the land.
There is something for everyone and stops to meet every interest:
FARMS
Farms form the backbone of the Capay Valley and several will be welcoming guests for the Rustic Ramble. Have you ever seen asparagus grow? Do you know what it takes to grow almonds organically? Have you ever tried fresh, robust olive oil? There are so many opportunities to learn more about how your food is grown at all of the farms featured, including: Durst Organic Growers (asparagus), Full Belly Farm (flowers and animals), Sun Tracker Farm (mixed vegetables and poultry), Good Humus (mixed vegetables, flowers, and fruit), Pasture 42 (animals, olives, almonds, and fruit), Capay Valley Lavender (lavender), Grumpy Goats (olives), Capay Hills Orchard (almonds), Luna Lavender (lavender), and Vitis & Ovis (ducks, fruit, vegetables).
GARDENS
Get inspiration for your garden by checking out the fabulous home gardens on this tour! Gray's Garden in Guinda features fruit trees, a pond, and native plantings (trees, shrubs, and perennials). Judith’s Garden in Guinda and the Nordstrom Garden in Esparto both feature drought-tolerant, bee friendly, and California native plants. The Yoche Hedgerow tour has even more native plants and the Esparto library garden is also worth a look.
FLOWERS
If you’re a flower lover, there are a few stops you can’t miss. Full Belly Farm’s 15 acre field of colorful spring flowers is a must-see experience. Good Humus features a quaint flower field and a 40 year old cottage garden. Luna Lavender and Taber Ranch both have beautiful gardens filled with roses that host spring weddings.
GREAT FOR KIDS
This is certainly a kid-friendly event, with discounted tickets for youth, and several stops that are especially fun for young visitors. All stops on the tour are kid friendly and have ample space for young ones to learn and explore. Sun Tracker Farm and Vitis & Ovis Farm will have kid-centered activities and are both excellent stops for families.
ANIMALS:
Animal lovers will have plenty to enjoy throughout the tour. Visitors can meet sheep, chickens, cows, and pigs at Pasture 42; ducks at Vitis & Ovis (ducks); cows and sheep at Full Belly Farm; and other animals at participating spots throughout the valley.
FOOD:
No celebration of agriculture is complete without food! Don’t miss the Taste of Capay Picnic at Polestar Farm in Esparto from 1-4:30 pm featuring meat, produce, and other products grown and raised in the Capay Valley. The picnic menu includes lamb tacos by Wind Dancer Ranch, pizza by Lucy’s Cafe, beef from Quail Cache Ranch, a charcuterie spread sponsored by the Sacramento Natural Foods Coop, salads and dessert by Chef Isac of the Full Belly Farm Kitchen, crudite and dips created by the Esparto High School Culinary program, and much more!
That’s not the only opportunity to enjoy excellent local fare. Other options for tasty food include: Good Humus (pizza), Guinda Grange (ice cream and famous almond roca), Taber Ranch (pizza and salads), Seka Hills (sandwiches and salads), and Lucy’s (coffee and pastries) will also be open for food.
And for those looking to take home a bit of the Capay Valley with them, many of the sites will feature market stands filled with their products and produce.
Clearly, the Rustic Ramble has something for everyone. Whether you’re here for the food, visiting farms, or a slow day in the countryside, the Rustic Ramble offers a deeper way to experience the Capay Valley. Come and experience it for yourself! There are three ticket types: (1) the Farm and Garden Trail and the Taste of Capay Picnic, (2) just the Trail, and (3) just the Picnic.
