Cassidy Ranch
Located amid the rolling vineyards of the Carneros wine region in Sonoma County, Cassidy Ranch stands out. Not because they don’t have vineyards — in fact, they do grow wine grapes for their estate wines — but because of all the other crops and offerings. Their fields and greenhouses are brimming with flowers, vegetables, and strawberries, and visitors are welcome to explore the farm, harvest the seasonal bounty, and learn about the local food system on a deeper level. Cassidy Ranch also host various agricultural as well as cultural experiences, including farm tours, author talks, food preservation and other DIY workshops, a new strawberry festival, and even pickleball courts. And they are reaching a new audience with their engaging Instagram account, where co-owner/farmer Elizabeth Stein gets real about what it’s like to farm, raise a child, and adapt to the changing economy and all the challenges that go with it. In short, Cassidy Ranch has taken a modern, unconventional approach to diversified farming, with inspiring results. In this Member Spotlight, we visit with Elizabeth, along with her husband, Tucker, and their toddler son, Wesley, to learn more about her background and their vision for the future.
Cassidy Ranch, 22661 S. Central Ave., Sonoma; cassidy-ranch.com, IG: @cassidy_ranch
How did you get interested in farming?
I spent most of my career in the food and wine industries, but I didn’t know much about farming until we moved to Sonoma in 2020. Before that, I worked as a sommelier in the wine industry and later as the founder of a plant-based snack company. Food had always been at the center of my work, but moving here made me curious about where it all begins.
After the move, I signed up for a series of viticulture and farming classes and quickly fell in love with farming and the rhythms of the growing season. Not long after finishing my viticulture studies, the owners of a small farm in our neighborhood announced they were shutting down. It was one of the last diversified farms in Sonoma and had once grown produce and flowers for Bi-Rite grocery stores.
My husband Tucker and I saw an opportunity to keep the land in agriculture, and we jumped in. We began farming the property in 2022. What I love most is the challenge of working with nature and the incredible satisfaction of growing something from seed to a beautiful flower or vegetable that someone gets to enjoy.
What is the history of your farm?
My husband, Tucker, and I started Cassidy Ranch in 2021. The land itself has a long agricultural history and was once one of the early diversified farms in Sonoma Valley, dating back to the 1800s. When we took it over, our goal was to preserve that legacy while bringing new life and creativity to the farm.
We began by replanting an eight-acre vineyard and slowly building out our vision for a diversified farm filled with flowers, fruit, vegetables, and herbs. Today, Cassidy Ranch is centered around creating an experience for visitors—we operate under a u-pick model where guests can wander the fields, harvest flowers and produce, and learn about how food is grown.
We also host farm tours, run an onsite farm stand, and sell at two local farmers’ markets. Our hope is that people leave the farm feeling more connected to the land and the food they eat.
What do you grow?
Cassidy Ranch is a small diversified farm where we grow grapevines (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Merlot), along with cut flowers, berries, herbs, and a wide variety of vegetables. The flower fields are a big part of the farm’s personality—guests love walking through them and building their own bouquets.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
One of the most rewarding parts of farming is sharing the experience with other people. I love giving tours of the farm, talking about organic farming practices, and watching visitors discover something new.
There’s something special about seeing someone wander through the flower fields or pick their own produce for the first time. Those moments remind me why we built Cassidy Ranch—to create a place where people can slow down, connect with nature, and enjoy the beauty of a working farm.
What do you value about being a member of Farm Trails?
Farm Trails has given us a wonderful community of like-minded farmers and producers who are passionate about local agriculture. It’s been incredibly helpful to connect with others who are navigating the same challenges and opportunities.
The Spring and Fall Farm Trails weekends are always a highlight for us. It’s such a fun opportunity to open our gates, welcome new visitors to the farm, and share why small, local farms matter.
What are your hopes for the future of your business and/or Sonoma County agriculture?
We hope to continue growing Cassidy Ranch as a place where people can experience agriculture firsthand—picking flowers, harvesting produce, and learning about how food is grown.
More broadly, I hope Sonoma County continues to support small, diversified farms. These farms are so important for preserving agricultural land, building local food systems, and giving people meaningful connections to the land.
What advice would you give a new farmer?
Be patient and give yourself time to learn your land. It took us about three years to really understand our soil, our microclimate, and what grows well here.
I also recommend experimenting with different business models. Try CSAs, farm stands, farmers’ markets, or U-pick experiences until you find the mix that works for your farm and your community. Farming is both an agricultural and creative process, and sometimes the best ideas come from trying something new.
Photos by Kelsey Joy Photography
