Current Press

The decision by S. Martinelli & Co. to discontinue contracts with regional growers has left many Watsonville-area apple growers without a processor for fruit previously supplied to the company.

Jake Mann of Five Mile Orchards, which manages more than 40 hectares in Corralitos, said the company has sourced fruit from Washington that was originally grown for the fresh market.

"We've grown up together," Mann said. "But now they can get fruit from Washington grown for the fresh market: big, really juicy, almost perfect, because they're rejects for a grocery market or farmstand, for super cheap."

In response, Gold Ridge Organic Farms in Sebastopol is expanding its processing capacity. The company, founded in 2000, is developing Heritage Apple Press, a 1,860-square-meter organic-certified processing facility in Santa Rosa scheduled to open this autumn.

"When we saw what was happening in Santa Cruz [with Martinelli's shift in sourcing], we started thinking about some really great varieties there that can work well with what we're doing here," said founder Brooke Hazen.

The new facility is designed to wash and pack up to 10 tons of fresh apples while processing 30 to 50 tons of apples into juice, cider, and vinegar.

Gold Ridge said the project follows similar developments in Sonoma County after processor Manzana Products Company announced plans to relocate its headquarters to Washington state, although the move has since been postponed until 2027.

"When we saw what was happening with Manzana, we wanted to see if someone else stepped up," Hazen said. "Growers are terrified. Some were crying, actually. It's your livelihood."

Mann said the new facility is unlikely to replace all of the processing capacity previously provided by Martinelli but welcomed the investment.

"I get the sense Gold Ridge won't support the complete replacement for all the fruit grown for Martinelli's, but I'm glad they're running with it," he said.

Gold Ridge Managing Director Merrilee Olson said the facility is intended to support both fresh apples and processed products while expanding market awareness.

"This is about protecting growers," she said. "I also believe we can do better than Martinelli's."

There are pantry staples, and then there are your everyday go-to’s that you keep within easy reach on the kitchen counter.

Gold Ridge Organic Farms’ new With Love From Sonoma County collection are the latter. The award-winning organic extra virgin olive oils are paired with original label art inspired by the colors and character of the farm. I had the pleasure of sampling all eight of them last week at the Sebastopol olive ranch where they’re made from pit to press. 

The 2026 Collection

The new collection features four organic extra virgin olive oil blends, each with its own personality. The olives are milled on-site within hours of harvest in the farm’s on-site olive press—an Italian-made Rapanelli, a leader in state-of-the-art olive oil extraction equipment.

The four signature blends include the herbaceous Tuscan Blend (great for dipping a slice of Della Fattoria’s Meyer Lemon Rosemary bread), a peppery Picholine Blend which chefs love, the Spanish-inspired Arbequina Blend (bright with green fruit notes for summer dishes), and the Minerva Blend (my favorite!) that shines as an oil perfect over grilled vegetables, roasted meats, or fresh hummus.

“Fresh apples are a focus, but the product line we plan to develop also celebrates our areas’ fruit and uses vast quantities of juice,” she says. “We also need more awareness around the industry,” said Merrilee Olson. “This is about protecting growers,” she says. “I also believe we can do better than Martinelli’s.”

Introducing the new Made Local podcast! The podcast reflecting the business of the food and culture of Sonoma County will come out every weekend. Subscribe to our newsletter to have it arrive in your inbox each week.

In our first episode, Clark Wolf and Daedalus Howell discuss Sonoma County’s coming Heritage Apple Press, the need for local food-processing infrastructure, support for farmers and food banks, and why small food producers should stay hopeful—but alert—when big retailers come calling. Subscribe via Substack.

Click Here to Listen to the Podcast!

An Artful New Collection of Organic Estate-Grown Olive Oils

SEBASTOPOL, CA. (June 26, 2026) – Gold Ridge Organic Farms, awarded for the quality of its premium olive oils, introduces Love from Sonoma County, a collection of extra-virgin olive oils redesigned to bring the spirit of Sonoma County to the kitchen countertop.

The collection embraces a layered sensibility—where food, art, and design intersect. Farmer and founder Brooke Hazen wanted the collection to mirror the character and care that define the farm itself. Golden yellow and purple-colored bottles echo the seasonal rhythms of Sonoma County, drawing their palette from Meyer lemons and ripening olives. Original artwork by Sonoma County artist and illustrator Teri Sloat transforms each bottle into a small work of art, blurring the line between pantry staple and design object.

With Love From Sonoma County reflects a growing appreciation for pantry staples that combine exceptional craftsmanship with thoughtful design.

Grown, harvested, and milled in small batches entirely on the Gold Ridge Organic Farms estate, the collection features award-winning organic extra virgin olive oils and expressive co-milled citrus olive oils. Every detail, from the oils themselves to the custom-painted bottles and illustrated labels show a commitment to craftsmanship and authenticity.

Featuring four organic extra virgin olive oil blends and four organic co-milled citrus olive oils, the set has exceptional flavor and thoughtful design. The olive oils are equally suited for daily use and gifting.

A composition of color and place, Love from Sonoma County brings together the farm’s harvest and Teri Sloat’s artwork in a memorable collection designed to be savored, displayed, and shared.

With Love from Sonoma County Collection: Eight Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oils

• Four Extra Virgin Olive Oil Blends: Tuscan, Picholine, Arbequina and Minerva olive blends.
• Four Co-Milled Citrus Olive Oils: Meyer Lemon, Mandarin-Kumquat, Yuzu, and Makrut Lime
• Where to purchase and learn more: https://goldridgeorganicfarms.com/shop
• Gold Ridge Organic Farms - A West Coast Favorite

On a ridgetop in Sonoma County’s coastal hills, farmer-founder Brooke Hazen tends the land in rhythm with nature, crafting small batch olive oils that capture the soil, the breeze and the story of each harvest. Each extra virgin olive oil is cold extracted, grown, milled and bottled on the farm. GoldRidgeOrganicFarms.com

Farm Shop Address: 3387 Canfield Road, Sebastopol, CA 95472

Social Media: Instagram @goldridgeorganicfarms | Facebook @goldridgeorganicfarms

PR Contact for questions, interviews and images:
Laiko Bahrs, Gold Ridge Organic Farms Communications
laiko@goldridgeorganicfarms.com

Press Kit and Images Link:
GoldRidgeOliveOils

After living in the shadow of the wine industry for decades, a Sebastopol farmer is betting that apple growers are on the verge of reclaiming the spotlight.

With a downturn for winegrowers opening renewed interest in local farming, Gold Ridge Organic Farms owner Brooke Hazen on Thursday gave The Press Democrat a tour of the 20,000-square-foot apple press he plans to open in Santa Rosa in time for this fall’s harvest.

Hazen has made a name for himself tending the soil and trees at the well-known 88-acre apple and olive farm in Sebastopol for many years, since his family bought the land on Canfield Road in 2000. Now, he’s confident that he has a team and vision ready to “drastically expand” with the county’s newest apple pressing facility.

In this episode, Host Clark Wolf sits down with Brooke Hazen, Farmer/Founder/Owner of Gold Ridge Organic Farms, and Merilee Olson, Managing Director, about the backstory behind Gold Ridge Organic Farms, the “modern” model of growing, olive pressing & focusing on local harvests. The trio also discuss the new Heritage Apple Press project, apple sourcing, the inspiration behind the press and the network of resources.

One door closes and another opens—or more specifically, as one Sonoma County apple processing facility heads toward closure, another plans to open.

Gold Ridge Organic Farms has announced plans to open a new 20,000-square-foot apple processing facility in Santa Rosa that will expand local processing capacity for organic apple growers and cider producers. This is good news for area farmers who heretofore faced the loss of local processor Manzana Products Company as it prepares to close its historic apple processing facility in Graton and relocate operations to Washington state.

While equipment delivery delays and supply chain issues have postponed the complete shutdown of Manzana’s California packing lines until early 2027, the loss of one of the region’s longtime processing outlets has raised concerns among apple growers. Read our piece on how Manzana’s closure affected local apple growers here: Hard Core .

Gold Ridge Organic Farms has announced its plans for a new processing venture aimed at supporting Northern California growers in a statement released today. The organic-certified facility, called Heritage Apple Press, will provide fresh-pack services, custom pressing and market-development opportunities for growers throughout Sonoma County, Mendocino County, the Pajaro Valley and beyond. (read our piece about Gold Ridge Organic Farms here) The project comes as Northern California apple growers face a shrinking number of processing options for their fruit.

“We have some of the most remarkable heritage apples in the world growing right here in Northern California, including the iconic Gravenstein,” said Brooke Hazen, farmer and owner of Gold Ridge Organic Farms. “By supporting growers and bringing more locally grown apples to consumers, we hope this investment helps keep these orchards thriving and strengthens the future of apple farming in Northern California.”

In addition to offering processing services, Gold Ridge plans to purchase apples from growers for use in a new line of Gold Ridge-branded cider products, creating an additional market for organic fruit.

The initiative was developed through conversations with growers, agricultural organizations, farm advisors, cider makers and food system leaders. Additional operational details, grower participation information and opening timelines will be announced in the coming months, according to Gold Ridge.

“Our hope is to open during the 2026 harvest season,” Hazen said.

Founded in 2000 by Hazen, Gold Ridge Organic Farms is an 88-acre Oregon Tilth Certified Organic olive orchard, heirloom apple farm and olive mill in Sebastopol. The farm cultivates more than 70 varieties of heirloom and modern apples.

A lifeline is coming for Northern California's struggling apple industry.

Sebastopol-based Gold Ridge Organic Farms is opening a new 20,000 square-foot organic processing facility in Santa Rosa, called Gold Ridge Organic Farms Heritage Apples.

The move comes at a critical time for regional agriculture, according to Gold Ridge owner and farmer, Brooke Hazen.

Manzana Products, which operated for more than 100 years in Sonoma County, is scheduled to end operations in 2027 and move to Washington State.

That move was a major factor in opening the new facility, according to Hazen.

“At first, I was waiting for someone else to step up and make something happen, but no nobody stepped up,” said Hazen. “So, ultimately I decided that someone had to, and it was going to be myself along with Gold Ridge Organic Farms and my staff to do this.”

Local apple orchards and cider makers have faced a severe shortage of processing options in recent years. That's threatened the future of iconic local varieties like the Gravenstein, prized by growers like famed horticulturalist Luther Burbank.

“There's lots of different apple varieties, but primarily the Gravenstein is well known and that's something we're familiar with, but they chose that apple because it offered primarily fresh use, but also multipurpose beyond the fresh use. And we've really lost that,” said Hazen. “The industry is really flailing for decades now, and this is just the last death throes unless we can preserve it and revitalize it. And that's our goal. We do not want to lose this 150-year-old, one of the longest-standing agricultural heritages in California.”

Hazen says the goal is to give small family farms a reliable, right-sized solution to process and market their fruit. He says it’s crucial to get the word out before more apples are lost.

“Because people are pulling out orchards in Sonoma County still, apple orchards, and they're pulling out apple orchards in Santa Cruz County. We have reached out to Santa Cruz County too,” Hazen said. “Just to capture any growers that are, have given up hope and are ready to pull their apples out.”

To boost demand, Gold Ridge also plans to buy apples directly from local growers to launch its own brand of cider products.

The facility will open in time for the upcoming 2026 harvest season. Hazen says they will be able to process between 40 to 80 tons per day, ramping up to 100 tons per day by next season.

Growers and cider makers in Sonoma and Mendocino counties, and in the Pajaro Valley, can find more information at GoldRidgeOrganicFarms/ApplePress

Sonoma, Napa and Marin producers earned national honors in the 2026 Good Food Awards, with winning products including cheese, cider, coffee, pasta, olive oil and preserves.

On June 2, the Specialty Food Association announced the winners of the 2026 Good Food Awards, honoring producers whose products excel in taste, craftsmanship and responsible sourcing.

Now in its 16th year, the awards recognize artisan food and beverage makers committed to sustainable production, ethical business practices and high-quality ingredients. More than 1,200 products from across the United States were entered this year. After an initial round of judging narrowed the field to 349 finalists, judges selected 242 winners.

SEBASTOPOL, Calif. June 8, 2026— Gold Ridge Organic Farms has earned three 2026 Good Food Awards from the Specialty Food Association for its organic Tuscan Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Meyer Lemon Olive Oil and Apple Balsamic Vinegar.

Chosen from more than 1,200 entries through a blind tasting process, the awards recognize products that exemplify exceptional taste, craftsmanship and responsible production practices.

 As one of the leading producers of estate-grown olive oils and orchard-crafted specialty foods, the 2026 honors bring Gold Ridge Organic Farms’ total Good Food Awards to five. The oils have also won awards from the New York International Olive Oil Competition (NYIOOC, 2025 Gold), and the California State Fair (2025 Gold) this year.  

Produced entirely on the farm’s certified organic estate in Sebastopol, Gold Ridge Organic Farms’ olive oils are known for their quality and distinctive flavor. The farm grows, harvests and mills its olives on-site, creating small-batch extra virgin olive oils that reflect the character of Sonoma County's famed Gold Ridge soils, lauded by Luther Burbank and the best in the world.

“People always ask what our secret ingredient is, and the answer is pretty simple—healthy soil, a slow-growing season, and great fruit," said farmer and owner Brooke Hazen. “When you start with exceptional fruit, grown organically and harvested at their peak, the flavors speak for themselves. It's rewarding to see a season's worth of hard work in the orchard recognized in this way.

The Good Food Foundation finalized its list of nominees for this year’s Good Food Awards with its last two categories, and California producers are well-represented.

 In January, finalists in most categories were announced, including 46 companies from California. The final two categories left to judge were oils and grains — 26 nominees were named finalists as of a Friday announcement from the foundation.

In the California capital region, four producers earned new and repeat nominations, while two Central Valley companies were also nominated. Another four businesses from the Central Coast are also on this year’s finalist list.

Here’s what to know about California’s 2026 Good Food Award nominees in the oils and grains categories.

What are the Good Food Awards?

The annual Good Food Awards, held by the Good Food Foundation, honors the country’s sustainable food producers.

“The Good Food Awards recognizes that truly good food — the kind that brings people together and builds strong, healthy communities — contains all of these ingredients,” the foundation said on its website.

Gold Ridge Organic Farms in Sebastopol earned Best of California and Best of Class for its Picholine Blend at the 2026 California State Fair Olive Oil Competition. The farm also received multiple gold medals across its portfolio, reinforcing its reputation for producing exceptional, award-winning olive oils in Sonoma County.

Gold Ridge Organic Farms is highlighted in the San Francisco Bay Times as a must-visit destination for tasting exceptional extra virgin olive oils from the 2025 harvest. The article celebrates the season’s finest oils and encourages readers to explore Gold Ridge’s Sebastopol farm for a firsthand tasting experience of their award-winning offerings.

Two local olive oil producers took home top awards in the state fair's recent Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition.

Brooke Hazen grows 70 acres of olives at Gold Ridge Organic Farms in west Sonoma County. New flavored varietals of Meyer Lemon and Mandarin-Kumquat, front have been added to traditional milled oils. Photo taken on Thursday, October 28, 2021. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

The California State Fair recently announced the results of its 2026 California Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition, and two Sonoma County producers emerged with top honors.

McEvoy Ranch, a family-owned operation in Petaluma, and Gold Ridge Organic Farms, based in Sebastopol, collected a slate of awards, including the competition’s most coveted distinctions: Best of Show and Best of California.

Innovation yields top honors

At McEvoy Ranch, recognition has long been part of the story. Over its 36 years, the olive oil and wine producer has been featured in national publications such as The New York Times, Sunset magazine, Forbes and Wine Spectator, and spotlighted by Oprah Winfrey’s annual “Favorite Things” list for its Whipped Body Butter in 2024 and ODE Hand & Body Lotion Discovery Set in 2025.

The California producer was recognized for Tuscan Blend, Minerva Blend and Picholine Blend, each awarded Gold in the Medium category.

Sebastopol, United States — Gold Ridge Organic Farms has been awarded three Gold Awards at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition for the Tuscan Blend, Minerva Blend and Picholine Blend brands.

"This harvest was challenging because it was late. This did not stop me from harvesting at the perfect time for all the varieties, and extending our harvest later into the late fall/ early winter. I want to give thanks to such a gifted team at Gold Ridge, who all worked together so seamlessly and courageously to brave the wind, rain, and frost, to press quickly and at the highest caliber.," said Brooke Hazen, Farmer-Founder at Gold Ridge Organic Farms.

Gold Ridge Organic Farms earned Gold for the Medium-intensity Tuscan Blend, along with Gold Awards for the Medium-intensity Minerva Blend and Medium-intensity Picholine Blend. Across the three award-winning blends, the oils are distinguished by a savory aromatic profile that recalls arugula and fresh leaf, lifted by warm cinnamon and spice and anchored by a bitter almond edge.

Gold Ridge Organic Farms was started by farmer Brooke Hazen in West Sonoma County, California. The certified-organic farm sits 80 kilometers north of San Francisco in the rolling hills of Sebastopol, where coastal breezes and optimal soils provide ideal growing conditions across 30 hectares of olives. Gold Ridge Organic Farms processes estate-grown olives into four organic olive oils within hours of harvest using an Italian Rapanelli press, a rapid turnaround that helps preserve freshness and supports generous antioxidant content.

In previous interviews with Olive Oil Times, Hazen has pointed to the long, cool growing season shaped by the farm’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean as a defining factor in the character of Gold Ridge Organic Farms oils, allowing olives to mature slowly and develop flavor, color and nuance. The methodical approach extends from orchard work through harvest timing and milling decisions, reinforcing a consistent quality standard across the farm’s blends.

The three 2026 Gold Awards add to a substantial competition record for Gold Ridge Organic Farms at the NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition. Overall, Gold Ridge Organic Farms has earned 27 Gold Awards and four Silver Awards, with recent results including three Gold and one Silver in 2025, three Gold in 2024, four Gold in 2023, four Gold in 2022, three Gold and one Silver in 2021, four Gold in 2020, two Gold and one Silver in 2019, and one Gold and one Silver in 2017.

The 2026 results also strengthened Gold Ridge Organic Farms’ standing in the Olive Oil Times World Ranking, where Gold Ridge Organic Farms is ranked #6 in the United States, #12 in the Northern Hemisphere and #13 Worldwide.

The NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, widely regarded as the world’s leading olive oil quality contest, is a trusted reference for consumers and industry professionals.

"This harvest was challenging because it was late. This did not stop me from harvesting at the perfect time for all the varieties, and extending our harvest later into the late fall/ early winter. I want to give thanks to such a gifted team at Gold Ridge, who all worked together so seamlessly and courageously to brave the wind, rain, and frost, to press quickly and at the highest caliber."

“The more you use a good quality olive oil, the better your food will taste.”
—Rolando Beramendi, founder of Manicaretti and author of Autentico

Those are words to live by, deliciously and healthily!

Spring is the time to seek out the newest extra virgin olive oils—the current harvest from olives picked and milled in the previous fall and early winter. Look for a harvest date (month and year), use up older bottles, and make room for fresh oils that deliver bright flavors to your table.

With so many exceptional extra virgin olive oils available, this is just a start. Prices will vary from store to store to direct from the producer

In this feature from Ag Alert, Gold Ridge Organic Farms’ Brooke Hazen shares insights from the fields of Sonoma County. From planting bare-root trees and navigating a challenging olive harvest to expanding U-pick experiences and farm events, Brooke reflects on how small and mid-sized farms are evolving. By building stronger direct connections with customers through tastings, tours, and hands-on farm activities, Gold Ridge is creating new pathways for sustainable farming and community engagement.

Gold Ridge Organic Farms is featured in the Spring 2026 issue of Edible Marin & Wine Country in the article “FEED’s Local Food Revolution: A Farmer Co-Op Takes Charge.”

The story highlights FEED Sonoma, a cooperative network that connects North Bay farmers with local markets, restaurants, schools, and community partners. The article features Gold Ridge founder Brooke Hazen and explores how collaboration among small farms helps strengthen the regional food system while bringing fresh, locally grown food to more people.

We’re grateful to Edible Marin & Wine Country for shining a light on the farmers and organizations working to support local agriculture.

Gold Ridge Organic Farms is proud to be featured in Martha Stewart as part of the “5 Biggest Food Trends From the Winter Specialty Food Association Show,” highlighting what’s next in the world of specialty foods. Among the standout trends for 2026 is a bold new approach to citrus — sharper, more floral, and more complex than ever before. Gold Ridge’s Makrut Lime Olive Oil was recognized for exemplifying this shift, bringing vibrant citrus character and aromatic depth to both savory and sweet applications. The annual Winter FancyFaire gathered over 12,000 industry professionals to discover emerging flavors, global influences, and innovative ingredients shaping the future of food — and Gold Ridge is honored to be part of the conversation defining what’s next on the table.

Just in time for Hanukkah, Edible East Bay features a classic winter favorite from Gold Ridge Organic Farms. Cookbook author and culinary educator Stephanie Rosenbaum Klassen shares her recipe for irresistibly crispy potato latkes, fried in Gold Ridge Organic Farms Tuscan Blend olive oil and paired with a simple, house-made applesauce. Rooted in tradition and seasonal cooking, the recipe highlights the beauty of olive oil frying, farm-grown ingredients, and thoughtful techniques that deliver crunch, richness, and comfort in every bite. From gluten-free tips to make-ahead freezing instructions, this timeless dish brings warmth, flavor, and a sense of celebration to the table, straight from the Sebastopol farm kitchen.

Ruth Reichl calls olio nuovo “the perfect present” for true olive oil lovers — and in her detailed holiday guide, she highlights Goldridge Organic Farms as a premier source for this limited-edition, just-pressed oil. Reichl explains the magic of olio nuovo: its stunning aroma, lively flavor, and the unique freshness that fades within weeks, making it one of the most ephemeral culinary pleasures. By directing readers to pre-order Goldridge’s upcoming release, she captures both the anticipation and the rarity of this once-a-year offering. For gift givers, Reichl frames Goldridge’s olio nuovo as a meaningful, gourmet option that brings the excitement of the harvest directly to the table.

Our Organic Tin Sampler was featured in the Holiday Olive Oil Gift Guide (2025), which highlights exceptional extra virgin olive oils from California and beyond. The guide celebrates Gold Ridge’s orchard-grown olives, citrus, and modern milling craft, noting our four-varietal tin set as an ideal gift for anyone eager to explore flavor, quality, and the richness of California olive oil. We’re thrilled to represent our region among such a distinguished group of producers.

Gold Ridge Organic Farms has been selected as one of 7x7’s top Bay Area gift picks for 2025. Highlighted in the Foodie Gifts category, our organic olive oils—including our limited-release Olio Nuovo and signature 250ml tins—were celebrated as beautiful, delicious gifts for the season. We’re honored to be recognized among exceptional local makers and creators in this annual guide.

Gold Ridge Organic Farms is highlighted in Edible Communities’ 2025 “Holiday Kitchen Essentials” feature, celebrating favorite ingredients and tools for the festive season. The article spotlights our Sonoma for the Holidays gift set—an elegant collection of organic olive oil, heirloom apple cider syrup, artisan chocolates, and more from our Sebastopol orchards—perfect for the food lovers on your list.

We’re honored to be included in Edible East Bay’s in-depth feature on the makers redefining California’s co-milled olive oils. The story celebrates the creativity and technique behind combining fresh olives with whole citrus, peppers, and herbs—highlighting Gold Ridge’s orchard-grown varieties and hands-on milling process. Readers get a behind-the-scenes look at our citrus harvest, the mill in motion, and the vibrant oils that result. It’s a beautiful recognition of our commitment to craft, sustainability, and flavor.

We’re thrilled to be included in Sonoma Magazine’s “Spend a Perfect Wine Weekend in the Russian River Valley” (Oct 2025)! Add an orchard hike to your itinerary and taste through our estate olive oils, vinegars, and heirloom apple products in Sebastopol.

“Insider Tip — Book an orchard hike. Sample a delicious array of artisan olive oils, vinegars, and apple products at Gold Ridge Organic Farms.”

Plan your visit, then come wander the orchards and sip, dip, and crunch your way through west county flavors.

This fall, Gold Ridge Organic Farms will host Pairing Art with Purpose—a one-night-only event uniting art, activism, and community in support of Rise of the Butterfly and Reef Revival. Guests will experience the U.S. unveiling of Butterfly Effect by renowned artist and humanitarian Layla Love, alongside commentary from legendary art critic Anthony Haden-Guest, a keynote by MMA champion Max Griffin, and presentations from ocean conservationists Angelina and Kyle Block of Global Coralition. The evening also features live music, curated tasting experiences, and Sensorium’s immersive High Tea pop-up. Proceeds will directly support survivor advocacy and global coral reef restoration.

Gold Ridge Organic Farms in Sebastopol invites families to welcome fall at the Fourth Annual Heirloom Apple Festival on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 10 am to 3 pm. Enjoy tastings of 70+ heirloom apple varieties, olive oils, apple cider balsamic vinegar, and apple cider syrup, along with cooking demos, orchard tours, trolley rides, kids’ scavenger hunts, and live music. Wood-fired pizzas, apple crumble, and cider slushies will round out the farm-fresh fun.

If you miss the festival, join the Apple U-Pick & Pizza Party on Saturday, September 27, 2025 during Weekend Along the Farm Trails to harvest organic Fuji apples and savor wood-fired pizzas.

3387 Canfield Road, Sebastopol
Festival tickets: $25 adults / $10 kids 12 & under (advance reservation required).
U-pick admission: $8 adults / $3 kids + $4/lb apples (advance registration required).

Edible Communities’ Fall Kitchen Essentials roundup highlights Gold Ridge Organic Farms’ Apple Cider Syrup as a seasonal staple. Celebrated for its versatility, the syrup shines in both sweet and savory applications—from drizzling over oatmeal to mixing into salad dressings. The feature places Gold Ridge alongside other artisan brands in a curated list of autumn ingredients, tools, and products designed to elevate fall cooking.

Gold Ridge puts its heirloom bounty on the table, with tastings, slushies, and live music for the whole family.

Gold Ridge Organic Farms just gave late summer a proper anchor: the Fourth Annual Heirloom Apple Festival lands Saturday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m. — 3 p.m., in Sebastopol. It’s family‑friendly, hands‑on, and priced so locals can bring the whole crew —$25 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. Reservations are required.

What you get is the good stuff, not a parking‑lot fair. The farm sets out curated tastes from a handful of the 70‑plus heirloom apple varieties grown on site, along with their estate extra virgin olive oils, apple cider balsamic, and apple cider syrup. Founder‑farmer Brooke Hazen leads orchard walks.

In a glowing travel feature for The Manual, writer Sarah Joseph explores the serenity and splendor of California’s Bodega Bay—and highlights Gold Ridge Organic Farms as a must-visit destination. From our orchard walk-through tour to our award-winning olive oils and commitment to community, we’re honored to be part of her journey toward the “joy of missing out.” Read the full article to see why Gold Ridge made such a lasting impression.

Featured in the Summer 2025 issue of California Bountiful, Gold Ridge Organic Farms offers a taste experience like no other—celebrating rare heirloom apple varieties with vivid colors, complex flavors, and deep-rooted stories. Farmer Brooke Hazen shares his passion for preserving apple diversity while inviting visitors to savor the season through tastings, U-pick adventures, and the annual Heirloom Apple Festival.

Listen in as owner Brooke Hazen joins culinary expert Clark Wolf on The Drive 95.5 to discuss Sonoma County agriculture, organic farming, and the story behind Gold Ridge Organic Farms.

We’re honored to be included in Edible Communities’ latest feature: “Summer Essentials: The Ingredients and Kitchen Tools We’re Savoring”.

This beautifully curated roundup celebrates the season’s best flavors and culinary inspirations—from simple, farm-fresh ingredients to thoughtfully crafted kitchen tools. We’re thrilled that our organic extra virgin olive oils and apple cider vinegar earned a place among their summer favorites, recognized for their vibrant flavor and our commitment to sustainable farming.

At Gold Ridge Organic Farms, we take great pride in nurturing our orchards and pressing each batch of oil right here on the farm. To see our work highlighted alongside other makers we admire is a true honor.

Thank you to the Edible Communities team for supporting farmers, makers, and chefs who care deeply about the food we grow and share.

By Sonoma County Tourism's 2025 Stars of the Industry Awards

We’re thrilled to share a new video capturing the beauty and vitality of spring at Gold Ridge Organic Farms. Nestled in the rolling hills of West Sonoma County, the farm bursts to life with blooming olive orchards, pollinator-friendly wildflowers, and the steady rhythm of organic farming in action.

Join Founder-Farmer Brooke Hazen for a visual stroll through this extraordinary season—a moment of connection between land, flavor, and community.

Join host Aubrey Aquino on California Bountiful| New Window as she visits Gold Ridge Organic Farms in Sebastopol. Discover how farmer Brooke Hazen harnesses the Sonoma County coastal climate to grow heirloom apples, specialty citrus, and organic olives. From innovative olive oil blends to agritourism experiences, this segment highlights the creativity, passion, and bounty that define the farm’s unique approach to sustainable agriculture.

Perched on the rolling hills of Sebastopol, Gold Ridge Organic Farms has become both a culinary and agricultural destination... Today, the property evokes a Tuscan villa, with the knowledgeable farmers and staff offering tastings, events, and award-winning artisanal estate products in its charming courtyard and farm shop.

...One of Brooke’s aims with the farm is to bridge culture and agriculture, and after one visit to Gold Ridge Organic Farms, you’ll discover that he has achieved that goal: [...] "The connection [being a Farm Triails member] offers with the consumers. After decades of being detached from the people who enjoy the food we produce, it feels so satisfying to meet those people and see first hand what it brings to their lives. Also, Farm Trails provides an invaluable opportunity for people to see and learn about what growing food really looks and feels like."

Photos by Lisa Rose

The 79th Apple Blossom Parade brought color and community to Main Street Sebastopol, rain or shine. With a ’60s “Flower Power” theme, tie-dye and local pride were on full display.

Gold Ridge Organic Farms was glad to join in the fun. See the photo highlights by Mark Fernquest.

Gold Ridge Organic Farms has been honored with multiple awards at the 2025 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, affirming our commitment to producing exceptional organic extra virgin olive oil.

The NYIOOC is the world’s largest and most prestigious olive oil quality contest, evaluating entries from producers across the globe. This year’s competition highlighted the diversity and quality emerging from California, with Gold Ridge Organic Farms, Enzo Olive Oil, and Apollo Olive Oil each securing multiple awards.

Our award-winning oils, crafted from carefully selected olive varieties, reflect the unique terroir of our Sonoma County estate. We are proud to be part of a community of producers dedicated to excellence in organic olive oil production.

For more information about the 2025 NYIOOC and the full list of award winners, visit the Olive Oil Times article.

We’re honored to be included in Sonoma Magazine’s roundup of “28 Favorite Farmstands in Sonoma County” by Eden Collier.

Spring is a perfect time to visit the farm. With 16 acres of heirloom apples—over 75 varieties—and a 70-acre organic olive orchard, we’re proud to offer a place where you can taste the season, connect with local agriculture, and bring home something truly special.

Mark your calendar for Apple Blossom Festival Weekend, April 26–27, and experience the beauty of the orchard in bloom.

Gold Ridge Organic Farms was recently featured in a story by KALW Radio exploring the challenges and changes facing small-scale food producers in Sonoma County. The piece, reported by Sarah Jesse, highlights the voices behind local farms and food businesses working to stay rooted in a shifting agricultural landscape.

We were honored to be included among the producers interviewed and to share what drives our work—stewarding this land, growing with integrity, and keeping local food alive in our community.

Listen to the full story on KALW

Thank you to KALW and Sarah Jesse for shining a light on the value of local farming. As always, we encourage you to support your local farmers and makers. Buy local.

"I am so immensely grateful, surprised, and full of pride for myself and all of the dedicated staff here at Gold Ridge Organic Farms for yet another year of sweeping Gold Awards." — Brooke Hazen