Long famous for the production of Gravenstein apples, a yellow-green variety with red spotting that renowned horticulturist and Santa Rosa resident Luther Burbank praised effusively, the town of Sebastopol has become renowned for growing many kinds of apples in recent years. One very enjoyable way to partake of this local delicacy is by spending an hour or two at Gabriel Farm, a 14-acre organic farm in the heart of Sonoma’s “apple country.” This family-operated pastoral property offers “U Pick” harvesting on weekends from 10 until 4 throughout late summer and into autumn – they grow four types of apple (Gilbert Golden Delicious, McIntosh, Fuji, and Rome Beauty), plus eight types of Asian pear and nutrient-rich Fuyu persimmons. Gabriel Farm, which is near Graton and just off Highway 116 (the aptly named Gravenstein Highway) between Sebastopol and Forestville, is a short drive from the Russian River.
If you’d rather nosh on apples in a deliciously more decadent form, drop by nearby Mom’s Apple Pie (also a Local Secret), a cheery cafe and deli that turns out beautiful baked “double-crust” apple pies. This favorite sweet-stop along Gravenstein Highway also sells fresh apricot, cherry, peach, pumpkin, coconut cream, and many other kinds of pie, and it’s a fine option for sandwiches, salads, and soups, too.
If you feel inspired to cook after your visit, check out the latest Gravenstein apple recipes.
