Koch California Ltd.
Contact: Shelby Ebel
662 Eucalyptus Rd., Nipomo, CA 93444
(805) 929-4153
Koch California Ltd. grows over 70 varieties of quality long-stemmed roses on 6 acres of greenhouses. A tour of this facility highlights the greenhouses, packing/grading room, hydroponic growing process, integrated pest management programs (good bugs vs. bad bugs) and other efforts implemented to reduce the use of pesticides as well as the care and handling of roses.
|
| 11:45 p.m. |
Depart for the specialty shop |
| 12:00 p.m. |
Arrive at the Loading Dock for a catered lunch and wine reception
Contact: Marty Willey
315 S. Broadway, Old Orcutt
(805) 934-3471
|
Enjoy this unique venue, and browse this funky and fun specialty shop for furniture and antiques. This property is also a contemporary art gallery and espresso café.
|
| 1:30 p.m. |
Depart for berry farm |
| 2:00 p.m. |
Arrive at Naturipe Berry Farm (Locations in the Santa Maria
Valley vary from year to year.)
Contact: Angel Ibarra
(805) 310-7947
|
Groups can enjoy a free tour of fragrant Santa Maria Valley strawberry fields. Take a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the growing of our most popular crop at the oldest and one of the country’s largest marketers of fresh strawberries and strawberry products. Here your group will learn about the farming operations of Naturipe Berry Growers including harvesting, production and the cooling facility.
|
| 3:30 p.m. |
Depart for a cooling plant |
| 3:50 p.m. |
Arrive at AgroJal Cooling
Contact: Eric Gamble
257 Kathleen Ct., Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 348-3600
|
The Maldonado Family, owners of AgroJal Cooling, have farmed in the Valley since 1965. They take pride in handling the growing, packing and shipping of their product from their fields to your table. Their luscious strawberries are shipped throughout the United States.
|
| 5:15 p.m. |
Depart for the event center |
| 5:30 p.m. |
Arrive at Rancho Miranda (during the weekdays only)
Contact: Jeannie Miranda
2000 Cambridge Wy., Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 349-2000
|
The lush 10-acre horse ranch is nestled in the rolling hills east of Highway 101, surrounded by orchards, vineyards and wineries. This family-owned and operated event center captures the beauty and peacefulness of a bygone era, without sidewalks and streetlights, but convenient to downtown.
Groups are invited to participate in different types of tours of the property including:
Santa Maria Style Barbecue: Take a cooking lesson on the famous Santa Maria Style Barbecue. A local barbecuer will demonstrate the technique, delve into the history of the meal and discuss the cuts of beef used.
Home Tour: Enjoy a tour of this beautiful ranch-style home. You’ll find treasured antiques everywhere you look as well as a magnificent doll collection and selection of antique quilts.
Blacksmithing Exhibition: Step back in time and watch as a blacksmith makes a horseshoe right in front of your eyes and then puts it on the horse!
Barn Tour: The back acreage is home to over 30 horses of different breeds!
|
