Another Winters Ag Exploration Tour is planned Saturday, Oct. 22, at Dixon Ridge Farms, a family-owned and -operated organic walnut farm since 1979. The tour is sponsored by the Winters Chamber of Commerce/Visitors Center.

Surrounded by acres of majestic trees, visitors will learn about the cutting-edge sustainable farming practices that have earned Dixon Ridge Farms state and national recognition, including the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award in 2008 and the Growing Green Award in 2010 from the National Resource Defense Council.

The tour includes the farm’s “biomax” operation, which converts walnut shells into renewable energy. Dixon Ridge Farm owner Russ Lester recently was featured on NPR in an organic farming segment.

Guests will register at 9 a.m. at Steady Eddy’s, 5 E. Main St. in Winters, before taking a short bus ride to Dixon Ridge Farms where they will learn how walnuts go from tree to table, and experience the art of growing, harvesting and shelling walnuts. They also will taste the variety of California walnuts grown there.

After the tour, there will be lunch prepared by Chef Fred Reyes of Putah Creek Café, which recently was featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.” Lunch will feature walnut ingredients and will be served in the historic DeVilbis Room at The Buckhorn, 12 Main St. in Winters.

Following lunch, there will be a guided tour of historic downtown Winters, including stops at local shops that will feature walnut-related items. RootStock, which specializes in wares from France, Spain and Italy, will offer a walnut oil tasting. Berryessa Gap Winery will have samples of roasted walnuts and chocolate, as well as wine tasting.

Turkovich Family Wines will offer wine and cheese pairings, as well as green walnuts. The final stop is Main Street Cellars, with candied Dixon Ridge walnuts and blue cheese paired with port.

Along the way to the shops, there will be a Winters Walk, taking participants along Main Street, which will be decorated with entries in the annual Scarecrow Contest. The tour ends at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $60. For tickets or reservations, call the Chamber office at (530) 795-239 or email the Winters Visitors Center, [email protected] Space is limited.

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