(June 20, 2024 – Sonoma, CA) — Serres Ranch expects to begin harvest on their blueberry farm in Laytonville, California today with blueberries slotted to be available in local grocery stores and featured on menus as early as next week.
“We have a great local following for our sustainably-grown blueberries.” Taylor Serres-Murnig, a fifth-generation member of the Serres farming family says, “Blueberry harvest is hard work but it pays off in seeing the excitement over the annual crop and our great restaurant, retail, catering and bakery partners who use the fruit to make unique and delicious creations each year.”
The Serres family has been farming blueberries on their property in Laytonville, Mendocino County, for 23 years and has gained a local following for the berries, which are available for about a month each year from June to July, depending on the start of harvest. The family attributes the popularity to the quality, size, and taste of the berries, which are grown using no sprays or pesticides, and which make their way from the bush to the market in less than 48 hours. The larger-than-average size of the berries is due to the blueberry varietal: Duke Northern High Bush, which thrives in cooler climates and is known for large berries with a delicate sweet and tangy flavor.
“During the fall the plants went into dormancy and got a good long winter sleep, more than us! The cooler spring provided favorable weather during the bloom, less heat units than we would prefer therefore it delayed ripening ever so slightly. The weather currently is mild conducive to plentiful fruit ripening. The crop looks good its coming along and ripening nicely and we are excited to get these berries off the bushes and into our customers hands!” says John P. Serres.
Serres Ranch blueberries are also used to make Serres Ranch Bleusé, a co-fermented blend of blueberries and Aleatico wine grapes sold as a lightly sparkling canned wine. Bleusé is currently sold at Sonoma’s Tuesday Night Farmers Market, Sonoma’s Best, Baker & Cook and online from Serres Ranch Directly.
In addition to growing blueberries, the Serres family recently celebrated the family’s 100th anniversary of living and farming at Serres Ranch, located on Hwy 12 just west of Agua Caliente. The thriving winegrape and cattle ranch is currently home to three generations of Serres family members. The property is open by appointment for private ranch tours. Call 707-695-9144 to schedule a tour. In 2021, the sixth generation of the family officially launched a wine brand, Serres Ranch Wines. A ranch tour is also the best way to taste Serres Ranch Bleusé.
Serres Ranch Blueberries can be found from late June to July in Sonoma Market, Glen Ellen Village Market, Nugget Markets, Olivers Markets, Pacific Market – Sebastopol and Santa Rosa, Oliver’s Markets, Big John’s Market – Healdsburg, Harvest Market – Novato, Mollie Stone’s Market, Berkeley Bowl and Berkely Bowl West, Monterey Market – Berkeley, United Markets, Mill Valley Market, Gus’ Market – San Francisco, Whole Foods – Northern CA, ID and NV and are featured in recipes or products at many local restaurants.
- Website: serresranchblueberries.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/SerresRanchBlueberries
- Instagram: instagram.com/serresranchblueberries/
About Serres Ranch Wine
Founded in 1924, the Serres Ranch is a six-generation, family-owned, and operated ranch and vineyard in the heart of the Sonoma Valley. For decades, the Serres family has worked tirelessly alongside Mother Nature to grow the finest quality grape varietals for some of the most acclaimed and recognized brands in both Napa and Sonoma. The legacy continues with the fifth generation of Taylor, John Jr., and Buck overseeing the meticulous attention to detail in farming their estate vineyards and creating delicious wines that honor their rich family history.
Ranch Tour – Serres Ranch Wines, Charcuterie, and Cheese Pairing – 2 hr.|$100 per guest. Start with a glass of Bleusé, hop into an ATV, and get a 360-degree guided experience with founder, Taylor Serres Murnig of the historic Serres Family Ranch. You will wind your way through their vineyards to the Oak Grove where you and your guests will enjoy their Estate Bordeaux varietals with a delicious cheese and charcuterie board. To learn more, please visit www.serresranchwine.com
