Notes from the Field
A Yes from the County
Sep 18, 2026 Most weeks here smell like soil. This one smelled like paper. We have spent it with the county, working through an agreement that would set this land aside as farmland for generations, so that whoever is standing in these rows long after us is still farming them. Slow, unglamorous work, and it may be the most important thing we do all year. We also got news we have been chasing a very long time: we are officially approved to host weddings here, up to 130 guests. That one deserves a toast.
The vineyard has been the happy opposite of paperwork. Picking starts at three in the morning, headlamps on, because once the sun finds the fruit the sugars climb and the whole picture changes. Two thousand pounds are in, with four thousand more expected this week, and every container goes straight to Carr Winery in Santa Barbara before the day warms up. In the kitchen, the dairy is giving up its secrets at last: mozzarella, yogurt, cottage cheese and cream cheese, all from our own girls.
As our box program has grown we’ve needed to add on partners to make our boxes as full & abundant as possible. This week the shiitakes came from Mahealani Farms in Carpinteria, and the cabbage, peppers, squash and carrots from Tutti Frutti Farms in Lompoc, both certified organic neighbors.
— Cosmo the Velcro Dog & Margo
The First Honeycomb
Sep 11, 2026 We pulled our first honeycomb from the hives this week and it is every bit as beautiful as it sounds. Honey will be for sale before long. Out in the vineyard the grapes are still on hold: the cooler weather slowed their sugar right down, which is a gift rather than a setback, and we are hoping to pick next week.
The veggie beds are beginning their turn toward cool-season crops, and we are already planning for what looks like a serious El Nino winter, with extreme weather likely from January through March. But wow those drops of rain this week felt great!
Two notes on the box: the shiitake mushrooms came from Mahealani Farms in Carpinteria, a fellow certified organic grower, and we switched our bread to Colombini Bakery, a Santa Barbara microbakery that bakes Italian-style sourdough the very morning we deliver it. The flour is organic and from Italy.
— Joff & Margo
The Creamery Is Nearly Done
Sep 4, 2026 The creamery is nearly finished and milking has moved into the barn, which after months of construction feels like a real milestone. We move into the new buildings in the next couple of weeks, which finally gives us a highly improved and more efficient wash and pack space. Out in the vineyard the sugars keep climbing, the nets are on, and we are watching the Syrah daily now.
You will notice the box turning a corner this week. After the heat, the first butternut squash and parsnips arrive. Although most people think of Sept as the beginning of fall, we are still mostly in summer for another month.
Do you know that we grow our own flowers and make bouquets? We have started offering one-off bouquets from the flower field for birthdays, thank-yous and dinner parties, separate from Friday deliveries.
— Margo & Baby Everdeen
Everdeen & the Milking Barn
Aug 28, 2026 The ducks have fully taken over their new pond, and watching them work the waterfall at first light might be the best part of my morning. We also welcomed another baby goat this week. Meet Everdeen, who arrived bright eyed and already convinced she runs the place.
Big week for the dairy: milking is finally moving into the official milking barn, and the creamery is days from done. We have a whole row of projects sitting at eighty percent right now, and it is deeply satisfying to watch them tip over the line one by one. Out in the vineyard, the sugars are climbing fast and harvest is close.
We have also started offering bouquets for special occasions, separately from our Friday deliveries. Reach out if you have something to celebrate.
— Team Redfern
Back from Vacation
Aug 21, 2026 I just got back from vacation, and stepping away was exactly what I needed. The farm hummed along beautifully without me, thanks to our crew, and I walked the beds my first morning back with fresh eyes and a full tank. Refreshed, and genuinely happy to be home.
Now the project list is coming out of my ears, and I could not be more excited to attack it. Late summer is when this place shows off: the beans are climbing, the basil is lush, and the tomatillos have filled out their husks. We are rounding out your box with a few beauties from a neighboring certified organic farm, including sugar baby watermelon and sweet corn right at their peak.
Thanks for being part of our farm family!
— Team Redfern
The Duck House Comes to Life
Aug 7, 2026 This week the farm welcomed its tiniest new resident. We were certain mama had multiples on the way, but it turns out she had simply been enjoying her hay a little too much. One beautiful baby girl arrived over the weekend, healthy and bright eyed, and we are still happily waiting on two more mamas to deliver their girls any day now.
Our duck house has truly come to life. The fencing is nearly finished and the ducks will soon be moving in full time. We have also been busy adding new veggie beds throughout the fruit orchard, and this is the week the bird netting goes up over the grapes to protect those gorgeous clusters from hungry birds.
Summer on the Ridge
Jul 24, 2026 Summer has officially arrived on the ridge. The heat spiked this week, so we’ve shifted to 5am starts to stay ahead of it — there’s something special about moving through the rows while the canyon is still cool and the light is just coming up over the mountains.
There’s plenty of good news to share. Our two newest baby goats are thriving and getting bolder by the day, the Quack Shack is nearly finished, and the dogs have been shamelessly cooling off in the new duck pond — enjoying every splash before the ducks move in for good. Out in the flower field the dahlias are in full, painterly bloom and have been the stars of our Farm Fresh Bouquets; if you haven’t added one to your box yet, this is the week. In the vineyard, our Syrah and Grenache keep marching steadily toward harvest.
We’re also holding one of our livestock guardian dogs close this week. He fought off a rattlesnake to protect the flock and took a bite doing it — he’s now on his second day of antivenom, and we are hoping with everything we have that he pulls through. It’s a humbling reminder of just how much these dogs give to keep our animals safe.
We’d love to see you at our monthly public farm tour this weekend. Thank you for being part of our farm family.
— Margo & Our Hero Captain
Baby Goats & the New Duck Pond
Jul 9, 2026 It’s been a joyful, full week on the farm, and the biggest news is in the barn: our goat Iris gave birth to her first two kids — meet Buttercup and Coraline! They are impossibly tiny, wobbly, and already stealing everyone’s hearts, and we’re on baby watch for three more mamas in the coming weeks. Down at the water, our long-awaited duck pond is finally finished and the ducks will be happy to move in.
Lots of new seedlings in the ground as always. We can’t wait until our 100 tomato plants are running full steam.
Out in the flower field, the dahlias are in full bloom, and they have been absolutely fabulous in our bouquet deliveries — big, painterly blooms bringing color to doorsteps all over town. If you haven’t added a Farm Fresh Bouquet to your box yet, this is the week to do it! In the vineyard, we finished the annual leaf pull to open the canopy for our Syrah and Grenache as they head toward harvest.
We’d love to see you this weekend at our monthly public farm tour. Thanks for being part of our farm family.
— Margo, Mama Iris, Baby Buttercup & Coraline
The 2025 Estate Olive Oil is Here
Mar 13, 2026 Spring is moving quickly in Toro Canyon. Our mini cows are due any day now, and we are spending most of our time in the barn and orchards prepping for the calves. Our "fluff crew"—the llamas, mini donkeys, and horses—are busy grazing under the canopy of our 40-year-old olive trees, keeping the soil healthy and our regenerative cycle moving.
This week, we are officially releasing our 2025 Estate Olive Oil. This certified organic, virgin blend comes from four different olive varieties grown right here in our heritage grove. Because we manage the orchard regeneratively with our livestock, the yield is focused entirely on quality over volume. We only have 300 bottles for this release—once they are gone, we won’t have more until next year. You can add a bottle to your weekly delivery directly through our website.
The Vineyard's a Poppin
Mar 12, 2026 It was a joy to open our gates for the March tour and welcome so many new friends to this little slice of Santa Barbara. Sharing the rhythms of regenerative farming—from the way we manage our soil to the unique personalities of our livestock—remains the heartbeat of what we do here. There is something grounding about seeing the farm through fresh eyes, and we loved introducing everyone to the animals that make Wanderment so vibrant.
Back in the pasture, the "Baby Watch" continues in earnest. Our mini cows are officially nine days out from their due date, but as any farmer knows, cows aren't exactly known for their punctuality. We are out there doing daily udder checks and keeping a close eye on every shift in behavior, ready for the new arrivals to make their debut at any moment. The anticipation is thick, and we can’t wait to share the news when these little ones finally decide to join us.
Meanwhile, the land is moving faster than the calendar. Between the recent heatwave and our fresh pruning, the vineyard is already pushing up new shoots, signaling the start of a vigorous growing season. It’s a bit of a scramble as I juggle the spring growth with a heavy slate of construction projects—from framing out the new Whey Station and finishing the Quack Shack to getting the garden fencing secured. There is never a dull moment at Wanderment, but seeing the vegetable and herb gardens take shape and the vines wake up makes every drop of sweat worth it.
Cheese, Grommit
Mar 5, 2026 This week, the farm felt a bit like a giant game of Tetris, but in the most exciting way possible. We’ve finally addressed our "growing pains" with the arrival of several shipping containers that are set to become the new backbone of our operations. These steel structures are being reimagined into specialized hubs: a Coffee Lab for our processing equipment, a dedicated Cheese Building, and a creative sanctuary for Floral Design. By modularly expanding, we’re also freeing up much-needed "elbow room" in our wash and pack station, ensuring our produce moves from the field to your table with even greater care and speed.
While the rain kept us out of the fields for a good portion of the week, it provided the perfect opportunity to lean into our "Smarter, Not Harder" philosophy. We’ve been focusing heavily on Lean Farming—a practice of obsessive organization where every tool has a home and is sharpened, oiled, and ready the second it's needed. We also spent a wonderful afternoon with the 6th graders at Montecito Union, discussing the critical link between food waste and climate change. Teaching the next generation how regenerative farming acts as a carbon sink—turning "waste" back into life-giving soil—reminds us exactly why we do what we do, even when it’s pouring outside.
The GOAT
Feb 9, 2026 It has been a productive and hopeful week on the farm as we look toward the warmer months ahead. Our Nigerian Dwarf goats have officially begun their breeding season, and if all goes well, we’ll be welcoming a fresh crop of kids this July and August. This expansion of our "canyon crew" serves a dual purpose: the goats will play a vital role in our fire abatement efforts by clearing brush, while the new moms will eventually join our milking rotation to help us produce artisanal goat cheese later this year.
The landscape is also showing signs of a seasonal shift, aided by a much-welcomed day of rain that provided deep hydration for the soil. In the vineyard, the vines are just beginning to wake from their winter dormancy, and our greenhouse is bustling with life as we’ve started seeds for upcoming warm-season and quick-turn spring crops. We’ve also been busy getting more flower seedlings into the ground, ensuring our flower subscription members will have plenty of vibrant blooms to look forward to very soon.
Our new tour dates are up on the website. We look forward to having everyone back on the farm!
Cars, Cars, Cars
Feb 2, 2026 This week at the farm has been a full blend of momentum and anticipation as preparations ramp up for next week’s farm-to-table dinner. The team is deep in planning for an evening that brings together antique cars, exceptional food, and a celebratory atmosphere that reflects the spirit of the land. At the same time, tour dates for the next six months are now live on the website, opening the door for visitors to experience the farm through the seasons.
Behind the scenes, longer-term projects are also moving forward. With new calves expected in March, preparations are underway to support the upcoming arrivals, and work on a new milking barn and dedicated milk and cheese room has officially begun. These additions mark an important step in expanding the farm’s dairy operations.
There were also moments of both loss and renewal this week. The farm said goodbye to Iceman, the preemie lamb who had been fighting hard—his loss is deeply felt. On a brighter note, all of the coffee, avocado, and banana trees have finally been relocated to a safer, permanent home following the landslide last month. With spring approaching, new vegetable and flower seeds are going into the ground, signaling fresh growth ahead and laying the groundwork for the upcoming flower subscription season.
We're Swimming Up Here
Jan 15, 2026. We’ve had over 25 inches of rain this month, and it shows—mud everywhere underfoot, but hillsides glowing an impossible green. The farm feels alive in that quiet winter way, where everything is soaking in, resting, and preparing for what’s next.
Some of you have been following along with Iceman, our preemie lamb who battled an infection around Christmas. He’s now officially a house lamb, drinking well from the bottle and starting physical therapy to rebuild strength in his legs. Meanwhile, our other lambs will head to their forever homes next week—a bittersweet moment we never quite get used to.
We spent the holidays setting our 2026 strategy, with one clear focus: spreading the word about our produce boxes. This farm grows because of you—your support, your sharing, and your belief in what we’re building here. Thank you for being part of our farm, believing in us, and supporting local farms!
New Mini Horses on the Farm
Dec 15, 2025 Our premie lamb is getting stronger by the day—he’s officially been named Iceman (Icy, if you’re on cuddling terms) and will eventually join his dad, Maverick, in the ram paddock. Our two new mini horses, Snopy & Woodstock, have also settled in beautifully, adding plenty of mischief to the pasture.
Out in the vineyard, our chickens have moved to a fresh block where they’re already hard at work cleaning up weeds, scratching through cover crop, and hunting down every last bug they can find. Their rotation is keeping the vines tidy and the soil alive—just the way we like it.
Our goats are also gearing up for a big new job: they’re about to begin training with their GPS collars, preparing them to head into the canyon for fire abatement alongside their loyal livestock guardian dogs. It’s a major step toward our long-term land stewardship goals, and we’re excited to see them take it on.
This past weekend brought one of our favorite moments of the year: a fantastic Unity Shoppe fundraiser and farm tour, where together we raised over $2,500 for families in our community. The afternoon was filled with warmth, good company, and unforgettable bites from our artist and chef-in-residence, Libby Holland.
The farm hums along as always—animals thriving, projects unfolding, fields shifting with the season. We can’t wait to share more with you each week as the year continues to grow.
How is this Year Almost Over?
Dec 5, 2025 Our olive harvest wrapped with a beautiful 2,500 lbs of olives pressed, and the oil is now off for laboratory testing to confirm its free fatty acid levels, peroxide values, and polyphenol content—the trio that determines purity, freshness, and overall quality. We expect bottles to be ready in just a few short weeks. All twenty-seven of our tiny silkie chicks have now gone off to their new homes, leaving the barn a little quieter. And in the midst of it all, our final lamb of the season arrived early—a brave little preemie, no bigger than a Chihuahua, already capturing hearts with his determination. The fields continue to receive fresh layers of cardboard and mulch, cool-season crops settle into their beds, and our Chick Mobiles inch closer to completion. Meanwhile, our artist and chef-in-residence, Libby Holland, has officially begun creating, marking the start of a delicious and inspiring season ahead. recipes throughout the year with our farm fresh produce. Can’t wait to share it all with you!
The Olives Win the Game
Nov 29, 2025
Our olive harvest has begun with the resulting gorgeous olive oil, the fields are blanketed in fresh mulch to nourish the soil and gently tame the weeds, and the veggie beds are shifting into their cool-season wardrobe. New Chick Mobiles take shape in the workshop while our lambs grow fluffier by the day. Twenty-seven tiny silkie chicks arrived as a joyful surprise, filling the barn with soft peeps. Gallons of tomato sauce simmered down and tucked away, and the freezer is now bright with watermelon juice from summer’s sweetness. And perhaps most exciting of all, our artist and chef-in-residence has officially begun her year with us. season of creativity, flavor, and farm-grown inspiration ahead. Libby Holland will be creating recipes throughout the year with our farm fresh produce. Can’t wait to share it all with you!