Farm tours of the San Juans are back | Experience island life at its best

September 13, 2025 1:30 am
Contributed photo. Owners of Madrone Cellars & Cider, Amy (pictured above) and her husband, Shaun, are inviting visitors to explore their operations and enjoy tastings of their award-winning wine, cider and natural seltzer during the San Juan Island Farm Tours.
Contributed photo. Owners of Madrone Cellars & Cider, Amy (pictured above) and her husband, Shaun, are inviting visitors to explore their operations and enjoy tastings of their award-winning wine, cider and natural seltzer during the San Juan Island Farm Tours.

Submitted by the San Juan Conservation District.

Fall in the San Juans means crisp air, golden fields and a bounty of fresh harvest. This September and October, we invite you to celebrate the heart of our community – the farmers and food producers who keep island traditions alive – at the Annual Farm Tours of the San Juans.

Spread across three weekends, the Farm Tours offer a unique opportunity to explore working farms, connect with neighbors and support local agriculture. Many activities are free and family-friendly, making it the perfect way to spend a weekend soaking up island beauty while reconnecting with the land that sustains us.

Mark your calendars and round up your crew for these free events! Tours take place Sept. 26-28 on San Juan Island, Oct. 3-5 on Orcas Island and Oct. 10-12 on Lopez Island. Full details, maps and registration (encouraged but not required) are available here: www.farmtourssanjuans.com.

Whether you’re passionate about local food, interested in sustainable agriculture or simply looking to spend quality time in the community, each island offers its own unique lineup of activities that highlight the rich food and farming culture of the San Juans. Enjoy guided farm tours, farm-to-table meals, u-pick produce and hands-on workshops and demos led by local farmers and artisans.

Helpful touring tips: Pack a cooler to keep your farm-fresh goodies safe for the ride home, carpool to reduce carbon emissions and traffic on sites, always respect the rules of the farm you’re visiting, wear appropriate attire for being out in the fields and leave pets at home.

This beloved annual tradition isn’t just about good food — it’s about celebrating island culture, supporting local farmers and enjoying the slower pace that makes our community special.

For more information, contact Julie Curtis, communications coordinator with the San Juan Islands Conservation District, at Julie@sjicd.org. Funding for the Farm Tour is provided in part by the San Juan County Lodging Tax Grants.