Show 655, November 29, 2025: Terra Amico Farms, San Martin, Santa Clara County with Farmer Joe Raineri

Joe Raineri of Terra Amico Farms

“Welcome to San Martin’s (Santa Clara County, CA) Terra Amico Farms, a thriving organic and regenerative heirloom tomato farm nestled in the countryside between Morgan Hill and Gilroy. The farm is dedicated to sustainable agricultural practices that not only produce the highest quality and best tasting tomatoes but also rejuvenate the land and support biodiversity. At Terra Amico Farms, they believe in the power of community and the joy of connecting people with the source of their food.”

“Terra Amico Farms commitment to organic farming ensures that their tomatoes are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, preserving the health of the soil and the surrounding ecosystem. They embrace regenerative techniques such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and composting to enhance soil fertility and capture carbon, making this farm a model of environmental stewardship.”

“Terra Amico Farms is more than just a place to grow tomatoes; it’s a destination for unforgettable experiences. They host Farm-To-Table dinners where guests can savor gourmet meals crafted from estate produce and other local farm fresh, seasonal produce, prepared by talented local chefs. These dinners offer a unique opportunity to taste the flavors from local farms while enjoying the picturesque landscape. Guests are treated to a farm tour, learn about their sustainable farming practices and enjoy wine, craft beer and ciders from local producers.”

Joe is also the volunteer guiding force behind the non-profit, embryonic Fattoria Public Market and Food Hall. For California in Morgan Hill the concept is inspired by the European Public Markets supporting small family farmers and artisan food product producers showcasing a diversity of culinary delights.

“In addition to their dinners, Terra Amico Farms organize a variety of farm-related events throughout the year. From guided tours and u-picks to community harvest days, there is always something happening at Terra Amico Farms. These events foster a deeper connection between people and the food they eat, promoting a greater appreciation for sustainable agriculture.”

Farmer Joe Raineri takes a break from weeding to join us.

Show 521, April 15, 2023: Evan Marks, Founder, The Ecology Center, San Juan Capistrano Part One

Evan Marks of the Ecology Center

The Ecology Center’s (San Juan Capistrano) ever popular Community Table Dinner series is back on Friday evenings. “Guests enjoy a multicourse dinner prepared by accomplished guest chefs under the stars surrounded by the 28-acre Regenerative Organic Certified™ farm and education center.”

“This intimate, family-style feast brings a rotating list of renowned guest chefs to the farm to design a thoughtful meal utilizing freshly harvested, regenerative organic ingredients sourced from just 250 feet away on the farm.”

“Ingredients harvested are based upon the farm’s four seasonal rotations (market garden, milpa, fruit forest, cover crops). By bringing these culinary artists back to the source, chefs receive an opportunity to connect with new ingredients, find fresh inspiration in our bioregion’s historic foodways, and discover the rewards of relationship with the land.”

The seasonal “Strawberry U-Pick” is on right now until the 3 acres of strawberries are all harvested.

The Ecology Center’s Founder, Evan Marks, joins us with all the mouthwatering details.

“The Ecology Center is a non-profit 28-acre Regenerative Organic Certified™ farm and education center located in San Juan Capistrano, California that serves as a hub for southern California’s ecological movement. Founded by Evan Marks in 2008, the internationally-renowned organization attracts culinary and creative collaborators from around the world, partnerships with some of the most innovative and sustainable brands, and over 100,000 visitors annually.”

“With a holistic approach that integrates the incubation of the next generation of agricultural, culinary, and educational leaders with the creation of a vibrant community resource and gathering place to inspire all, they are actively building a more abundant future, one that the next generations will be proud to inherit.”

Show 521, April 15, 2023: Evan Marks, Founder, The Ecology Center, San Juan Capistrano Part Two

Evan Marks of the Ecology Center

The Ecology Center’s (San Juan Capistrano) ever popular Community Table Dinner series is back on Friday evenings. “Guests enjoy a multicourse dinner prepared by accomplished guest chefs under the stars surrounded by the 28-acre Regenerative Organic Certified™ farm and education center.”

“This intimate, family-style feast brings a rotating list of renowned guest chefs to the farm to design a thoughtful meal utilizing freshly harvested, regenerative organic ingredients sourced from just 250 feet away on the farm.”

“Ingredients harvested are based upon the farm’s four seasonal rotations (market garden, milpa, fruit forest, cover crops). By bringing these culinary artists back to the source, chefs receive an opportunity to connect with new ingredients, find fresh inspiration in our bioregion’s historic foodways, and discover the rewards of relationship with the land.”

Last night the visiting chef (April 14th) was David Serus of Montage, Laguna Beach.

The Ecology Center’s Founder, Evan Marks, continues with us providing all the mouthwatering details.

Show 519, April 1, 2023: Robert Hall Winery (Paso Robles) with Managing Director Caine Thompson Part One

Caine Thompson of Robert Hall Winery

“Founded on hard work and self-made prosperity, Robert Hall Winery embodies the hard-working spirit that turned one man’s vision into a truly world-class winery.”

“A small-business visionary, Robert had a life-long passion for wine and the winery lifestyle. He viewed all his business success as a well-earned opportunity to venture west in search of the perfect landscape, and the perfect partner to help him realize his true dream.”

“Acclaimed winemaker Don Brady has been the creative force behind their award-winning wines since the beginning. Through his hands-on approach, Don has been pivotal in bringing acclaim to Paso Robles wines, and instrumental to elevating the valley’s status as the premier winemaking region.”

“Creating wines of the highest quality is Robert Hall Winery’s promise, each one of them made by hand with a simple goal – enjoying The Good Life. Well-Earned.™”

“Robert Hall Winery grows five varietals in their estate vineyards but produces 17 varieties. They source fruit from all of Paso Robles’ 11 individual American Viticultural Areas.”

“Robert Hall Winery has an abiding devotion to the land and the bounty it provides. They take nothing for granted, and Robert Hall Winery shows their respect by practicing sustainable farming and regenerative viticulture.”

There are a variety of unique Tasting Experiences available on the Estate in Paso Robles

Caine Thompson, Managing Director of Robert Hall Winery and sustainability lead for parent, O’Neill Vintners & Distillers joins us.

Show 519, April 1, 2023: Robert Hall Winery (Paso Robles) with Managing Director Caine Thompson Part Two

Caine Thompson of Robert Hall Winery

“Founded on hard work and self-made prosperity, Robert Hall Winery embodies the hard-working spirit that turned one man’s vision into a truly world-class winery.”

“A small-business visionary, Robert had a life-long passion for wine and the winery lifestyle. He viewed all his business success as a well-earned opportunity to venture west in search of the perfect landscape, and the perfect partner to help him realize his true dream.”

“Acclaimed winemaker Don Brady has been the creative force behind their award-winning wines since the beginning. Through his hands-on approach, Don has been pivotal in bringing acclaim to Paso Robles wines, and instrumental to elevating the valley’s status as the premier winemaking region.”

“Creating wines of the highest quality is Robert Hall Winery’s promise, each one of them made by hand with a simple goal – enjoying The Good Life. Well-Earned.™”

“Robert Hall Winery grows five varietals in their estate vineyards but produces 17 varieties. They source fruit from all of Paso Robles’ 11 individual American Viticultural Areas.”

“Robert Hall Winery has an abiding devotion to the land and the bounty it provides. They take nothing for granted, and Robert Hall Winery shows their respect by practicing sustainable farming and regenerative viticulture.”

Caine Thompson, Managing Director of Robert Hall Winery and sustainability lead for parent, O’Neill Vintners & Distillers continues with us.”

“Since joining O’Neill Vintners & Distillers, Caine has developed and launched a regenerative viticulture living case study that will impact wine farming practices for years to come.”