As California’s wine industry grapples with a prolonged grape surplus, some North Coast farm and vineyard operators are turning to agritourism — including farm stays, RV camping and outdoor experiences — to diversify income and attract visitors, according to SiliconValley.com.
For Mark and Tammy Lipps, owners of The Ripe Choice Farm Stay and Catering near Lakeport, diversification has become a necessity rather than a luxury.
The couple relocated from Manhattan Beach to their six-acre Lake County farm just two days before California’s pandemic lockdown in March 2020. Their property includes vineyards, orchards, row crops, a commercial kitchen, event facilities in a century-old barn, a barn loft rental and a restored five-bedroom farmhouse built in 1904.
Since then, the Lippses have layered multiple business activities onto the property. In addition to weddings, nonprofit meetings and seasonal dinners, they host cooking classes, school groups and overnight guests. Visitors can purchase meals, picnics and other food offerings centered on farm-grown and locally sourced ingredients.
Camping and farm-stay platforms such as Hipcamp and Harvest Hosts have become another important revenue source, drawing travelers seeking rural experiences, dark skies and close encounters with the farm’s growing collection of animals.
