Posted on by Anne Sandler · 19 Comments

A Yolo Art & Ag Outing: Turkovich Family Wines

It’s so close to Thanksgiving here in the U. S., and it’s time to soul search and find what we are truly thankful for. I am truly thankful for the Yolo Arts & Ag Project. Each spring and summer the Project arranges for artists and photographers to visit farms and ranches in Yolo County. It’s refreshing for a suburbanite to get out into the country and experience amazing lifestyles. This outing was to Turkovich Family Wines in Winters.

The farms/ranches are open to artists/photographers twice a month for 4 hours in the morning. Sometimes we have full access and others limited access. Here we were able to ramble around the entire ranch. They had a small tasting room outside near the patio.

An artists sketches on the patio while the tasting station is being set up.

While roaming, I saw other artists busy creating. It’s interesting to watch them. Each has their own method of producing beautiful art.

I’m not sure what trees were on the property, but I did see nuts and fruits in the orchard.

And what would a winery be without grapes?

But there is work to be done.

I’m not sure what is in these containers. Grapes? Wine? I’m not sure of the process, and we are not to disturb the workers.

I just can’t close a farm visit without rust!

Thank you Yolo Arts & Ag! It was a great year of visits.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 8 Comments

Yolo Arts and Ag: Capay Canyon Ranch

Sometimes you just feel like a winner! That’s the way I felt when we (Marlene, Ray, Richard and I) went to the monthly Yolo Arts and Ag Project in Esparto. The flyer said that at Capay Canyon Ranch we would be able to see the almond orchard and processing of the almonds. Usually we go when the trees are blossoming and that’s all we get to see. And you feel more like a winner when you find a wonderful photo opportunity on the way there and back. Here’s what our morning was like.

On our way to Capay Canyon Ranch.

At Capay Canyon Ranch.

I managed to get some of the warehouse and machinery before I was asked to leave for safety reasons. I truly thought we had the ability to photograph anywhere we wanted.

I walked around and found some almond trees and grapes being dried for raisins.

Then I found where the almonds were getting ready for shipping. There were large mounds of almonds everywhere with bags to mark where each were to be delivered. It was a treat to catch the large machine as it dumped almonds on the mound.

Then on our way home, we came upon this old house. Now who can resist photographing something old and falling down?

A great big thank you to Capay Canyon Ranch for giving us access to an amazing photography and learning opportunity! I hope you enjoyed seeing my pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them.