San Joaquin County Agriculture: A Star in California

With vibrant vineyards, fun agritourism experiences and family farms, the region embodies what makes California agriculture so special.

By Wesley Broome on December 22, 2023

Dell’Osso Family Farm

As the nation’s leading agriculture-producing state, California represents a diverse range of producers, crops and natural features. The San Joaquin County agriculture sector alone accounts for 37% of the state’s farmers. With thriving vineyards, agritourism experiences and family farms, the region and its growers embody what makes agriculture in California so special. 

Generational Farms 

Dell’Osso Family Farm in Lathrop celebrates the region’s agricultural diversity each year with several seasonal events. Leading up to October, the Dell’Osso family is hard at work prepping the land that has been in the family since the 1930s for their annual fall festival. 

“It’s a lot of work but it is so rewarding,” says Susan Dell’Osso, who owns the farm with her husband, Ron. 

The Dell’Ossos have converted around 100 acres of their working farm into an agritourism operation that draws up to 250,000 visitors each year. Beginning in the spring, the farm is open for an annual “u-pick” cherry event. The highlight of the year is the annual Pumpkin Maze. From hayrides to pumpkin painting, a petting zoo and beyond, the event is a celebration of farming. 

“We try to tailor everything we’re doing into a lesson,” Dell’Osso says. “We’re trying to educate people on what farming is like rather than create a theme park.” 

Kids have the opportunity to learn about working farms while spending time outdoors, which Dell’Osso says was integral to her own childhood. Having been in operation for 28 years, the Dell’Osso farm has served two generations of visitors, many of whom come back year after year. 

“Our city of Lathrop has really embraced agritourism,” Dell’Osso says. “Let’s keep our roots.” 

Craig Kohlruss

Lodi Wine Country 

For locals and visitors alike, a trip to the Lodi region is a step back in time. Wine from this region offers a taste of history – San Joaquin County has the highest concentration of old vines in the U.S. The zinfandel variety is one of California’s prized heritage grapes, originally planted during the Gold Rush as early as 1850. 

“Our core mission is to empower (winegrowers and vintners) and serve their common interests to enhance profitability through promotion, research and education,” says Stuart Spencer, executive director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission. 

Over 100 varieties of grapes are grown in the Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA), making it the most diverse wine growing appellation in the country. The Lodi Winegrape Commission serves the many winegrowers and vintners who call the region home. 

As part of its mission, the commission has also helped increase wine growing acreage in San Joaquin County, more than doubling the amount of viable acreage since 1991 for a total of over 100,000 acres. 

“One of our long-term strategies is to increase the number of wineries in the region, having them bottle and sell Lodi wine and take advantage of the value added proposition,” Spencer says. 

The economic impact of wine growing in the region is over $2.4 billion annually, providing thousands of jobs and bringing in over a million tourists each year. 

Craig Kohlruss

Celebrations of Abundance 

From grapes to almonds and asparagus, San Joaquin County has much to celebrate in terms of its agricultural contributions. 

The Lodi Grape Festival has been held annually for over 80 years. Hosted in September, the festival commemorates the region’s winegrowing roots with events ranging from food vendors to art displays and wine tastings. 

During the Almond Blossom Festival in Ripon, the city honors its legacy of almond production. The festival takes place each year at the end of February, featuring events like the Miss Almond Blossom competition, a Fun Run and the Almond Blossom Parade. 

Visitors can get their fill of asparagus-themed dishes at the San Joaquin Asparagus Festival, presented in Stockton every year. Everything from asparagus churros to asparagus mac and cheese to deep fried asparagus can be found at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds for a few days in April. 

To find and support other farmers across the region, reference the San Joaquin County Farm Guide, a mobile map encompassing farm stands, u-pick orchards, farm experiences across the county. Now, the rich agricultural history and diverse products of San Joaquin County are more accessible than ever.