U-Pick Organic Blueberries at Duckworth Family Farm in Sebastopol

Blueberries are one of summer's most delicious (and healthy) treats and like most fruit, they always taste better right after you pick them. You can pick your own berries and taste the difference this summer at Duckworth Family Farm in Sebastopol, which offers blueberry u-pick on Saturdays through the end of the blueberry season. A trip here is always one of the highlights of our summer, and we can't wait to visit again to pick more berries!

U-pick hours at Duckworth Family Farm this season are on Saturdays from 8 am to 1 pm. Apparently blueberries picked early in the morning away from the heat of the day taste better and last longer, so try to reserve an early time slot if you can. This year they have even more fields of blueberries to pick from, with several large fields adjacent to the parking area.

The berries here are certified organic and they're delicious! We visited this weekend and had a fantastic time picking blueberries, visiting farm animals, and treating ourselves to some amazing blueberry ice cream.

Strap a picking bucket around your waist and head out into the blueberry fields to start picking. The blueberry plants are low to the ground and the berries are easy to pick, so it's perfect for little ones who might have a hard time picking apples or other fruit. Blueberries cost $5.99 per pound, which is a great deal for certified organic berries.

You can also visit with some friendly farm animals like donkeys and chickens. There's plenty of room on this 80-acre farm and plenty of families were relaxing under the trees with a picnic. There are even tractors, trucks, and farm vehicles to climb on.

The blueberries from Duckworth Family Farm really taste way better than the kind you get at the grocery store, probably because we picked them ourselves that morning. They're perfect for baking into pies or muffins or of course just eating as-is. It's a fun and delicious experience and a great outing for the whole family.

If You Go

Duckworth Family Farm is open for blueberry u-pick on select Saturdays this summer until berries run out. This year, due to the rain and cooler weather, the season has started much later than usual. Advance reservations are required; reservations open at 8 pm the Thursday prior to the picking event (e.g. reservations for Saturday, July 5 will open on Thursday, July 3). U-pick slots fill up very quickly, so you'll want to be online promptly at 8 pm. We highly recommend making early morning reservations. It's worth the effort to get to the farm by 8 or 8:30 am when it's cooler out and far less busy.

If you don't get one on Thursday night, check back throughout the day on Friday since cancelations do happen and spots may open up. Subscribe to their email list on their website (www.duckworthfarmblueberries.com) to get the latest details and reminder emails.

Admission is free but there is a $5 per car parking fee, payable on-site as you enter the farm (cash only). Blueberries cost $5.99 per pound. Blueberry ice cream or sorbet, in sugar cones or cups, costs $6. Coffee and cold drinks are also available for sale as well as baked goods like blueberry scones, muffins, and focaccia. Cash, credit cards, and electronic payments are accepted for berries, food, and drink.

You'll find a variety of picnic tables and benches throughout the farm, so feel free to bring a picnic and relax after picking your berries. Visitors are welcome to stay on the farm until they close at 2 pm. 

They're located at 2950 Canfield Road in Sebastopol. To get there, take highway 101 to the Highway 116/Sebastopol exit and head west on Highway 116. In Sebastopol, turn left onto Bloomfield Road, then follow Bloomfield Road west. Turn left at the stop sign (you're still on Bloomfield Road) and go straight at the second stop sign which leads you onto Canfield Road. Duckworth Family Farm will be on your right.

Wear sturdy, close-toed shoes and clothes that you don't mind get dirty — you're on a farm, after all. Restroom facilities with hand-washing stations are available for guests.

For more information, visit www.duckworthfarmblueberries.com or call (707) 829-7999. You can also get updates on their Facebook page.