September 2025
A Day in the Country Raises Support for Protecting Yolo County Farms
On Sunday, September 14, supporters of Yolo Land Trust (YLT) gathered at Putah Creek Land Co., a scenic vineyard and walnut orchard in Winters, for the 36th Annual A Day in the Country.
A Day in the Country is YLT’s signature fundraiser and a true labor of love, made possible through the dedication of local farmers, chefs, wineries, breweries, and volunteers. It is both a celebration of the rich bounty grown on Yolo County farmland and a reminder that without farmland, this abundance and the strong community it sustains simply wouldn’t exist.
“A Day in the Country is such a powerful reminder of why we do this work,” expresses John Currey, Executive Director of YLT. “Seeing so many people gathered who believe Yolo County farmland must be protected is both inspiring and energizing. At Yolo Land Trust, we believe permanent farmland conservation is vital to the well-being of present and future generations. With the support of this community, that vision is becoming reality.”
This year’s gathering brought together more than 350 guests who enjoyed a mild afternoon shaded by large oak trees with sweeping views of farmland. Woodland’s own Americana band, The Bottom Dwellers, provided the perfect soundtrack to the farm setting. One guest shared, “The imaginative food using Yolo County produce was outstanding, and the venue, with shade under those gorgeous oaks, couldn’t have been better.”
The food was the centerpiece of the afternoon. Twelve regional restaurants transformed ingredients from 15 local farms into small plates such as goat adovada over polenta (Mulvaney’s B&L), beef picadillo stuffed peppers (Kitchen 428), and a chilled corn bisque (Chez Panisse). Many dishes highlighted pistachios from Setton Farms and heirloom and cherry tomatoes from Full Belly Farm, Riverdog Farm, and Durst Organic Growers, two leading commodities grown in Yolo County. Sweet treats like Fat Face’s pistachio and white chocolate popsicles and Upper Crust’s caramel nut tart were guest favorites. These tastings were paired with wines and beers from nine local producers.
Guests took home bottles of Cobram Estate olive oil, pouches of Setton Farms pistachios, and stunning floral arrangements from Full Belly Farm. A photo booth sponsored by Berryessa Gap Vineyards gave guests a fun keepsake of the day.
“It was a fantastic time out on the farm this year, the location left you truly appreciative of the land around you,” said Melissa Harlan, Chair of YLT’s Outreach and Development Committee. “Seeing families of all ages and backgrounds come together to celebrate farmland conservation was inspiring. The abundance of food, beverages, and lively music made it a truly joyful day. On behalf of YLT’s board, we are deeply grateful to Dan Martinez for hosting us and to all who supported this event, which funds our important work to conserve farmland.”
This year’s host, Dan Martinez of Putah Creek Land Co., welcomed guests to his 320-acre farm at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains and just outside Downtown Winters. Martinez shared with guests at A Day in the Country the rich history of the farmland that his family originally purchased in 2000, when it was still open pasture. “This soil holds stories far older than the current orchard rows. There’s a legacy of farming and ranching that has taken place on this property. From my memory, Fred and Mariam Coble’s Suffolk sheep to TR Martin’s Angus cattle to our orchards and vineyards that now take their turn on the land.”
Since purchasing the property in 2000, the Martinez family has transitioned the land from pasture to organic walnuts and vineyards, now supplying wine grapes to Berryessa Gap Vineyards. A portion of the farm was permanently conserved in partnership with YLT in 2014, protecting 44 acres from future development at the edge of Winters and ensuring the land’s agricultural legacy endures.
The event’s success reflects the power of community. YLT extends its gratitude to the many volunteers, including teams from Pioneer High School FFA, Ag West Farm Credit, Bayer, HM Clause, Sakata Seeds, Woodland Community College Culinary Arts, Yolo County RCD, Yolo County LAFCo, and Yolo County Young Farmers & Ranchers. Special thanks also go to Paul Muller of Full Belly Farm for his long-standing commitment to both YLT and this event.
Since its founding in 1988, Yolo Land Trust has permanently conserved more than 13,000 acres across 78 farms and ranches in Yolo County. The funds raised at A Day in the Country directly support this mission—ensuring that farmland remains farmland forever.
View Photo Booth Gallery – Sponsored by Berryessa Gap Vineyards
