Tucked into the fertile folds of our Santa Ynez Valley, Summerset Farm is a portrait of pastoral elegance. Just off of Edison and 154, past the ancient oaks and golden grasslands, lies a working farm that offers something rare in today’s fast-paced world: an invitation to slow down. For nearly two decades, Summerset Farm has offered a multi-sensory escape—a place where heirloom tomatoes and sun-warmed berries taste of memory, and children dart through orchards as curious lizards scurry beneath their feet.
Founded by Alex Geremia, Summerset Farm is a labor of love—chemical free from its inception and grounded in a philosophy that blends sustainability, seasonality, and community. “The farm has always been 100% chemical free since the day Alex bought it 19 years ago,” explains general manager Sally Maher. “No herbicides, no pesticides, strictly non-GMO. That was the goal, and they’ve stuck to it.”
Maher, who began helping out when her children were in school, has been part of the farm for 17 years. “I just never left,” she says with a laugh. That kind of devotion is woven into every aspect of the farm’s operation, from its 18 varieties of globally-sourced garlic to its handmade jams and honey harvested on-site.
The heart of the Summerset experience, however, lies in its immersive, seasonal offerings. “Probably the biggest thing is berry picking,” Maher says. “We have raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries. Our orchard has peaches, plums, and six kinds of apples. And people love picking their own sunflowers. The kids just adore exploring—it’s a big part of our operation.” In fall, the landscape transforms into a pumpkin-lover’s dream. Summerset’s annual pumpkin patch is more than just picturesque; it’s educational. “We host field trips from schools all over Santa Barbara County,” says Maher. “We show them what goes into growing food, and they get to take home a pumpkin.”
While the experiences attract families and day-trippers, Summerset Farm also caters to a discerning clientele seeking rustic luxury. Their farm stand bursts with freshly harvested vegetables—zucchini, cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, and onions—all laid out in charming displays. Shelves are lined with small-batch sauces and preserves. Their hand-crafted olive oils, pressed in small batches, add yet another layer of richness to the farm’s already abundant offerings. Handcrafted tote bags and glassware made by Maher’s daughter-in-law, Michaela, add a personal, artisanal touch.
For those looking to stay a little longer, The Farm House—Summerset’s private vacation rental—offers a refined take on agrarian life. With sweeping views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and interiors that blend farmhouse warmth with upscale comfort, it’s a serene sanctuary perfect for romantic escapes or family getaways.
Like many small farms, Summerset has weathered its share of challenges. The recent completion of a nearby roundabout project, which had previously limited access, marks a new chapter. “We’re focused on getting back to business as usual,” says Sally. “We want to maximize what we have and hopefully grow next year.”
Growth at Summerset Farm isn’t just measured in produce or profits—it’s felt in connection. It’s in the laughter of children in the berry fields, the satisfaction of tasting a peach plucked fresh from the tree, or the simple pleasure of wandering through rows of sunflowers with the summer breeze in your hair. It also cannot be understated how much better everything tastes when you know exactly where it came from. When you or your children are snacking on an apple from a strictly non-GMO and no pesticide farm, it puts your mind at great ease to know the produce from Summerset tastes better and is much better for you than something purchased at the big chain grocery store.
Summerset Farm isn’t trying to be trendy. It’s not about flashy agritourism or curated social media moments. It’s about authenticity—what Maher calls “the real stuff.” It’s about taste, tradition, and the kind of beauty that doesn’t ask for attention—it earns it.
So, whether you’re coming for the berries, the varietal honey, or the sense of stillness that only open land can offer, one thing is certain: Summerset Farm is the kind of place you carry with you, long after the last apple is picked.
Summerset Farm is located at 3450 Baseline Avenue in Santa Ynez. Find them on social media, Instagram: @summersetfarm_syv, and their Facebook page.
It’s about taste, tradition, and the kind of beauty that doesn’t ask for attention—it earns it.