If berry picking is on your spring bucket list, then it’s time to head north to the Temecula Berry Company and start your family adventure. This family-friendly spot is now open for the season, and it’s the only blueberry farm in San Diego County. Grab your camera and get ready to pick! The Berry Company is ready to welcome hungry kiddos (and parents) with u-pick action and fun on the farm.
About the Berry Picking
Temecula Berry Company is run by the father and son team, Ray and Mike Graesser, who planted 10 acres of southern highbush blueberries. Kids love wandering through the rows of bushes picking big, ripe, tasty blueberries to fill their buckets. Parents love blueberries because the fruit is high in anti-oxidants, a good source of fiber, vitamin C and vitamin K, and are a great snack for kids.
The u-pick blueberries are open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. The cost for picking berries is $5 per pint, with one bucket of blueberries equaling approximately two pints. Be sure to bring cash or a check; the farm does not accept credit cards.
Beyond the U-Pick
Plan to attend one of the special events such as story time and meet-and-greet with the animals. Every afternoon features a fun chick and pig show that kids love. Before you visit, check out the event calendar to find out what’s happening on the farm. Muffin Mondays take place each week when it’s all about blueberry muffins. On Tuesdays you can catch Nana’s Story Time at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. On Friday evenings, the farm stays open late for Friday Night movies at 8 p.m. (beginning May 27). Be sure to bring a chair if you plan on sitting to watch the flicks.
If you get hungry for something other than berries, you can pick up a jar of raw honey, a blueberry loaf or blueberry jam at the farm. You are welcome to bring a picnic lunch, but know that there are not picnic grounds at the Berry Company. So it’s best to bring your own chairs or be okay eating on the ground.
What to Do With the Berries
If you end up with more berries than you know what to do with, you may want to try some of the delicious recipes on the Temecula Berry Company website. You can make blueberry jam, blueberry ice cream, or healthy blueberry smoothies.
Hot Tips
- Don’t forget closed-toe shoes, hats, sunscreen, and water. If it’s going to be a hot day, plan to arrive early or late in the day, especially if you have little kids since there is little shade.
- If you’re looking for a keepsake from your visit (besides the blueberries), pick up a blueberry-scented soy candle.
- Don’t wait too long to visit Temecula Berry Company. Once the blueberries are gone – usually by the end of June – the u-pick season is closed until next year.
39700 Cantrell Rd.
Temecula Ca 92591
951-225-5552
Online: temeculaberryco.com
Have you visited the Temecula Berry Company? What are your tips for a great blueberry picking adventure?
— Leah Singer
