IYKYK - Sonoma Hills Farm Ready for Croptober Harvest

Sonoma Hills Farm, situated on a sprawling 60-acre property within the Petaluma Gap appellation of Sonoma Valley, stands as a distinguished craft cannabis farm and culinary haven. This pristine location boasts its status as one of the United States' foremost wine terroirs.

Under the guidance of Aaron Keefer, renowned for his past roles as the culinary gardener for the Thomas Keller Group and The French Laundry, Sonoma Hills Farm thrives in collaboration with Michelin-starred chefs. Together, they meticulously select and nurture the finest sun-grown cannabis, hemp, and vegetables, aiming for nothing short of excellence.

In anticipation for the Croptober harvest, legendary cannabis pioneer Jorge Cervantes visited Sonoma Hills Farm in September. After touring their property, Cervantes had nothing but praise for the Sonoma Hills Farm family.

At Sonoma Hills Farm, the cultivation of cannabis flower harmoniously coexists with nature, embracing regenerative farming practices. The harvest takes place precisely at the moment when the plants reach their full-term peak potential, ensuring the utmost quality.

This farm seamlessly melds Sonoma County's rich agricultural heritage with a farm-to-table cannabis lifestyle, crafting a tailored experience for discerning and passionate connoisseurs of cannabis flower.

"I am super impressed with the scientific breeding work Sonoma Hills Farm is accomplishing in conjunction with Humboldt Seed Co,” said Cervantes. “Very exciting!"

Sonoma Hills Farm sources their genetics from breeders like Bio Vortex, Compound Genetics and Humboldt Seed Co.

“All our growers shut down their legacy grows when recreational cannabis started. We all pulled together in 2017 and have been working together since. Our head of cultivation is Aaron Keefer. He has been growing cannabis since his teens. He had his jars of weed on the top shelf all throughout the Bay Area during the 215 days.”

Sam Magruder spearheads the cultivation and development efforts at Sonoma Hills Farm, bringing to the table an impressive track record spanning over two decades. With expertise in cultivating sustainable and top-tier cannabis across diverse settings, including outdoor, mixed light, and indoor environments, Magruder is a seasoned professional in the field. Furthermore, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Humboldt State University.

At the helm of Sonoma Hills Farm's operations stands Joyce Cenali, serving as the Chief Operating Officer. She boasts a remarkable career as an executive proficient in sales, operations, and business development, with a significant background in the cannabis industry. Cenali's journey in cultivation commenced in her personal garden back in 2004, leading to her co-founding a cultivation project in the Sierra region. Notably, her group clinched victory at the 2016 Emerald Cup in the Dry Sieve category.

Cherry Cheesecake is a cross of Kimbo Kush and Cherry Pie. The nose is reminiscent of a savory cherry cheesecake. This cultivar offers a mix of creamy and fruity flavors with a chocolate exhale. Its effects are purported to offer a relaxing, euphoric and calming effect. Dominant terpenes are limonene, caryophyllene and humulene.

During the Croptober harvest, cannabis plants that have been carefully nurtured throughout the growing season finally reach maturity, producing top-shelf cannabis flower. The quality of these cannabis buds is influenced not only by the expertise of the cultivators, but also by the unique weather conditions that prevail in the weeks leading up to the harvest. The interplay of sunlight, temperature, and humidity during this month-long period can significantly impact the terpene profiles and cannabinoid content of the cannabis plants, resulting in a diverse array of flavors and effects.

For those in the cannabis industry, Croptober is a time of anticipation and excitement as they prepare to bring these exquisite cannabis flowers to market. As the harvest season extends from late September into early November, cannabis businesses gear up for a surge in activity, from cultivation and processing to distribution and sales. Croptober's arrival is a testament to the progress made since the legalization of cannabis, highlighting the industry's growth and potential, while enthusiasts eagerly await the chance to savor the fruits of this annual labor of love.