Andy’s Orchard is well known for having one of the largest selections of stone fruits in California and each year hosts several fruit tastings where guests are invited to taste and evaluate for themselves the many different fruit varieties grown here.

Apricot Tasting

Similar to wine tastings, another popular California past time, fruit tastings allow visitors to taste as many as 60 different types at one time. Participants are instructed to look for and taste the special flavors and textures in certain varieties. These tastings are enjoyed by fruit experts, connoisseurs, or customers who simply want to taste and decide for themselves what varieties they like. Although some varieties at the tastings are very rare, are grown in very small quantities and are not available for purchase at our fruit stand, participants are urged to asked about their current or future availability. Usually, there are cherry, apricot and several peach/nectarine/plum tastings scheduled during the summer. Sometimes cooking demonstrations are also part of the festivities. See the Event Calendar or call for information.

Talks are often planned in conjunction with our tours. Termed 'Field Days', they provide an opportunity for visitors from urban areas to connect with the farmer and learn more about how the food they eat is grown. Depending on the weather and the time of the year, events may be planned to include touring of the farm stand, the store/museum, the orchard, landscaped areas, the packing and drying facilities. Your guide will cover the history of fruit, the Santa Clara Valley, fruit growing, marketing, varieties, and so on. We also offer our “fruitology” school — a 15-20 minute educational talk and slide show presentation on fruit and fruit growing appropriate for both school children and adults. Small and large group tours should be scheduled well in advance. Ideal times for tours are during the harvest months (June to September) and also during blossom time in March. Andy’s Orchard may be considered a destination for group outings and day trips; we have some picnic facilities and restrooms available. Check the Event Calendar or call for scheduling.

A “Harvest Walk” is our own special version of “U-Pick” that’s often conducted in conjunction with a short tour of the orchard. Your guide will lead you through the orchard where many delectable fruit varieties are at their peak and ready for harvest. You’re welcome to savor firsthand the various fruits that are ripe at the time. It is indeed a feast for all of the senses including the tactile experience of harvesting one’s own fruit. Each participant receives a basket in order to pick his or her favorites. The fruit basket is then carried back to our farm stand for weighing and purchase. It is really a fun way for customers to discover and partake of some of the finest and freshest fruits available anywhere. Even during peak harvest periods our Harvest Walks are scheduled only on certain days, mostly on the weekends. Please visit the Event Calendar or call ahead for times and details.