2024 Guide for Pick-Your-Own + FAQs
With the last frost date behind us, the outlook for fruit this year is quite good. It appears that the trees are as excited about producing fruit this year as we are to pick it. We like to think that our wassailing activities have helped us along the way, so another thank you to those of you who joined us for that very special evening in January.
In the cherries, there was a snowball bloom (see the photo above), resulting in an above-average fruit set. It was incredible to see, and we're excited to open cherry picking towards the end of June (typically ~6/20).
Our earliest fruit, strawberries, typically open ~June 1st, but are in limited supply this 2024 season. Our 2024 plan is similar to 2023: we'll open limited picking when there is a sufficient amount of fruit, most likely on Thursday evenings to coincide with Misto's Burger Night. Our later-blooming varieties may surprise us with more fruit, but picking will still be limited.
Our reliable blueberries look great and we expect to open them for PYO in early July thru mid-August.
Peach and plum enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that all of our stone fruit is doing well, and while there is plenty that can happen between now and July, it seems likely that we'll be eating enough peaches to make up for last year!
Apples will be open for PYO starting late August into late October. The Taproom, food and grower popups, music and special events will continue and expand this 2024 season! See our website Events page for details
Plan Your Visit: Check our website for the latest ripening schedule and hours of operation. We recommend wearing long pants and sturdy shoes and bringing along a hat and sunscreen.
Pet Policy: In order to comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act, we cannot permit pets in the fruit orchards (except ADA service animals). We welcome pets on leash in our parking and picnic areas, around the Taproom, and along our farm road.
Courtesy: Out of respect to everyone’s varying comfort, please allow ample room between families and groups during check-in, check-out and while picking fruit. Fortunately, there is lots of space to enjoy at Rose Hill Farm!
Parking: As in prior seasons, our parking area is on the right, past the white house and across from the Farmstand, as you enter. We have a second parking lot, beyond the barns and Winery Taproom.
Restrooms: For U-pick customers during the fruit season, we have portable toilets and a handwashing sink located near the Farmstand. For guests of the Winery/Cidery, we have several restrooms inside the Taproom (including ADA compliant).
BYO Food and Drink: You are welcome to BYO snacks/picnic/takeout and soft drinks, to enjoy at our picnic tables outside the Winery Taproom or at our picnic areas in the Farmstand vicinity. Air-conditioned indoor seating is reserved for guests of our food pop-ups who serve food on all days we are open - see our Events Schedule for details. You may NOT bring your own alcohol as our license does not permit outside alcohol on premises. Guests who violate the law will be politely asked to vacate.
Please refer to our Picnic Guide for details.
Signage: We have plenty of signs to help with general wayfinding and to communicate our updated guidelines and FAQs. Visible from the Farmstand, we have signs describing which fruit varieties are ripe on the day of your visit. Ripe varieties are also identified in the orchard (if a row is not labeled, it’s not yet ripe).
Farmstand will be staffed as usual to help you find your way around the farm and checkout when you are done picking fruit. We are doing our best to keep the process simple and effective. If you have any questions or concerns, please ask our crew.
Check-In: Approach the check-in area to the right of the Farmstand and select your preferred container for picking.
PYO Fruit: If it’s labeled, it’s ripe. If it’s not labeled, it’s either not yet ripe or past its prime. If you have a favorite apple or peach variety, check out our Fruit Schedule to learn the approximate ripening date.
Please refrain from climbing trees, bending limbs or otherwise harming our trees. It takes years to raise a tree before it starts producing fruit. Climbing/bending/breakage can cause irreparable damage, introduce harmful bacteria and cause a significant loss for the farm. Please remind your children not to throw apples. Thank you for being respectful of our hard work!
Is your fruit Organic? Great question - please read through our Growing Practices for details and email with any questions.
Check-Out: When done picking fruit, please return and approach the left-hand side of the Farmstand one family/group at a time. Kindly form a line to the left, if there is a wait. We have cold drinks in the cooler and other seasonal products available for purchase. Our Farmstand structure is for staff only. Please let our Crew know what you would like, and they will get it for you!
Winery/Cidery: The Taproom (upper level of the big red barn) is open! You can peruse offerings in the Taproom, select snacks and order your wine, cider, beer at the bar. We have ample seating (both indoors and outdoors) but we welcome guests to bring camp chairs and/or picnic blankets, especially if you plan to spend the afternoon during peak October weekends. Each weekend we feature a rotating selection of amazing food vendors, also located outside the Winery.
BYO Food and Drink: You are welcome to BYO snacks/picnic/takeout and soft drinks, to enjoy at our picnic tables outside the Winery Taproom or at our picnic areas in the Farmstand vicinity. Air-conditioned indoor seating is reserved for guests of our food pop-ups who service food on all days we are open - see our Events Schedule for details. You may NOT bring your own alcohol as our license does not permit outside alcohol on premises. Guests who violate the law will be politely asked to vacate.