Shone Farm provides students with hands-on training that extends beyond the classroom. Located 12 miles from the Santa Rosa campus, between Forestville and Windsor in the heart of the Russian River Valley AVA (American Viticulture Area), the farm is named in honor of Robert Shone, longtime agricultural leader, SRJC trustee, and former president of the Sonoma County Farm Bureau.

During World War II, the property served as a military listening post. In 1972, the federal government declared the land surplus, and it was acquired by SRJC. Since then, the farm has offered real-world experience to thousands of students in multiple scientific disciplines including viticulture, wine studies, animal science, sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, ecology, and more.

Quick Numbers

The 365-acres of Shone Farm includes:

• 120 acres of forest
• 100 acres of pasture
• 90 acres of vineyard
• 12 acres of crop production
• 4 acres of apple orchards
• 39 acres of buildings and infrastructure

Shone Farm is one of the largest agriculture education sites in the California Community Colleges system. The surrounding open space supports wildlife habitat and corridors. Students learn commercial production skills that prepare them for the workforce or transfer to four-year universities.

The farm also produces and sells award-winning wine, olive oil, seasonal produce, and other student-made goods. It has become a hub for agriculture education and innovation.

The farm's 90-acre vineyard grows Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir, with most grapes sold to local wineries. A one-acre teaching block features dozens of grape and rootstock varieties—from Albariño to Zinfandel—used for hands-on instruction.

The farm’s forest includes redwood, Douglas fir, pine, madrone, bay, and oak trees. It supports local wildlife and gives students practical experience in forest management, trail maintenance, and watershed conservation.

Used by the Animal Science program, the pasture is partially irrigated with tertiary-treated recycled water from the Town of Windsor.

Students in the Sustainable Agriculture program manage commercial-scale crop production from planting through sale. Produce is sold on campus, at farm events, and through the Feed the Bears program, as well as to local restaurants and the SRJC Culinary Café. Students also make value-added products, including olive oil, under the Shone Farm label.

Shone Farm thrives thanks to strong community backing.

The SRJC Foundation’s Ag Trust Committee, established in 1999, guides fundraising efforts and has raised millions through endowments, capital campaigns, and scholarships.

The Shone Farm Foundation, formed in 2008, initially supported the creation of a bonded winery.

Leaders on both the Ag Trust Committee and the Shone Farm Foundation are active members of Sonoma County’s agriculture community. Their involvement helps keep Shone Farm and SRJC’s Agriculture and Natural Resources programs at the forefront of the field.