A few weeks ago on a particularly rainy day, we set off to Half Moon Bay for some pumpkins for some various projects we were working on (some for clients, some you'll see right here on insolence + wine). If you've been living in a bubble, Half Moon Bay has become a mecca in recent years for all-things pumpkin, with patches all along Highway 92 coming to and from Half Moon Bay and alongside Highway 1, south of San Francisco.

My mother-in-law has been a longtime supporter of Farmer John's Pumpkins and it's easy to see why. Not only is Farmer John Muller a real farmer himself and right out there with him pumpkins and gourds greeting guests, his staff is knowledgable and passionate about the pumpkins they've grown. Unlike the rest of California, Half Moon Bay isn't having the water issues and therefor their selection of pumpkins has remained quite substantial. And the biggest deal about visiting Farmer John's with your kids—your kids will get to go up close and personal with farm equipment and will see that pumpkins come from actual vines, not from bare patches of soil like so many seasonal "pumpkin patches."

farmer john's half moon bay insolence + wine

For more information about Farmer John's Pumpkins, the produce and seeds he sells and other Halloween activities, visit the farm's website or its Facebook page. Lots of information, recipes and fun photos, too!

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Hi, I'm Rae. As you browse through this site, you'll find a collection of beloved family recipes and other favorites developed in my kitchen. I recommend Central Coast wines to pair along with a recipe taking the guesswork out of food and wine pairing.