People and Places
of Yolo County
A video series celebrating the farmers, makers, and small-town legends who shape this special corner of California.
From the Capay Valley to the streets of Winters and Woodland, each story offers a glimpse into the passion, heritage, and hometown pride that define The Yolo Countryside.
Episode 7: Inside The Hive with the Queen Bee and Her Crew
From a family beekeeping operation that began in 1979 to one of Yolo County's most unique agritourism destinations, The Hive is a place where visitors can experience the fascinating world of honey, pollinators, and sustainable agriculture firsthand. In this episode of People & Places of Yolo County, we meet the family behind The Hive and Z Specialty Food to learn how a passion for beekeeping grew into a thriving business rooted in education, conservation, and community.
Join us as we explore a honey tasting bar featuring more than 30 varieties of honey, walk through vibrant pollinator habitat, and go behind the scenes of the honey production process. Along the way, you'll meet the self-proclaimed "Queen Bee," Amina Harris, and discover why The Hive has become a must-visit destination for families, food lovers, gardeners, and anyone curious about where their food comes from.
Discover the fascinating process of honey production, tour the honey tasting bar, explore two acres of pollinator habitat, and learn how bees play a critical role in California agriculture. You'll also get a behind-the-scenes look at how honey is harvested, filtered, bottled, and incorporated into dishes served at The Hive's farm-to-fork restaurant.
From sustainable farming practices and local food systems to beekeeping, pollinator education, and Yolo County's agricultural heritage, this episode offers a sweet glimpse into one of the region's most inspiring family-run businesses.
If you're planning a visit to Yolo County, The Hive is a must-see destination for families, food lovers, gardeners, and anyone curious about where their food comes from.
Featured Topics:
Beekeeping in California
Honey tasting and monofloral honey
Pollinator conservation
Sustainable agriculture
Farm-to-fork dining
Family-owned businesses
Agritourism in Yolo County
Things to do in Woodland, California
Educational experiences for families
Local food and farming
Watch the full episode and discover why The Hive is helping visitors connect with the land, the pollinators that sustain it, and the people who make it all possible.
-
Dru Rivers, co-founder of Full Belly Farm, shares how a dream rooted in sustainability grew into a thriving farm and community hub in Capay Valley—plus her favorite local spots across Yolo County.
-
Step inside the story of Park Winters with co-owner Rafael Galiano, whose eye for beauty and passion for hospitality helped transform a historic estate into one of Yolo County’s most beloved destinations.
-
Sherri Wood left behind a fast-paced career in San Francisco to build a new life in Yolo County. What began as a one-acre homesite grew into Capay Valley Lavender—a 28-acre farm filled with lavender fields, olive trees, pomegranates, figs, and more. In this episode, she shares her journey of transformation and what it means to truly plant roots.
-
In this episode, we visit Hedgerow Farms to meet Julia Michaels, an ecologist dedicated to preserving California’s native wildflowers. From seed to bloom, Julia shares how Hedgerow’s work helps restore habitats, support pollinators, and protect the beauty and biodiversity of our local landscapes.
-
In this episode, we sit down with Lane and John Giguiere — the husband-and-wife team behind Matchbook Wines. Both proud locals who grew up in Yolo County and attended Woodland High, Lane and John share their story of building a winery that blends family roots with world-class winemaking. From the rolling hills of Dunnigan Hills to the bottles on your table, discover how Matchbook is putting Yolo County wines on the map.
-
In Episode 6 of People and Places of Yolo County, we sit down with Stephen Gorden — a third-generation farmer whose story is woven into the very soil his family has tended for decades. Stephen shares how his grandfather journeyed from Mexico and built the family’s farmhouse with his own hands, planting the roots of what would become a thriving Yolo County legacy. Today, Stephen continues that work with pride — growing fresh, vibrant ingredients that inspire the menu at Lucy’s Café, a community favorite he opened to honor his family. From farm life to family history to the heart behind Lucy’s Café, this episode captures the traditions and stories that make Yolo County so special.
