U-pick opens at Webb Ranch berry fields

The Webb Ranch u-pick fields are open with olallieberries being the first of the season’s berries to be ripe and ready for picking. Webb Ranch produce stand manager Deano Lovecchio was out in the field yesterday morning welcoming the first group of pickers that included one Burlingame family.

“We come every year,” said mom Courtney, who has three sons ranging in age from 18 months to five years. “This year we brought along a friend of my oldest.” (Thinking of bringing your brood to the fields? While it’s great for all ages, Courtney’s 18-month-old was as interested in finding sticks to wave around and emptying out his brother’s baskets — good pursuits in themselves — as picking berries!)

Deano said the raspberries may be ready for picking by next weekend with Navajo Blackberries — his favorite — ripening in late June or early July.

U-pick is cash only. Scheduled openings are June 14-17, June 21-24, June 28-July 1 and July 5-8, with the possibility of extending the season depending on crop availability.  Pickers are advised to wear hats and sturdy shoes and use sun screen. The fields are located off Alpine Road, between 280 and the Ladera Country Shopper.