At Round Pond Estate, our 12-acre culinary garden is more than a source of fresh ingredients. It’s the heart of our farm-to-table culinary program and a daily source of inspiration for our chefs. Every herb snipped, berry picked, and flower harvested finds its way into the hands of our culinary team, who transform this seasonal abundance into exceptional food and wine experiences for our guests.
Led by Estate Chef Fernando Arias and Pastry Chef Kathryn Gunderson, our kitchen team crafts thoughtful, elevated dishes rooted in the rhythm of the garden. From sun-ripened tomatoes and tender greens to fragrant herbs and orchard fruit, nearly 80% of the ingredients used in our Il Pranzo four-course tasting experience are grown right here on the estate. The remaining few are carefully sourced to complement the garden’s bounty, primarily cheeses, meats, and specialty pantry items. Menus evolve with the seasons, allowing guests to experience the garden’s offerings at their peak throughout the year.
Kathryn’s desserts often highlight seasonal favorites like garden strawberries, peaches, or watermelon, while Fernando builds his menus around what’s flourishing in the soil at the time. The result is a dining experience that feels vibrant, personal, and closely connected to the land, with each menu thoughtfully tailored to the moment.
Behind the scenes, Head Gardener Pablo Flores ensures that the garden thrives. A true master of his craft, Pablo brings deep knowledge, foresight, and precision to every aspect of the estate’s landscaping and garden care. Under his 11 years of stewardship, Round Pond’s grounds remain lush, welcoming, and full of life. The flower bouquets adorning each tasting room table, the heirloom pumpkins used in our fall decor, and the abundance of fresh produce that fills each plate are all thanks to Pablo’s careful attention and expertise.
Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in how we care for the land. Recycled water from our wine production is used to irrigate and fertilize the soil, returning nutrients to the earth and helping reduce waste. Even the byproducts of winemaking—grape skins and seeds known as must—are dried and repurposed as ground cover along our garden pathways. This natural mulch helps retain moisture and prevent erosion, aligning with our broader philosophy to recycle, reuse, and minimize our environmental impact wherever possible.
The gardens are also a haven for wildlife. Birdhouses perched on poles throughout the garden offer shelter to a variety of species. Shade, seed-rich sunflowers, and natural forage create a paradise for birds, bees, and other beneficial creatures. Hummingbirds hover over the blooms in our expansive flower garden, and insects that support a healthy ecosystem thrive among the plantings.
At Round Pond Estate, our garden is more than a backdrop. It’s a living, thriving part of the guest experience. With each visit, each bite, and each sip, our hope is that you taste the connection between land, season, and the hands that shape it.
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Watch our garden grow over the course of 5 months (Timelapse)