steve chiaramonte, California

Most of the land is rustic woodland at about 2000 feet of elevation where we encourage selva pasture and maintain a philosophy of low-impact use. We have hives for pollination and honey production, we forage for a huge number of wild mushrooms and we harvest a bit of firewood, all of it sustainably. We know wine at Safan and we are lucky to be here in the wine-country (Fiddletown-AVA) of the Sierra Foothills where we make our own wine each fall, requiring ongoing attention of course throughout the year. We practice only limited viticulture at present,  including both an onsite vineyard and an exotic fruits orchard in the making. Presently we make wine in October of grapes purchased from neighboring vineyards. Safan Ranch is a member of the Amador Winemakers Association and thereby has routine access to the full complement of winemaking equipment and technology. We also grow hops and have successfully made beer with another batch brewing/conditioning as we write this update.

Private, rustic lodging is provided in individual travel trailers grouped about the property. There is no plumbing in the trailers although power and heat might be available on request. There is an outdoor shower house and culinary water at the trailer campsites. Meals can be arranged if booked in advance.

We are rooted deeply in the ideas of permaculture and sustainable living. We generate very little waste, reuse and recycle most everything and regularly undertake building projects using straw bales, earthbags and so on. We eschew packaged or prepared foods generally in keeping with a healthy attitude and lifestyle. We are guilty perhaps of being a bit zealous in this regard, but we feel that these ideals are important and choose to share Safan with those who believe as we do.

We are on the grid but use a solar-powered well for most of our water needs. Our power-independant, earth-bag supported wine cellar represents yet another of our sustainability projects. 

Safan is home to The ArtRanch providing residencies to qualified artists who live and work along side our Agricultural interns.  We maintain a studio and gallery for artists of nearly every genre.

We are a small producer but there are many different things going on and opportunities for long-term Hipcampers to learn and experience many aspects of rural life. We are well connected to the University of California Ag-Extension system (UC Davis) and Hipcampers are encouraged to attend the free classes offered nearby.

Safan is also active in several nearby convivia of Slow-Food USA, the California Native Plant Society and the Master Gardener instructional programming offering yet further opportunities to those Hipcampers who wish to become involved.