We moved to Apple Hill from Foster City in 1976 and we fell in love with our ranch as soon as we saw it. A large cold storage building was part of the purchase and so was a complete packing line, a log house, buildings, and a multitude of apple and pear trees. We did not know how much work was involved in owning an orchard.
Our family of five, Gael, Joan and children, (Karen, Cathy, and Mike) moved in accompanied by the dog, cat, goldfish, and, shortly, grandparents.
Farmers always say there’s no money in farming and they’re often right! In 1976 the pear trees were still not producing the bountiful fruit that was harvested in the 50’s. In the last 27 years we have never had the perfect year that everyone hopes for, when the crop is large, the fruit perfect, and of course the selling price high. But we’ve been pleased with the productions we’ve had, and there’s always next year! ...and just ask the kids how much fun they had growing up here! We have always grown, packed, and sold good quality apples. We started with one tractor and one forklift and 37 acres of pears and apples. Everybody in the family worked hard. We slowly changed from an apple-packing operation to a wholesale cider and juice operation. Now we freshly press top quality juice and juice blends all year long and we own 67 acres of fruit. Watch for the two “little” yellow reefer trucks branded with the Barsotti logo as they deliver our juice all over Northern California.
INSPECTOR NO.42
Our son, Michael, runs the cider mill. Leonardo Vega is still our ranch manager, Emmy-Lou is our bookkeeper, we have great employees, and our grandchildren might someday be interested in participating in this always surprising life experience.
Is this a good life? You bet it is and we wouldn’t change it for the world!!! We hope you enjoy our juices and we guarantee that the quality is the best!
Your friends, Gael and Joan Barsotti Joan writes children's picture books and does school author visits. She can be reached at www.barsottibooks.com
Farmers always say there’s no money in farming and they’re often right! In 1976 the pear trees were still not producing the bountiful fruit that was harvested in the 50’s. In the last 27 years we have never had the perfect year that everyone hopes for, when the crop is large, the fruit perfect, and of course the selling price high. But we’ve been pleased with the productions we’ve had, and there’s always next year! ...and just ask the kids how much fun they had growing up here! We have always grown, packed, and sold good quality apples. We started with one tractor and one forklift and 37 acres of pears and apples. Everybody in the family worked hard. We slowly changed from an apple-packing operation to a wholesale cider and juice operation. Now we freshly press top quality juice and juice blends all year long and we own 67 acres of fruit. Watch for the two “little” yellow reefer trucks branded with the Barsotti logo as they deliver our juice all over Northern California.
