Laguna Gold Fruit Co.
With rich soil and a favorable climate, the area around Forestville and Sebastopol became one of the nation’s major fruit suppliers. In the late 1800s, peaches were so popular that Graton was for a time known as Peachland. The Laguna Gold property was originally a much larger holding, farmed by the Fratti family. They grew cherries, apples, and grapes on the hills south of Trenton. Over the years, portions of the property were sold and only a 10- acre parcel remained from the original homestead. A ruined fireplace, crumbling foundation walls, old apple trees, and few grapevines were all that was left from what once was a thriving farm and orchard.
In 2014, the John and Peggy Fritschen bought the property and created a new vision for the site. They began clearing the western portion of the property, installing an electric service, well, and road. They built a timber-frame equipment shed halfway up the slope, and on top of the hill a Tuscan-style house and garage where they now live. The eastern side of the property slopes down to the Laguna, which is a seasonal wetland formed by overflow from the valley creeks.
In 2020, they began planting the first trees of the orchard. Starting with 500 peach trees, the orchard is slowly expanding up the hill. They are also planting cherry trees and expect ”you pick” cherries (both sour and sweet) in the future. (Be sure to call before setting out to see what’s available for picking!) Additionally, much of the property has been left in its natural state. Home to beneficial insects, native plants, and critters – large and small. The result is an orchard that works in harmony with nature.
In this Member Spotlight, we chat with John about this special slice of gold along the Laguna.
Laguna Gold Fruit Co., 2600 Laguna Road, Santa Rosa; lagunagoldfruit.com
How did you get interested in farming?
While I worked in tech for many years I have always been attracted to rural life, maybe it is in my DNA. My parents are from Kansas and spent their early years farming wheat and sorghum and raising cattle. In 1997, we bought our first country property (on Eastside Road, Healdsburg) and raised grapes, sheep ,and olives. We sold that property in 2013 and a short time later bought our property on Laguna Road, Santa Rosa. While grapes are the “go to” crop in this area, I wanted to do something different and was attracted to growing stone fruit. Interestingly, before grapes this area was widely known for growing peaches and cherries. So, it looks like we have come full circle. We started our orchard 2020 and have been adding to it year by year. We now have over 800 peach and 300 cherry trees.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
A couple of things, first, I really enjoy the rhythm of farming. In the fall we prune, in the winter we spray (for leaf curl), in the spring we mow and then prepare for our summer selling season. And, since we operated as a “you pick” orchard, we get to meet our customers as they come to the orchard. “Delight” is probably the best word to describe their experience as are able to pick (and sometimes eat peaches) right off the tree. I have had more than a few folks tell me that they don’t buy peaches in the store anymore because they just aren’t good. So, providing them really ripe fruit is a treat for me.
What do you value about being a member of Farm Trails?
It is great to be associated with other folks who are in agriculture and related businesses. Not only to share ideas, but to collaborate on growing Sonoma County agriculture and tourism.
What are your hopes for the future of your business and/or Sonoma County ag?
While lots of people enjoy exotic vacations, there is something to be said for staying local and enjoying the fruits of Sonoma County. As for our business, I hope we can continue to add to it each year and bring more trees into production.
What advice would you give a new farmer?
Just like starting any business, do your research. Talk to everyone you can and make sure that you have a good idea of what you are getting into. There will always be surprises, maybe some of them will be good but you really want to avoid the bad ones.
Photos by Kelsey Joy Photography
