Peach Orchard in Graton CA (circa 1880)
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 1800’s peaches were so popular that Graton was for a time known as Peachland. However, today, wine grapes are the major crop with the Russian River Valley with local wineries producing world class Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs
Cultivating grapes in the 1940’s on the site of the orchard
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 grape vines were all that was left from what once was a thriving farm and orchard
A foggy morning in the Laguna
Planting our first trees
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 2021, 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. 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