The Mariani family has deep roots in the Santa Clara Valley. Joseph Mariani emigrated from Europe and settled here in the early 1930’s. Joseph, a long time vineyardist, was keenly aware of the importance of the site to growing quality fruit, and in 1957 found and purchased the present orchard location, a sunny south-facing slope with well drained alluvial soil, free of spring frosts, with ample water for irrigation. Here, in this warm coastal valley, tempered by the cooling influence of the Pacific, he and his family set out to grow some of the finest fruit in a region already known for the quality of its agricultural products.

In the beginning, apricots and prunes were grown, but cherries were soon added, followed by peaches, nectarines and market plums. Other fruits were added by the artisanal fruit grower in the family, Andy, who is continuing his father’s tradition of growing fruits of distinction including heirloom and specialty varieties. One notable food writer, who has visited both our little orchard and the tiny vineyard in France known for its rare and great vintage, has acclaimed our orchard the Chateau Petrus of stone fruit.

Visitors who travel from San Francisco into the Santa Clara Valley can no longer view the vast stretches of orchard and vineyard which once graced this fertile region. The old farmsteads have given way to Silicon Valley’s high tech industrial parks, strip malls and spreading housing developments; only a handful of orchards remains to carry on the rich tradition of fruit culture in the valley.

Andy’s Orchard isn’t fancy or modern, but we feel it’s a special place where the old art of fruit growing is being practiced with pleasure in much the same manner as it was done many years ago. If you are in the neighborhood, you’re invited to share our enthusiasm for fine fruit.

Prancing Pig Weather Vane

Antique Tractor