About Us:

Our tagline, "A Family Farming Tradition Since 1902" basically sums up what we do. As for who we are, and how we came to be farming in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Northern California, here's our story:

Donner Trail Fruit is a family owned and operated fruit farm and ranch located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California at the 2300-foot elevation level. It all began when Ludwig & Anna Elizabeth Bierwagen arrived in 1902 and purchased part of the present ranch. They stayed to farm the rest of their lives in this beautiful location. Soon after settling here, they were joined by their son, Christian, who bought adjoining farmland.

In 1912, he married a young lady from Wisconsin named Bertha Sternitzky. Their children, Ernst & Dorothea, were born and raised on this ranch. In 1951, Ernst married Marianne Corbett and they were blessed with five children, Chris, Mary, Anna, Teresa, and James. Today you will still find all of the children involved in the family businesses - Donner Trail Fruit & the Happy Apple Kitchen. In addition, their spouses and children help out as well.

What began as a pear farm grew into what you see today. We grow peaches, apples, and garden-type fruits and vegetables. As we move forward, we are pleased to be able to offer U-pick strawberries, boysenberries, and raspberries. The blueberry patch is being rejuvenated, as well as the peach orchard. In the fall, we offer a U-pick pumpkin patch, school tours, and cider making. Carrying over into winter, we have U-pick Christmas trees available after Thanksgiving.

It is our family's desire to provide the finest quality fruit & vegetables for your enjoyment. We are proud to honor our heritage by honestly telling you, we wouldn't sell you anything we wouldn't eat ourselves!