Being one of the first Italian immigrant families to settle in the Forestville region, Giusti Ranch has been significant to Sonoma County for over 130 years.  The ranch has contributed their agriculture and services to different parts of the community which has impacted the growth and well being of our society.

            Giusti Ranch, once known as “La Colina” (The Hill), was founded by Angelo Giusti SR. in the 1870’s. Originally covered in oak trees, the Giusti Family constructed the road themselves and cleared the land for farming.  The family has since lived and worked on the ranch continuously for five generations.  Several crops have been farmed on this working ranch throughout the years including olives, cherries, prunes, apples, and grapes.

            For the past 25 years over 5.5 million pounds of organic apples (on average) per year have been processed through this ranch.  The apples are farmed from local West Sonoma County orchards.  The apples are harvested and trucked into and out of the Giusti Ranch, where they are sold to various processors including Smuckers, R.W. Knudsen & Sons, Manzana Products Company and more.  Other fruits have been brand labeled by Royal Anne’s Marchino Cherries and more recently Benziger Family Winery.  Although Giusti Ranch is known for their agricultural contributions, the ranch also provides other services including firewood sales, tractor services, and weed abatement for local cities and private land owners.

            It’s easy to say that the ranch fits perfectly in this area.  Northern California has been known for their diverse agriculture and the growing production of wine.  Giusti Ranch has balanced their farming operations to meet the needs of the local agricultural community.  Since the early 1900’s, Sonoma County has had a high demand for apples including apple sauces, apple juices, and other apple products alike.  But now, in the early 2000’s, the demand of the county is changing from apples to wine grapes.  Giusti Ranch has since shifted its main productivity from apples to wine grapes to satisfy the ever changing economy.  Their grapes are now being used to produce premium wines under the Benziger Family Winery label.

            Giusti Ranch has made a significant impact on Sonoma County with their commitment to local agriculture and farming for over a century and will continue their work for generations to come.