Apples, historically the backbone of agriculture in Anderson Valley, continue in that role at Filigreen with an eclectic mix from the common to the exotic. Thirty-two varieties are currently available for market, with another forty grown for trial and future development. Beginning with Maiden’s Blush in the first weeks of August, the apple crop culminates with the California classic Hauer Pippin in December. In between, an array of heirloom and little-known varieties punctuate the harvest of well-known favorites Pink Lady, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Gala.
Blueberries, in six varieties, bring an approximately 10-week season to the harvest. Filigreen berries have a reputation for quality and sweetness, which can be attributed to our Biodynamic practices. Hand harvesting and sorting allows the berries to achieve fuller ripeness of flavor in the field.
Asian and European Pears at Filigreen benefit from the same climatic qualities of warm days and cool nights that give Anderson Valley its reputation for desirable wine grapes. Comice, D’Anjou, Taylor’s Gold, Winter Nellis, Bosc are among the favorites with more to come as the farm expands pear production.
Plums and pluots, like most fruits at Filigreen, are planted utilizing the Australian tatura trellis system to ensure the maximum flow of air and light. French and Italian prune plums, well known for their rich aromatic flavors, were historically grown in Anderson Valley. Dapple Dandy, Flavor Queen, and Emerald Beauty pluots and plums are among the varieties that extend the stone fruit season at Filigreen.
Table grapes are a specialty at Filigreen, including an array of Muscat and other varieties that offer the farm an extended harvest season.
Wine grapes at Filigreen grow in concert with Anderson Valley’s microclimate. Our Pinot noir and Pinot gris find their way to an array of local wineries and independent vintners each year, including:
Olives, planted in the high-density technique used throughout the farm, include Spanish Arbequina and Arbosana, as well as frost-hearty Tuscan varieties. The olives are milled at Olivino’s certified organic facility in Hopland to produce Biodynamic olive oil, which is sold through FEED Sonoma and at Velma’s Farm Stand at Filigreen.