Windy Ridge Orchard

The Fabrizio family moved to Windy Ridge in the summer of 1967.

The farm had been owned by Russell Dexter’s family and had operated as a dairy farm for more than 80 years.

Mom and Dad pondered a few options for the land including a dairy and/or campground but settled on the idea of apples.

The first trees were planted behind the house in 1968 and the Sugarloaf Block was planted in 1971.

Within a couple of years the five Fabrizio kids could be seen selling apples on the front lawn.

As the orchard grew, operations were moved into the garage. With the help of Grandpa Fabrizio, a cider room and sales room were built in the garage and bushel boxes of apples were stored in the car port.

During harvest time, the family could often be seen picking into the late hours of darkness, stacking the bushel boxes into the old pick-up.