Bella Ridge Farm
Just west of Occidental, in the forested hills that are increasingly cleared for vineyards, is Bella Ridge Farm. Named for its beautiful, sweeping views of the coastal hills and the Pacific Ocean, it’s a two-acre, certified organic orchard with more than 300 trees including over 50 varieties of apples, 15 types of pears, various peaches, plums, pluots, and citrus trees. For everyone who mourns the loss of West County apple orchards, this is heartening news.
Ted Richardson began planting his trees in 2001 when he and his wife, Michele Larkin, moved to Occidental. Ted has a history of farming apples and pears organically in West Sonoma County since 1989. Michele grew up running through the apple orchards on the outskirts of Sebastopol. Farmer Ted’s main focus and passion is for preserving a wide variety of apples and pears and improving soil health.
Bella Ridge Farm’s certified organic (CCOF) tree-ripened fruit has been a popular staple at local farmers markets. The marketing focus is being shifted to sell primarily through F.E.E.D Sonoma. Some of the apple varieties include Honeycrisp, Hudson’s Golden Gem, Jonagold, Empire, Macoun, Northern Spy, Gold Rush, and Mutsu, with a season running from August through November. Farmer Ted is also known for his delicious pears. Asian varieties include Hosui, 20th Century, and Olympic. European pears such as Warren, French Butter, Comice, and Bosc are always popular with customers.