Our Story

Attracted by the prospect of gold in the West, John Carsten Grupe set sail around Cape Horn to California in 1849 where he soon began work freighting to the minefields from Stockton to Mokelumne Hill. In 1850, he settled in Linden and began to farm the land we now call our Homestead. Our pioneering family established a successful ranch raising row crops, fruits, and cattle. The land has been actively farmed by our family for over 150 years! In 1960, our first cherry orchard was planted by my father, Karl Potter Grupe. Some of those original trees still bear pounds of delicious fruit today that is shipped all around the world as first-class market cherries. My mother and I used to make our cherry jellies as gifts for friends and family, now they are available to you at local wineries, markets, fruit stands, & more! 

Today, 4th, 5th, & 6th generations still live on the original Homestead and are involved in various parts of our harvest. I was raised in the original house, which is still on the land. 48 years ago I bought a Victorian in Stockton (even older than our Homestead house) and moved it onto the property where I currently live. The ranch is proud to hold an honorary award from the California Chamber of Commerce for our long-standing presence in the farming community. All of our traditions, expertise, and love go into every jar of jelly we produce!