Lost Acres Orchard an Active Piece of Granby History

has been in operation since 1812, producing apples and other fruits for two centuries. Some of the apples grown on the farm today sprout from apple trees that are 170 years old.

Owned and operated since 1975 by Ginny and Tom Wutka, the orchard has added a farm store and kitchen and now functions as a year-round business. Besides classic offerings like apples, peaches, pears and cider, the orchard also has fresh breads, soups, jams, jellies, cookies, ginger snaps, chicken salad, bread and butter pickles and more, made either at the orchard itself or at other nearby farms.

Additionally, visitors can pick their own apples when the fruit is in season, sample fresh cider in the fall and even have off-site events catered by the orchard or have food platters prepared for pick up.

"Our favorite part about what we do," Ginny Wutka said, "is meeting the customers, supplying a really good product to people and having a wonderful place for people to come."

The Wutkas focus on the ingredients in their products, making sure they use as many locally sourced ingredients as possible and that all ingredients and components are made in the US.

While the Wutkas are busy on the farm and have a healthy operation, they don't worry much about advertising.

"Our business is all by word of mouth," Wutka said.

The farm also uses the Internet to connect with customers, a growing and popular communication tool for local farms selling to equally local customers. Lost Acres Orchard uses an interactive weekly email through which customers can respond with their orders.

Many of the orchard's customers visit again and again, and that makes Ginny Wutka happy.

"We receive just as many benefits from our customers as we give to them," Wutka said, noting that the equal exchange of benefits is a big positive for her.

The orchard is open year round and prospective visitors can check for operation information on its Facebook page.

Look for more from Lost Acres Orchard when The Granbys Patch visits the orchard later this week.