In search of a good place to raise their three children, Gael Barsotti and his wife, Joan, moved to the Apple Hill area in 1976. When they found a 37-acre plot of land in Camino with a small log cabin and a variety of apple and pear trees, it was love at first sight. “I couldn’t have told you a pear tree from an apple tree,” Barsotti laughs, recalling his decision to give up a successful RV parts and supply business in order to become a farmer.  Now, nearly four decades later, Barsotti’s Juice Company is a thriving family business, growing apples and grapes, as well as making several types of cider and juice.

Sadly, two years ago, Barsotti’s wife passed away suddenly, and since he has struggled to deal with the devastating loss. To honor her memory, he and his children founded the Joan Barsotti Memorial Fund, a foundation providing college scholarships to children in need. He also copes by remaining deeply invested in community projects – supporting numerous local non-profit organizations, participating actively in the Placerville Rotary Club, and serving as board chair for the Marshall Medical Center Foundation. Touchingly, Barsotti credits all his success in life to Joan. “It’s because of my wife – who she was, what she was – that I became what I am.”

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