Marian Farms believes in three things: growing great food, crafting fine spirits and taking care of the earth. They don’t think the first two are possible without the later.

Gena Nonini is the third generation of her family to farm and steward the Marian Farms 75-acre property. Her grandfather came to Fresno in 1900 from the Northern Italian Alps where he was a dairy farmer and grape grower. His son was also a grape grower, a tradition Gena continues.

When Gena first learned about Biodynamic agriculture; she was so impressed with the food grown using this method and people she met that she decided she wanted to farm Biodynamically. Many of the farm’s biodynamic practices are a return to age-old farming methods such as making compost and preparations. Gena Nonini often teaches younger farmers about Biodynamics, helping to ensure that the next generation learns about this very sustainable, ecological method.

Gena partnered with VV early on to market her sweet grapes and delicious almonds to customers; today, Gena sells oranges, almonds, raisins and grapes exclusively through VV in the Bay Area.