Dondero Orchards is a cornerstone of South Glastonbury’s agricultural community, celebrating over a century of family-run farming since its founding in 1911 by Joseph and Mary Ann Dondero. Originally immigrants from Italy, the Donderos settled in Connecticut and cultivated a homestead centered on cows, raspberries, apples, and grapes. Their youngest son Edward—affectionately known as Rugged—and his wife Doris continued the tradition, raising apples with their son Eddie and his wife Judy. It was under their care that the beloved “pick your own” experience began, bringing community members closer to their food and to the family behind it.

Today, the farm is operated by Joe and Sandy Dondero, along with their children Joey Jr., Nicholas, Anthony, and Angelina, marking four generations of continuous stewardship. The family has grown the operation into a vibrant, multi-faceted farm business, including farmers markets across the state, a thriving CSA program, a bakery known for award-winning pies and preserves, and a sprawling 7,200 square foot greenhouse. In 2011, Dondero Orchards expanded with the acquisition of Mountain View Farm on Hebron Avenue—land farmed by the Malnati/Sestero family since the 1800s—further deepening their roots in the region.

At its heart, Dondero Orchards is about community and connection—between the land, the growers, and those who gather to enjoy the fruits of their labor. From farm dinners under the open sky to handmade holiday pies, Dondero delivers quality, tradition, and a warm welcome to all. Whether you're savoring sun-ripened berries, wandering through rows of heritage apples, or enjoying a bite from their orchard café, each visit is a reminder of the farm’s timeless mission: to nourish, delight, and bring people together.

Fruit:

• Strawberries (Field and Hanging Basket)
• Raspberries
• Blueberries
• Blackberries
• Methley Plums
• Donut Peaches
• Apples (including Lodi, Paula Red, Free Stone, Baldwin, Cortland, Empire, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Ida Red, Macintosh, McCoun, Opalescent, Red Delicious, Russet)

Vegetables:

• Sweet Corn
• Tomatoes
• Beans
• Eggplant
• Garden greens (CSA & Farm Dinners)
• Potatoes (Farm Dinners)

Bakery:

• Pies (Apple, Apple Crumb, Blueberry, Blueberry Crumb, Fruit of the Farm, Fruit of the Farm Crumb, Pecan, Peanut Butter Apple Crumb, Pumpkin, Triple Berry Crumb, Chocolate Cream, Coconut Cream, Peanut Butter Cream)
• Jams (Blueberry Rhubarb, Hot Pepper Jelly, Strawberry Rhubarb)
• Pickles (Dilly Beans, Dill Pickles, Bread and Butter Pickles, Green Tomato Relish)
• Pesto (Cilantro, Basil, Arugula)

Prepared Foods:

• Sandwiches and wraps (turkey, ham, bacon, chicken, cheese, vegetarian options)
• Paninis and kids’ meals
• Farm Dinner meals (seasonal)

Greenhouse/Plants:

• Annual Hanging Baskets
• Patio Tomato, Eggplant, and Cucumber Plants
• Geraniums (including Martha Washington varieties)
• Basil and assorted herbs

Other:

• CSA Shares
• Custom Gift Baskets
• Preserved Goods (Jams, Pickles, Pestos)

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