Tucked away in the quiet Purchase section of Southbury, Hidden Gem Orchard lives up to its name. Founded in 2017 by James Wargo, a native of Woodbury, this young orchard has quickly grown into one of Connecticut’s most distinctive apple farms. Established on land once part of the Southbury Training School farm, Hidden Gem now boasts over 4,000 dwarf apple trees planted on just six acres. With a sharp focus on cultivating both antique and modern apple varieties, James has curated an orchard that blends horticultural science with old-world charm — from 16th-century French apples like Calville Blanc to newly released Cornell hybrids like Cordera and Firecracker.

James Wargo brings deep-rooted expertise to the farm. Armed with a degree in Horticulture from UConn and a Master of Science in Pomology from Cornell, he has spent over two decades working in fruit science, product development, and applied field research across the eastern United States. After nearly 20 years away, James returned to Connecticut to fulfill a lifelong dream: owning and operating a fruit farm. His passion is evident in every branch of Hidden Gem — where apples are grown on a vertical axe training system that maximizes sunlight, yield, and flavor. His approach is informed, intentional, and infused with reverence for both the science and soul of apple farming.

Hidden Gem Orchard offers a peaceful, non-commercial apple picking experience that feels more like stepping into a storybook than a roadside attraction. Guests are invited to meander through rows of conical, fruit-laden trees, enjoy scenic hayrides, and discover rare apple varieties whose names and flavors evoke centuries of cultivation history. With over 30 apple types — including prized heirlooms for fresh eating, baking, and cider — and new ventures like seedless table grapes on the horizon, Hidden Gem Orchard continues to evolve while staying grounded in its mission: to grow remarkable fruit with integrity, curiosity, and quiet beauty.

Fruit

• Apples (32+ varieties):
  • Ashmead’s Kernel (antique)
  • Baldwin (antique)
  • Calville Blanc (antique)
  • Chisel Jersey
  • Cordera
  • Cortland
  • Cox Orange Pippin (antique)
  • Crimson Crisp
  • Empire
  • Esopus Spitzenburg (antique)
  • Firecracker
  • Fuji
  • Gala
  • Golden Delicious
  • Golden Russet (antique)
  • Grimes Golden
  • Honeycrisp
  • Hudson Golden Gem
  • Jonagold
  • Jonathan
  • Macoun
  • McIntosh
  • Mutsu (Crispin)
  • Northern Spy (antique)
  • Pink Lady
  • Pink Luster
  • Pink Pearl
  • Porters Perfection (hard cider use only)
  • Rosalee
  • Triumph
  • Wickson
  • Winesap (antique)
• Grapes (Seedless Table Grapes – coming soon):
  • Marquis (white)
  • Vanessa (red)