Published: October 01, 2008 02:04 am      

AGRICULTURE: Apple orchard keeps fall traditions alive at LynOaken Farms

LYNDONVILLE — As the leaves change colors and the fall spirit is in the air, the countryside is filled with an unmistakable red fruit. Whether big and juicy or round and tart, apples from Western New York come in all shapes, sizes and tastes.

Most people buy apples in a store. But several local orchards around Orleans County are letting people continue the timeless tradition of picking apples and learning more about the juicy fruit.

LynOaken Farms, 11540 Maple Ave., Lyndonville, is one of those orchards. The Oakes family has owned the farm for 90 years. Wendy Wilson, who is the third generation to help out, said that her grandfather, Leonard, bought the property in 1918. She said that over the years, the farm has gone through many transitions, but they have always had apples.

In 1951, her father, Jim, took over the farm, where tomatoes, tart cherries and other vegetables lined the acres. In the 1980s, Darrel Oakes, Wilson’s brother, took over the farm where peaches and cherries grew. Recently, growing grapes and opening a winery has become the newest project for the farm. Wilson said that the fourth generation was interested in wines, and so the Leonard Oakes Estate Winery began.

“Apples are integral to this region,” Wilson said. “We’ll always have apples.”

Currently, the farm has 230 acres of apples that produce 230 thousand bushels a year. Twenty different varieties of apples grow, and people can come and buy pre-picked apples or pick their own. Wilson said that free wagon rides take people into the orchards, and apples are sold by volume.

“They can pick a half peck to 50 bushels if they wanted,” Wilson said. “Anyone is welcome out.”

The U-Pick season runs Sept. 13 to Oct. 31. They are open from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The trees at the LynOaken Farms are dwarf trees, so no ladders are needed. Wilson said that weekends are very popular for families to come and experience apple picking.

“We’re off the beaten track, but they come back year to year,” Wilson said. “We let them take their time — we’re not going to rush them.”

Those picking are shown the proper way to do it, so the apples will stay fresh. Wilson said that it is very family-oriented, because kids can run. This is due to the farm only having two rules.

“No throwing the apples,” Wilson said. “And you must pick them the right way.”

Depending on the weekend and weather, many varieties of apples are available. Apples include McIntosh, Cortland, Honeycrisp, Gala and more. This weekend, Golden and Red Delicious, Jonagold, Empire and Macoun apples will be available for picking.

“Apples are weather-dependent,” Wilson said. “We don’t tell Mother Nature what to do.”

The apples grown on the farm ship to more than 50 different retailers, including 30 Tops stores, in the fall. LynOaken Farms also produces its own apple cider, which continues to be made until April. A new orchard will be ready in three years and will contain 400 different varieties of apples.

In May, the winery was opened for its first year of business. There are currently 6 acres of grape vines; next year there will be 9. Fourteen different kinds of grapes are grown, and Wilson said that next year, there will be three times more grapes than this year.

“We are way excited,” Wilson said. “The local community support is amazing.”

Wine-tasting hours run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Besides apples and wine, a gift shop and farmers market are available.

“Things are going crazy, but good crazy,” Wilson said. “We’re looking at great grape and apple crop.”

Wilson was also excited about the upcoming pumpkin-carving contest sponsored by Lyndonville Lions Club. The contest on Oct. 25 is open to children from preschool to fourth grade. Wilson said many of the children dress up.

“It’s community outreach,” Wilson said. “You get close to what’s happening in the community, you see what’s going on here, and you have fun.”

For directions, a list of all the apples grown and when, and more information about the farm, visit www.lynoakenfarms.com.

Contact reporter Rikki Cason at 798-1400, ext. 8227