The journey of Zinc House Farm along Highway 120, just west of Escalon, began many years ago. In 2017, the groundbreaking marked a significant milestone. Still, the roots of this story stretch back to May 1893 when Giuseppe Franzia, at the age of 21, left his village of Vado del Valle in Liguria, Italy, bound for San Francisco, California.

Upon arriving in San Francisco, Giuseppe stayed with his future father-in-law, Antonio Carrara, while working in the truck gardens. His journey continued as he moved to Stockton, where he started farming on rented land in the Morada area. In July 1900, his marriage to Teresa Carrara, Antonio's daughter, solidified his roots in California. The couple, blessed with eight children—five sons and three daughters—relocated to rural Ripon in 1906, where they cultivated grapes and crafted wine.

Giuseppe remained active in Ripon's Italian community, and in retirement, he enjoyed tending "my ranch," which included a vegetable garden near his home. Meanwhile, Teresa embraced her later years by cooking family recipes, crocheting, and contributing to the bottling line. Notably, she crafted an exquisite altar cloth for St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Ripon.

Their legacy was carried forward by their son John Franzia, who, like his father, was a dedicated farmer. John and Antonette Ferrea welcomed John George Franzia into the world (Ripon High School Class of 57), who continued the family tradition as both a farmer and winemaker. This tradition was further enriched by John G. and Mary Lynne Gash, who added to the family's lineage with a daughter and three sons: Carol, Michael, Paul, and Brian.

Rooted in generations of farmers and winemakers, Zinc House Farm became their shared passion. Drawing from their love for the land, hard work, enjoyment of life, and resilience, the family envisioned a business that mirrored their values and leveraged the collective expertise gained from their father's winery, Bronco Wine Company in Ceres.

Their new venture, Zinc House Farm, derived its name from a nearby historic landmark: Zinc House Station. This former stagecoach stop originally housed a prefabricated zinc house measuring 12x16x7 feet, shipped from Boston around Cape Horn in 1850. The structure symbolizes California's pioneering spirit and early innovation in construction.

Today, Zinc House Farm is a tribute to agriculture, emphasizing the vital connection between soil, food, and community. Visitors, including school groups and casual guests, are invited to experience firsthand the intricacies of farming through tours of the Certified Organic Farm (CCOF). These visits offer immersive "tasting field" moments, from ripe tomatoes to crisp carrots, showcasing the richness and diversity of the farm's produce.

Adjacent to Zinc House Farm, you'll find the newly opened CLARK FERREA WINERY and tasting room, a haven for travelers along the scenic "Yosemite Highway." Enhancing this experience is the Terra Cotta ag store, a treasure trove of local seasonal produce, artisanal cheeses, freshly baked bread, pickled delights, and a range of other locally sourced goods—from beauty products to dried flowers—all of which celebrate the essence of farming and community.