Blue Sky Blueberries - About Us and the Ranch
What's Ceu Azul?
We choose Blue Sky "Ceu Azul" Blueberries as a name to reflect not only the beautiful skys in Calaveras County but also honoring our heritage. "Ceu azul" means "blue sky" in Portuguese. Roots from JJ's family stem from the small fishing island of Flores (meaning island of flowers) in the Acores, Portugal. We feel it is important to recognize the paths from which others have taken that provide us with the opportunity to follow our own dreams.
Our Family
JJ Gonsalves is the owner/grower of the blueberry operation and also works for Robert Mondavi winery as a viticultural manager. He graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a BS in soil science. JJ, his wife Jean and two children Tylor and Haley make up the Gonsalves Ranch. Each person helps out in growing these high quality blueberries.
Jean, originally from Bad Axe, Michigan, is a very talented western artist and horse rider. She is very active in promoting our blueberries throughout the community.
Tylor is always willing to help out with labor demands and provide managerial services.
Haley will make sure all wildlife, insects, bees, and basically all animal species are protected and safe.
The entire family is proud to offer you this fine fruit.
Learn more about our approach to growing our blueberries by visiting the 'Our Approach to Farming and Land Stewardhip' page; then, see what we do on the Photo Pages!
The Patch and the Fruit
Our blueberry patch was planted in October 2002. Since then our blueberries have been used by up-scale local resturants such as School Street Bistro and Wine and Roses Inn both located in Lodi, California as well as fine local produce stands, specialized grocery stores, and many enthusiastic individuals. Blueberries are a new fruit to California (and our County) and the quality has been exceptional. Don't miss out on this years harvest!
Packaging
We provide our fruit in two pound vented bags: They are sold by the pound.
How We Grow Our Blueberries
Blueberries require a specific and intensive environment (climatic, soil, and cultural management) to thrive. We create a healthy soil, provide clean snow melt derived water, and provide organic and biological crop protection. We believe in working with the harmony of the earth's energies to produce a high quality blueberry for everyone to enjoy. See our Natural and Sustainable Farming Practices page for more information.
