Rancho Gordo

Rancho Gordo ("the fat ranch" in Spanish) is an heirloom bean company based in Napa, California, known for its mission to preserve and promote traditional and rare bean varieties, particularly those with cultural and culinary significance in Mexico and the Americas, as well as supporting sustainable agriculture and small-scale farmers.

Steve Sando was a former web designer, Jazz radio DJ, and wholesaler of Esprit clothing, when he burned out, moved to Napa, and decided to grow heirloom tomatoes despite having no experience in agriculture.

Within a month, Rancho Gordo beans became a staple at Keller's The French Laundry, a restaurant that in 2006 would go on to be awarded three stars in the Michelin Guide.

In turn, Schrupp contracted growers in the San Joaquin and Sacramento Valleys, as well as Washington's Columbia Plateau.

[3][4] Today, beans and other products are sourced from local growers in California's central valley, Oregon and Washington, as well as Mexico, Peru, Poland, Bolivia and Colombia.