OUR PHILOSOPHY
A Few Words About Top Brass
Since 1938 when Ted Vignolo planted his first crop on Central Californian soil, Top Brass has taken a vow to stay true to its founding philosophies. We believe in growing responsible produce that feeds the people with sustainable practices. We believe in quality over quantity, which translates to remaining a family farm and never becoming corporate. We see the value of human connection with one another, and with our produce; this is why we stand by growing produce that is only Top Brass.
All our produce is grown with a focus on food safety to ensure our products meet the highest food safety standards.
Food Safety Focused
CCOF Certified
We grow organic varieties of table grapes, almonds and potatoes that are CCOF Certified.
Non GMO Project Certified
All of our produce is certified by the non GMO Project.
Family Ownership
Our family retains sole ownership of our land and facilities to ensure quality from start to finish.Â
Compliant Worldwide
Top Brass is quality certified and comply with US and worldwide requirements.
Global GAP Certified
We are Global GAP Certified and require regular third-party audits.
IEH Food Labs Group Certified
We bring in IEH Food Laboratories Group, a leader in food safety, to audit our facilities and cold storage.
THE PROCESS
Our Approach
Our family farm spans from the base of the grapevine all the way to Tulare County, which places us in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, where 80% of Californian table grapes and almonds are grown. This makes our soil perfect for our growing table grapes, wine grapes, almonds and potatoes. All of our produce is nurtured with hands-on attention by our dedicated growers, which results in quality produce you can trust.Â
Our Milestones
Investing In Our Cold Storage and Packing Facility
We have invested in building and expanding our state-of-the-art cold storage and packing facility.
Technology In Farming
We have built and currently operate three coolers that use digital technology to ensure optimal efficiency.
Enhanced Growing Process
Our continual efforts to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations have led us to enhance our growing processes.
Sustainability In The Field
We grow organic produce, and utilize solar energy, recycling, drip irrigation, compost and crop covers.
Sustainability In The Office
We have upgraded all of our facilities with energy efficient lighting, pumps and generators that comply with the latest environmental regulations.
THE PROCESS
From Our Farm To Your Table
Our fourth generation family farm has taken the time to ensure our process is foolproof within all the steps of our sorting, grading, cooling, packing, shipping, and sales. We believe that we can always be better and do better, and with this mentality, we will consistently stand by our quality standards that our founder, Ted Vignolo set in 1938.
History In The Making
1938
FIRST CROP
Ted Vignolo planted his first crop of cotton.
1960
FARM EXPANSION
Expansion in product availability growing grapes and potatoes in our fertile CA soil.
1999
ESTABLISHED TOP BRASS
Top Brass is established as the exclusive sales agent for Vignolo Farms.
2000
ORGANIC POTATOES
The farm starts growing organic potatoes.
2005
ORGANIC GRAPES AND ALMONDS
The farm starts growing organic grapes and organic almonds.
2014
SOLAR ENERGY
We completed the installation of a 1 Mega Watt solar array on the farm grounds and it supplies 80% of the energy needs of our adjacent cooling facility.
2015
NON GMO PROJECT CERTIFIED
All our fruits and vegetables are certified Non GMO by the Non GMO Project.
2017
ONLY ORGANIC POTATOES
We exclusively grow organic potatoes on the farm, and the change is another step towards our sustainability efforts for the farm.
2019
4TH GENERATION FAMILY FARM
The fourth generation family farming begins and looks forward to building on the traditions established by our founder and great grandfather, Ted Vignolo.