Growing pears where they’re meant to grow: Stemilt’s generational backstory
Growing pears where they’re meant to grow: Stemilt’s generational backstory
Four decades ago, Stemilt began growing its apples and cherries further south and east in Washington state, but there’s one fruit that planted its roots and never left. For generations, Stemilt has grown its pears in two optimal growing regions, the Wenatchee and Entiat River Valleys. Tate Mathison, Stemilt’s fifth-generation owner and vice president of sales and marketing, shared his family’s story of how they came to recognize the land’s unique qualities that make their Rushing Rivers pears World Famous.
“Understanding which growing conditions pears thrive in comes from the eyes of observant farmers,” said Mathison. “My grandfather was this kind of farmer who took notice of the differences between growing regions, and which fruits grew well there. Our family started growing pears around 1914 on Stemilt Hill in Wenatchee, WA. Today, they remain on the hill, and in our two favorite places to grow pears, the Wenatchee and Entiat River Valleys.”
Mathison went on to elaborate that pears have preferences that differ from the other two fruits that the company grows, apples and cherries. Pears require a climate where mountains protect from wind, substantial air flow cools the fruit, and low humidity levels keep the skin of the pears dry. These factors, compiled with nutritious, clay-like soil and accessibility to an ever-flowing water supply of the Columbia River and its tributaries, create the ideal growing location for pears. An ideal climate, like that found in the Wenatchee and Entiat River Valleys.
“If Mother Nature could pick a place to grow pears, it would be the Wenatchee and Entiat River Valleys,” Mathison expressed. “A generation or two ago, most Washington apples, pears, and cherries were grown along the Columbia, Wenatchee and Okanogan Rivers. This was because there weren’t dams like we have now, and back then, water was so critical to bring to the land. Over time, my grandfather saw the tracks of irrigation expand to Grant, Douglas and Adams counties. We moved some apples and cherries out in those regions, but we kept our pears right where they were always meant to grow.”
The sun rises in the east and sets in the west in the Wenatchee and Entiat River Valleys, continued Mathison. Because there’s early and late morning sun, and the rows of trees fit north and south, it provides the right amount of morning and afternoon sun, allowing for a nice, long day. The East and West valleys are naturally equalizing for pears, with gentle breezes and dry air. These attributes produce pears with less russet and a higher chance of having smoother, cleaner skin.
“The first of our pears to come off the tree this fall are Bartlett and Starkrimson,” said Mathison. “Bartlett is one of those well-known varieties with a soft and buttery texture, and classic pear flavor. Starkrimson is a beautiful red pear with a pleasant, sweet, and floral aroma. Our pear volume for the 2025/2026 season is going to be up about 130 percent in volume compared to a down crop last year, so we’re very excited to go to market with pears coming from pristine growing regions in Washington state.”
Stemilt expects promotable volumes of pears and a heavy focus on quality from the orchard to retail to spark consumer interest this season. The grower has experienced preferable weather, which lends to the development of sweet, complex flavor in pears. Bulk fruit options and Lil Snappers kid-size fruit will be in ample supply and poised for fall promotions as supply begins to fill store shelves.
“Growing up in the fruit business, you can take for granted this precious fruit and the river valleys they grow in,” said Mathison. “Our homes for pears in the Wenatchee and Entiat River Valleys optimize all the natural gifts the land has to offer. On cold slopes, near fresh, running water, and where sunny mornings help pears develop sweet sugars, we can’t forget about them. We hope every bite of a Stemilt Rushing Rivers pear brings people back to that first unforgettable, juicy moment, one that feels as natural and right as a pear thriving in the place it was always destined to grow."