George Matsukas of Marcie’s Pies

Name: George Matsukas

Farm: Marcie’s Pies

Location: 1834 West Highway 154, Santa Ynez, CA 93460

What They Grow: Over 20 varieties of farm-fresh, hand-rolled crust pies. Baked daily, favorites include olallieberry, peach, apricot, old-fashioned apple, blackberry, pecan, pumpkin, cranberry apple, cherry, and the infamous strawberry rhubarb.

Where to Buy: Farmers markets, including Tuesday in downtown Santa Barbara, Wednesday in Solvang, Thursday in Carpinteria, Saturday in downtown Santa Barbara, and Sunday in Ojai. Additionally, Marcie’s offers a “Pie of the Month Club” for frequent buyers, offering discounts and special varieties for club members. See jimenezfamilyfarm.com/pies.

In Season Now: Apricot crumble, peach crumble, strawberry rhubarb, tri-berry crumble, berry cherry, and more. Additionally, what the farm doesn’t sell fresh, they preserve. Seasonal jams include plum, apricot, white peach raspberry, nectarine plum, pluot, burgundy plum, boysenberry, and blackberry.

Their Story: George Matsukas, father of Marcie Jimenez, started farming in 1976 on a small piece of land in Santa Ynez Valley. After Marcie graduated from college, he shared the tools of the trade, working alongside his daughter on their family-run farm. While working the farm, Marcie also operated a Greek deli, which became the birthplace and launch site of “Marcie’s Pies.” A proud father, Matsukas was glad to hand over the farm to his daughter and son-in-law, Gustavo Jimenez, in 2001.

“I am so proud of my daughter and her success maintaining the farm,” said Matsukas. “She has taken good care of the ranch, while creating amazing products for present and future generations.”

Ranked #9 in L.A. Weekly’s “Top 10 Best Pies,” the company has expanded to more than 25 acres with sales at over 15 farmers markets a week. In addition to the famous pies, Marcie’s offers handmade jams, preserves, pickles, salsas, and even farm-raised meat (from pork and rabbit to grass-fed lamb and goat). Committed to sustainable farming practices, the family puts only farm-fresh, organic fruit and top-notch, homemade ingredients in their pies.

“I love the strawberry rhubarb — it always has and always will be my favorite,” said Matsukas. “It’s the best … you can’t beat Marcie’s pies.”