From the Farmstead with Mark Wieser
Food has a way of carrying memories of the seasons, family kitchens, and of the land itself. In this ongoing series, Fischer & Wieser co-founder Mark Wieser reflects on growing up on the now Fischer & Wieser Texas Hill Country farmstead and the foods that shaped his life. Through personal stories, regional history, and a deep love of flavor, Mark shares how tradition, curiosity, and a sense of place continue to inspire the products we make today.
A Family Orchard Fruit Stand to Fischer & Wieser
When I opened Das Peach Haus in 1969, it all started with a simple question I asked my mother:
“Can you make the jams and jellies I grew up with?”
At the time, I had just opened a small fruit stand in the middle of our family orchard in Fredericksburg, Texas. My goal was simply to sell fresh fruit, but I quickly realized I wanted to offer something more—something that captured the flavors and memories of my childhood. Looking back, that simple question became the beginning of what would eventually grow into Fischer & Wieser Specialty Foods.
As I stocked the fruit stand, I began recreating the preserves and jellies I remembered from growing up. Those original recipes became the foundation of what is now our Fischer & Wieser Heritage line.
A few years earlier, during a trip to Germany in 1964, I had brought home a steam juicer. It was unlike anything I had seen before and made it possible to gently extract juice from almost any fruit. That little piece of equipment opened the door to endless experimentation and inspired many of our earliest creations.
The first products on the shelves at Das Peach Haus were classic preserves and jellies made from plums, Mustang and Concord grapes, and, of course, our famous Fredericksburg peaches. We also offered Peach “Honey” made from an original 1850s family recipe from my Aunt “Nutzie”—a recipe that had been passed down through generations.
By the summer of 1970, our product line had grown, and one of my personal favorites was Green Grape Preserves. Made from early spring grapes, it quickly became a customer favorite. We also crafted preserves using local pears, dewberries, strawberries, and wild Mexican plums that grew naturally along the fence rows of our family orchard. One day, a friend of my mother’s suggested I try making Agarita Jelly. I had never tasted it before, but it didn’t take long before I fell in love with its unique flavor, and it became another cherished part of our collection.
As word spread, our small-batch preserves and jellies developed a loyal following. Visitors and locals appreciated the care we put into every jar and the authentic taste of the Texas Hill Country. Over the years, we continued experimenting, creating favorites like Winter Melon Preserves, Peach Butter, and Apple Butter.
One of my favorite additions came from my sister-in-law, Jean Wieser. Inspired by the beauty of the Texas Hill Country, she imagined what our native wildflowers might taste like if they could be enjoyed in a jar. Her creations became some of our most distinctive products. Texas Buttercup Jelly offers notes of butterscotch and orange, Texas Yellow Rose combines coconut and orange, Indian Paintbrush features peppermint with citrus, and our State Flower, Texas Bluebonnet Jelly, blends almond and apple into a truly unique flavor experience.
Those unique products helped set us apart, and by the 1990s, we expanded beyond preserves into specialty sauces. The launch of our Original Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce® introduced Fischer & Wieser to customers across the country and helped establish us as a nationally recognized specialty food company.
When I look back, it’s incredible to think that everything began with one small fruit stand and a desire to share the flavors I grew up with. For decades, our Heritage products were only available to those who visited Das Peach Haus and our retail stores, allowing guests to experience a true taste of the Texas Hill Country.
Today, I’m proud that many of those original Heritage products are available nationwide through our online store. Whether you’ve been visiting us for years or are discovering us for the first time, I invite you to experience the handcrafted flavors that started it all.
From our family orchard to your table, thank you for being part of our story. I hope every jar brings a little taste of the Texas Hill Country into your home.
Plan Your Fall Getaway to Texas Hill Country
Fall in Fredericksburg, Texas, is an unforgettable experience filled with vibrant festivals, outdoor adventures, and delicious culinary delights. From the excitement of Oktoberfest and the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest to the serene beauty of Enchanted Rock and the welcoming charm of Fischer & Wieser’s Farmstead, there’s no shortage of things to do.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend getaway, a family vacation, looking to explore Texas wine country or a solo retreat, make sure to include Fredericksburg’s fall events and outdoor activities on your itinerary. And don’t forget to visit Fischer & Wieser to take home a taste of Texas to savor long after your trip has ended.
Visit the farmstead
Can’t wait to explore the farmstead? Our doors are open Sunday 10 am-5pm, Monday – Thursday 10 am – 5:30, Friday & Saturdays 10 am – 7 pm.
