T H E G O O D N E W S I S T H A T C A L I F O R N I A’ S O L I V E O I L I N D U S T R Y H A S B E E N B R E A K I N G P R O D U C T I ON R E C O R D S O F L A T E ; O U R S T A T E P R O D U C E S T H E 92 South Bay Accent COURTESY OF YOCHA DEHE WINTUN NATION M A J O R I T Y O F T H E N A T I O N ’ S E V O O . ago at the missions they set up between Sonoma and San Diego, but the olive oil industry in our state now thrives primarily in the northern half. The highest concentration of olive orchards is between Red Bluff in the north and Porterville below Fresno in the south. South Bay olive oil aficionados seeking an agro-tourism experience need not go far to find great oils to taste in lovely environments. Here are the most noteworthy destinations closer by, located in Southern Santa Clara County and environs, Livermore, the Suisun Valley, Capay Valley and, of course, wine country. Frantoio Grove operates in San Martin and Gilroy and makes incredibly fresh, lush Tuscan-style EVOO. Picked by hand, the olives—many of the frantoio variety—produce a rich, complex oil with great balance. Owner Jeff Martin has become a bit of an EVOO rock star who sells his product to a few high-end markets, wineries and online. However, group tours and tastings can be scheduled via his website. Gorgeous Pietra Santa Winery in Hollister produces superb EVOO from its own groves, which can be tasted along with the estate’s wines. Visitors enjoy seeing the Italian olive press and production areas, and gazing at the beauty of the surrounding Cienega Valley while admiring the estate’s bell towers, cut-glass windows, trellised vineyards and ancient oaks. Another destination for fans of grapes and olives is Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company in the heart of the Suisun Valley. This operation grows and produces 12 different varieties that are mainly bottled separately. EVOO and balsamic tastings include a food pairing and reservations can be made for a facility tour. The tasting room overlooks a patio and the flowing fields. Grapes, olives and honey are the focus at Séka Hills in the agriculturally intensive Capay Valley. This farm is owned by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, which also operates nearby Cache Creek Casino Resort. The well-appointed tasting room looks into the milling area and tours that explain how oil is made conclude with a tasting of EVOOs, vinegars and wine. Located down the road from Wente Vineyards on the bucolic side of the Livermore Valley, The Olivina grows an unusual olive selection, including native, Italian and French cultivars. This is a great place to taste the difference between the varieties. The tasting area is no-frills and visits are limited to groups, who should call to set up an appointment. of the trio, featuring hints of wheat grass and apple. These oils are available in carefully chosen specialty stores and at the downtown Palo Alto farmers market. Luscious Tuscan-style EVOOs are the focus of Valencia Creek Farms in Aptos, a small producer whose operation grew from 100 trees planted in Pescia, Italy in 1994. A food-friendly, blended oil in the style of central and northern Italy is produced, along with a ripe Meyer lemon-infused EVOO in which the citrus is crushed with the olives. Valencia Creek is also noted for making unique chocolate truffles in which olive oil replaces the usual cream. Along with being available at a few select coastal retailers, these products can also be sampled at the Cabrillo College farmers market in Aptos. SOURCE MATERIAL Just as cruising to wine country and sampling bottles while surrounded by the vineyards in which the grapes were raised is de rigueur for oenophiles, olive oil tasting tours of groves are growing in popularity in Northern California. In fact, some wineries have added rows of olive trees to their operations, showcasing the links between these agricultural products. Happily, no designated drivers are needed for EVOO tastings. Franciscan monks originally planted olive groves 150 years Séka Hills
South Bay Accent - Oct/Nov 2016
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