The Gold Medal Story Behind Our Signature Sicilian Estate Blend
How We Found California's Most Authentic Sicilian Olive Oil
What started as our dream to bring authentic Sicilian olive oil to America became reality when we discovered an award-winning family that had spent over a decade perfecting their craft.
When we set out to find the perfect Sicilian-style extra virgin olive oil, we knew we couldn't compromise. We didn't want just another olive oil. We wanted to find someone who captured the soul of Sicily in every golden drop. That search led us to an extraordinary family and a partnership that proves some things are worth waiting for.
The Search for Sicilian Perfection
Finding a producer who shared our vision wasn't easy. We spent years searching for someone who understood that premium olive oil isn't just about the end product. It's about honoring centuries-old traditions while meeting the highest standards of purity, flavor, and sustainability.
Our breakthrough came when we discovered a multi-generational family farm in California's perfect olive-growing climate. But here's what made them special: they had gone to extraordinary lengths to create truly authentic Sicilian olive oil using traditional methods. They became like family to us.
From Almonds to Liquid Gold
Their journey actually began with almonds, not olives. In 1986, they purchased a 10-acre almond orchard in California. But small-scale almond farming proved difficult. After spending thousands of dollars and years of hard work, they were barely breaking even.
Everything changed during a trip to Italy around the millennium. They stayed in a villa east of Naples, and when the owner offered to let them taste her fresh olive oil that had just been harvested, their lives changed forever. She toasted some bread and poured this vibrant green liquid over it. One taste and they knew their future had just been decided. This was what they were going to do on their farm. They were going to make olive oil.
But they didn't want to grow just any olives. They spent years researching varieties, blind-tasting different Italian olive oils to figure out which flavor profile they preferred. The answer became clear: Nocellara, Biancolilla, and Cerasuola. Three varieties that would create their perfect blend.
The Import Journey That Changed Everything
Here's where their story gets incredible. These specific heritage Sicilian olive varieties weren't available anywhere in America. The trees had to be imported directly from Italy, and this process proved more challenging than anyone imagined.
When they first tried to source these varieties, they discovered the trees could only be imported under strict customs regulations. The Department of Agriculture delivered devastating news: the first shipment had to be destroyed due to soil contamination. Officials opened the boxes to find baby trees with soil still clinging to their roots, then had to incinerate them all. The family watched their investment and dreams literally go up in smoke.
Most people would have given up. Not this family.
They found another grower and purchased more trees. This time, the trees were shipped without soil, which satisfied the import regulations. The family and friends came together to help plant 1,250 tiny trees in 2-inch pots on Christmas Day of 2006. The trees had to be quarantined in a specially built greenhouse because both federal and state regulations demanded it. For the next two and a half years, inspectors would randomly show up, pull up a tree by its roots, take it for testing, and the family would never hear back about those particular trees.
After growing in 5-gallon pots for two and a half years, the trees were finally declared disease-free and cleared for planting in the ground.
The First Harvest and Perfecting the Process
Their first commercial harvest came in 2010, a full decade after their life-changing taste in Italy. But they didn't stop at just growing the olives. They built their own on-site mill because they understood that timing is everything.
The olives are milled within 90 minutes of picking. Most growers without their own mills have to harvest everything, drive it to a facility, and sometimes wait days before processing. Since olives are fruit, they begin to oxidize immediately after picking, which reduces oil quality. The faster the processing, the better the final product.
While extra virgin standards require milling below 27°C (80.6°F), this family takes it even further, milling at around 21-24°C (70-75°F) because they've discovered it yields superior olive oil. Having their own mill gives them complete control over every variable in the process. From tree to bottle, every step of the process is managed by the same family, ensuring full traceability, consistency, and uncompromising quality. They focus on quality over quantity.
The result? Their estate blend combines all three varieties into what they describe as a traditional Sicilian family blend. The Biancolilla contributes butteriness, the Nocellara adds grassiness and pungency with that distinctive peppery finish, and the Cerasuola brings the perfect touch of bitterness that characterizes great olive oil.
Gold Medal Recognition (Finally!)
All that patience, investment, and obsessive attention to detail paid off. Their Sicilian olive oil blend has earned multiple Gold Medals at prestigious competitions, including:
2025 New York International Olive Oil Competition (NYIOOC) Gold Medal
Los Angeles International Olive Oil Competition Gold Medal
These aren't participation trophies. These competitions represent the world's finest olive oil producers. Their November 2024 harvest taking home Gold Medal honors proves that sometimes, the best things really are worth waiting for.
Why This Matters for Your Kitchen
This isn't just a story about olive oil. It's about what happens when a family refuses to compromise on quality, and we're honored to share their exceptional product with you.
Every drop delivers over 377.6 mg/kg of polyphenols (antioxidant powerhouse levels), complex flavor that transforms simple dishes into memorable experiences, peak freshness from hand-harvesting and 90-minute processing, authentic Sicilian taste from true heritage varieties, and certified organic quality you can trust.
Whether you're drizzling it over grilled vegetables, finishing a perfect steak, or creating show-stopping salad dressings, this premium California olive oil elevates everything it touches.
From Their Family Farm to Your Table
This Signature Sicilian Estate Blend represents the dedication of our trusted family partners. We're proud to bring their extraordinary olive oil to your kitchen.
Ready to taste what a decade of their dedication creates?
Shop Our Gold Medal Sicilian Estate Blend
Limited quantities available. Each 100ml bottle captures their November 2024 award-winning harvest.
