Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1004126
july 2018 / the tasting panel / 49 T wice a year, during the harvest months of October and November, Sonoma residents gather at The Olive Press to mill their own freshly handpicked olives and create a community oil. After participants bring olives in varying degrees of ripeness and color, the olives are pressed before the oil is bottled in new plastic or glass containers. The Olive Press is the brainchild of Edward Stolman, who had a vision of creating the first olive mill in Sonoma while establishing values of quality, care, and sustainability. As Stolman neared the end of his life, he asked Fred and Nancy Cline—who have 30 years of experience with Cline Family Cellars, Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, and The Mizpah Hotel—if they would take up The Olive Press mantel and carry it forward. Honored to continue in his footsteps, the Clines purchased The Olive Press in 2013. Five years later, they're mindful of upholding Stolman's integrity, quest for excellence, and attention to detail at the business he loved so dearly—now known as one of the most highly awarded olive oil producers in the nation. The company's staff admits to an obsession for optimizing flavor, crafting their olive oils from orchard to bottle in a selection that ranges from delicate to robust. "We believe sustainable practices, carefully tended fruit, and mindful farming builds the foundation for quality. Our mission is to always delight our customers with artisan foods and collectibles that they can enjoy and savor as part of their healthy and happy life," says Nancy Cline. "To that end, we don't compromise in our process and insist on using only the best hand-harvested fruit, traditional milling, patient racking, taste evaluation, and small-lot bottling. We are proud and honored to help educate, share, and sustain the rich tradition of making olive oil with our local community and worldwide customers. Our mantra is to uphold Ed Stolman's vision and carry it forward from the sun, to the soil, to the branch, to the bottle, and to the table." Located at the gateway of Sonoma Valley in California wine country, The Olive Press welcomes visitors and residents to enjoy the most highly awarded and acclaimed extra virgin olive oils made in the United States. The Olive Press also celebrates local artisans by offering a community press to neighbors near and far for their homegrown olives. Visit theolivepress.com for information on this season's Community Press.