pouring olive oil into tasting glass

The Ultimate Guide to Olive Oil Tasting in California’s Central Coast

pouring olive oil into tasting glass

California’s Central Coast is renowned for its world-class wines, but an equally rich tradition is emerging alongside it—extra virgin olive oil. The rolling hills of Paso Robles and Santa Barbara not only produce exceptional vintages but also some of the finest olive oils in the country. Visitors can now indulge in olive oil tasting opportunities that go beyond the vineyard, experiencing the art of olive oil production firsthand.

Olive Oil Tasting Rooms & Farm Tours

For those looking to deepen their appreciation, several producers offer farm tours where visitors can stroll through olive groves, learn about sustainable growing practices, and witness the pressing process. Many of these estates are run by families who have perfected the craft of olive oil production, ensuring that each bottle captures the essence of the land.


Must-Visit Olive Oil Producers in the Central Coast

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Paso Robles & San Luis Obispo (SLO)

Kiler Ridge Olive Farm

A true farm-to-table experience, Kiler Ridge offers an educational tasting that walks guests through the entire olive oil production process. Their estate-grown Italian varietals result in bold, aromatic oils that have won numerous accolades.

Olea Farm

Olea Farm offers a quaint and cozy tasting room where visitors can sample award-winning extra virgin olive oils. The farm is known for its Arbequina olives, producing oils with intense and powerful flavors that are still delicate enough for various culinary uses.

Olivas de Oro Olive Company

Specializing in estate-grown olive oils, Olivas de Oro offers tastings of their award-winning blends. Their tasting room provides a comprehensive experience of their products.

Pasolivo

Nestled in the rolling hills of Paso Robles, Pasolivo has been crafting award-winning extra virgin olive oils for over a decade. Visitors can enjoy guided tastings of their robust and infused oils, as well as explore their gourmet pantry filled with vinegars, spices, and more.

San Miguel Olive Farm

This family-run farm specializes in extra virgin olive oil from hand-harvested, locally grown olives. Guests can book private tastings with the farmers themselves and learn about the sustainable practices behind their award-winning oils.

SLO Olive

As San Luis Obispo’s only olive oil tasting room, SLO Olive offers award-winning, locally sourced olive oils. Their downtown location makes it a convenient stop for enthusiasts.

Templeton Olive Oil

Situated on a ranch in Templeton, Templeton Olive Oil provides free tastings by appointment. Visitors can explore the olive groves and even meet the resident donkeys, offering a unique and personalized tasting experience.

The Groves on 41

Set on a picturesque 30-acre olive orchard, The Groves on 41 offers immersive farm tours and guided tastings. Guests learn about their cold-press method and sample the farm’s robust oils along with food pairings.

We Olive

Located in historic downtown Paso Robles, We Olive specializes in California-produced olive oils. Guests can taste a variety of extra virgin olive oils, including many produced locally in Paso Robles, all displayed in a beautiful tasting bar setting.

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Santa Ynez Valley

Global Gardens

As Santa Barbara County’s first certified organic olive oil producer, Global Gardens offers an immersive tasting experience. There, you’ll find their signature blends alongside balsamic vinegars, tapenades, and seasonal delights.

Olive + Lavender Farms

Nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley, Olive + Lavender Farms offers estate-grown olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Visitors can enjoy tastings, explore the historic property, and shop a curated selection of local goods.

Olive Hill Farm

Nestled in the heart of Los Olivos, Olive Hill Farm offers an inviting tasting room with two bars and a patio. Visitors can savor a range of extra virgin olive oils, infused oils, and imported Italian vinegars.

Rancho Olivos

Located in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley, Rancho Olivos specializes in small-batch, estate-grown olive oils. Visitors can taste their fresh-pressed oils just steps from the very trees that produce them.

Sanger Family of Wines Tasting Room

In addition to their wine offerings, the Sanger Family of Wines provides guided olive oil tastings at their Solvang tasting room. Guests can discover the unique flavors of California’s Central Coast olive oils produced at their vineyard and olive grove.

Sunstone Winery

Known for its French-style wines and Provençal ambiance, Sunstone also offers a curated selection of olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Visitors can sample these in the tasting room or as part of their culinary gift packs.

Ojai

Ojai Olive Oil Co.

Nestled in Ojai, this fourth-generation family farm specializes in organic extra virgin olive oils. Visitors can tour the groves, learn about sustainable farming practices, and taste a variety of robust oils.

Santa Barbara

California Coast Naturals

California Coast Naturals is a family-owned, CCOF certified organic farm in the hills above Santa Barbara that produces extra virgin olive oils, and jarred olives. You can taste their products at farmers markets in the greater Santa Barbara area.

olive trees in grove

Plan Your Central Coast Olive Oil Adventure

A trip to California’s Central Coast isn’t complete without savoring both its wines and its “liquid gold.” Whether you’re wandering through scenic olive groves or indulging in an expertly curated tasting, these experiences offer a delicious way to explore the region’s bounty. Consider planning a visit during harvest season (October–December) for a firsthand look at the milling process and to taste the freshest oils.
For a truly immersive experience, pair your olive oil tour with visits to nearby wineries, creating a perfect blend of flavors unique to the Central Coast.

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