Our Collections
California Olive Oil: The New Gold Standard
International competitions have confirmed what we've known all along -California olive oil doesn't just match European standards, it surpasses them. Our state's perfect Mediterranean climate combined with innovative farming techniques and rigorous quality standards has created olive oil that consistently outperforms its European counterparts.
Recent blind taste tests have shown that California olive oils beat Italian and Spanish oils in flavor, freshness, and purity.
The secret is in our approach: small-batch production, sustainable farming practices, and a commitment to excellence that spans ten generations.
Ten Generations of California Olive Farming Excellence
Family Roots
In 1778, Makela ancestor Luis Quintero brings olives and grapes into California with the mission expedition. The family helps establish the Santa Barbara Presidio and mission.
1778
First cultivation
Our family plans the first olive groves in Santa Barbara, beginning a legacy of California olive cultivation that continues to this day.
1855
Innovation Era
We pioneered modern olive farming techniques while preserving traditional quality standards, balancing innovation with heritage.
1980
Organic Commitment
The Makelas become the first California certified organic olive farmers
1984
Global Recognition
Our olives and extra virgin olive oils now outperform European counterparts, establishing California as the new gold standard in olive oil production
Today
Quality you can taste, values you can trust.
Superior Freshness
California olive oils reach consumers faster, ensuring maximum flavor and nutritional benefits compared to imported alternatives that may spend months in transit.
Sustainability Focus
Our farming practices prioritize environmental stewardship, using advanced water conservation techniques and Chemical free pest management.
Stricter Standards
California organically grown certification requires standards that are more rigorous than international requirements, ensuring exceptional quality.
Thank an American Farmer Today
The next time you run into an American family of farmers, say thank you, because they feed America. Supporting small American farms isn't just about buying local—it's about preserving our agricultural heritage and ensuring food security for generations to come.
We don't just grow olives - we're preserving a way of life that connects us to the land, to our heritage, and to you.
What Makes California Olive Oil Superior?
Climate Advantage
California's Mediterranean climate provides ideal growing conditions for olive trees. Hot, dry summers and mild winters mirror the environments of traditional olive-growing regions but with less pest pressure and disease.
Harvest-to-Table Speed
Our olives go from tree to press in under 4 hours, preserving delicate flavors and healthful compounds that are often lost in imported oils that spend weeks in transit.
Innovative Cultivation
We combine traditional farming wisdom passed down through ten generations with modern sustainable practices, creating oils with exceptional flavor profiles that can't be found elsewhere.
Rigorous Testing
Every batch of our oil undergoes chemical analysis and sensory evaluation to ensure it meets standards far exceeding international requirements for extra virgin designation.
