The Olivina has an essential place in the history of California olive oil. An early pioneer in the California olive oil industry, Julius Paul Smith, carved out 2000 acres of the beautiful Livermore Valley and committed the land to cultivating wine grapes, walnuts and olives. Mr. Smith’s ranch was aptly dubbed Olivina and a stone gateway with "Olivina" in wrought iron marked the entrance to his fruitful property.

A History of California Olive Oil
The simple olive has a very majestic place in history. First cultivated by the Sumerians and the Greeks, the olive was an important part of their diet and their folk lore. The earliest harvesters of olive oil considered their product to be nothing less than ‘liquid gold’.

But it was not until 1769, that Spanish explorers brought olive growing to California. To their delight, the Spanish soon found that California provided a wonderful climate for growing olives and producing olive oil. Olive trees flourished in California and today, the state produces 97% of all the olive oil made in the U.S.

A California Olive Oil Renaissance
In the mid 1990’s, the California olive oil industry began to see the beginning of new times. A renewed interest in producing finer, high-quality California grown olive oils began to take hold. Ten years later, California olive oil has the reputation of being some of the best tasting, well made olive oil available.

Continuing a California Olive Oil Tradition
Today, the Crohare Family continues the tradition harvesting the finest California olive oil. Current olive varieties consist of Mission, Arbequina, Lucca, Frantoio and Picholine. Many of the olive trees are over 100 years old and still producing some of the best California olive oil.

The historic arched gateway still stands at the corner of Wetmore and Arroyo Roads and The Olivina is still producing some the finest California olive oil for you and your family to enjoy.

Buy California Olive Oil

The Olivina Ranch makes premium California olive oil from olives harvested at our ranch in the Livermore Valley. Our fine California olive oils are made from the following olive varieties:

Mission - Buy Now
Full-bodied extra virgin oil

Century Mission - Buy Now
Full-bodied extra virgin oil from our mature mission trees

Frantoio - Buy Now
Italian varietal, medium-bodied olive oil

Arbequina - Buy Now
Spanish varietal, light-bodied olive oil

Lucca - Buy Now
Italian varietal, medium-bodied olive oil

Picholine - Buy Now
French varietal, light-bodied olive oil

Variety Pack- Buy Now
Our variety pack includes a selection of delectable cultivars produced by The Olivina