Continuing our gourmet quest, our next stop is the St. Helena Olive Oil Company, located in Rutherford. In addition to offering tastes of about a dozen mostly local olive oils, they also feature a staggering selection of vinegars, sauces, marinades, tapenades, jellies, mustards and other condiments, with many opportunities for sampling. A wine tasting bar in the back offers tastes of local “off the map” wines. A sumptuous array of skin care and body products is also available. A second, smaller outpost of this store is actually located in St. Helena.
St. Helena Olive Oil Company
8576 Highway 29, Rutherford
and 1361 Main St., St. Helena
(800) 939-9880
Days & hours: 10am – 5pm daily
http://www.sholiveoil.com
Just minutes away the Napa Valley Olive Oil Company is a marvelously funky spot that is a regular stop on my Napa Valley tour. Located in a whitewashed barn-like building, the walls are a collage of business cards, and the owners mumble to each other in Italian. Packed with imported Italian staples and delicacies, with a few locally produced finds, the best deals are the baggies of dry cured olives and the big jugs of their house olive oil. Picnic tables outside and picnic goodies are a nearly irresistible invitation to linger.
Napa Valley Olive Oil Company
835 McCorkle Avenue, St. Helena
(707) 963-4173
No web address
Continue our Napa Gourmet Adventure with a Stop at Woodhouse Chocolates