We had just finished checking out the town of Dripping Springs in the Hill Country outside of Austin and were waiting for another brewery to open. I spotted a sign for an olive company the opposite direction from the brewery, so off we went.
Striking architecture of the Olive Company
About five miles later we saw what looked like some kind of Italian mountain villa. Yep, that turned out to be the Texas Hill Country Olive Company. We had no idea what to expect, except that it would involve olives. Well, what a nice surprise when the hostess showed us to the free tasting stations. Yes, we were invited to taste different olive oils. I sure got an education.
Olive oils on the left, balsamic vinegars on the right
Fun signage
I had no idea that there were so many different kinds of olive oils, all of which were made by this family owned and operated business. Sher and I both enjoyed tasting the different olive oils. You taste them by putting a few drops in a small cup and either tasting it directly by mouth or dipped on a small piece of bread.
In the showroom in front of one of the tasting stations.
In addition to the oils, there were several varieties of balsamic vinegar as well set out for tasting. These were all imported from Italy, and there was an amazing range of flavors. The balsamic vinegar we bought was a blackberry flavor, which will be perfect to mix with the olive oil we bought to make a great salad dressing. Yum! The showroom also has a wide variety of gift boxes and other goodies.
Olive trees at the Olive Company
Olive tree beginning to flower
This place should be on everyone’s list of must visit places in the Hill Country. The site has lots of olive trees in their on site orchard. Our hostess explained that the company also has many more orchards in south Texas as well. Yes, olive trees grow in places other than Southern Europe and the Mid East. You can experience them at the Texas Hill Country Olive Co.
Ooh I’d love to try the different oils! 🥰
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John you would love the variety!
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I don’t doubt it since I kind of love olives too!
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We were amazed by the wide variety of different olive oils. Quite an eye opener…
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Dripping Springs – great name 🙂
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A fun name for sure. Dripping Springs is a rather eclectic little place with the surrounding area dotted with wineries, distilleries and breweries. We have spent more than one day enjoying the sights and sounds of the area.
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I love the Texas Hill Country, spent vacations there in Hunt, TX near Moe Ranch and Kerrville, as my grandparents had a 2nd home there that they bought in the Depression that they called Rock Bottom, and it literally was, with the Guadalupe River running 300 feet down the front “yard” of the 19 acres, about 1 to 2 feet deep with a rock bottom. Great and wonderful memories. Thanks for catalyzing them to bubble back up.
I’ve never heard of the Texas Hill Country Olive Company. Next time I’m that way, I’ll surely make an experience of it. Thanks for the star on my next itenerary.
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Really glad to provide both some information and some good memories as well. Thanks for the visit and the comment!
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You’re most welcome! I’m diggin’ your adventures. They’re full of heart and life. Two great things that go great together. I almost said “taste great together,” though it felt a bit Hannibal Lecter-ish. With Fawva beans. 🙂 Thanks for that sidestepping edit and laugh as well.
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LOL…thanks for the compliment and the movie reference. 😉
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Chuckling heartily. You’re welcome. 🙂
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