My eight siblings and I grew up on a small walnut orchard in California, which along with our parents, we cared for the orchard for 40 years. The orchard was literally our backyard playground. We designated certain trees as first base, second, third, and of course home. A few trees were perfectly situated as football end zones and others made for some of the best tree forts in the neighborhood.

My time on the orchard immensely developed my appreciation for the land, hard work, patience and the rich joy experienced by producing something that was special and delicious. Our orchard met our family’s needs but never amounted to much of a profit. Instead, the responsibility of the orchard taught us to plan and work as a family. Of course there were times, especially during our teenage years, that mother’s go-to consequence when any of us got into trouble was to shell walnuts until the walnut boxes were full. The greater the offense – the larger number of boxes had to be filled. Sitting quietly in the orchard picking walnuts gave us plenty of time to think about our choices and more often than not, humbled us. And when we had met our quota, mom would inevitably bake something delicious with the fresh walnuts symbolizing forgiveness and a clean slate.

Fast forwarding a couple of decades, I happened upon an online article detailing all the health benefits of olive oil. I was so impressed with what I learned that I immersed myself into searching for and learning about anything and everything olive. I wanted to understand the history of olive trees including growth and maintenance as well as olive oil production methods in ancient times and up to the 21st century. I was both excited about what I was learning and disappointed that I was unable to find a central location or resource that taught about growth and development of olives, health benefits linked to olive oil, and recipes and pairings for cooking with olive oil. There was also not a central one-stop location to learn about and compare the vast array of olive growers, producers, and their products.

Then it happened, my perfect wife surprised me with a homemade gift basket containing olive oil, books about olive oil and cooking with olive oil, olive trinkets, and most profoundly a gift certificate for an olive ranch tour and tasting in Napa CA. The in-person experience paired my growing passion for all things olive with my desire to partake in and share something special with those around me as I did with walnuts three decades earlier.

Together, my wife and I created bytheolive.com – a central online location for learning about and obtaining high quality olive oils and complimentary items for personal use.  Today, my very close friend (mejor amiga) and business partner, Otto, and I are committed to creating an experience exceeding your expectations in the selection and purchase of all things olive oil and provide the hand-crafted olive oil and balsamic vinegar treasure you will provide value and joy to your taste palate.

Our hope is to share our passion and love for all things By The Olive with you and yours.