SONOMA COUNTY - Olives have come of age. From their humble past as little more than a cocktail accessory, Americans—and especially Californians—have embraced this Mediterranean fruit as part of a healthy and tasty lifestyle.
To honor the olive, and the many groves found in Wine Country, Sonoma County holds a festival each year from December through February featuring olive-themed dinners, olive oil pressing events, tastings and more. For a complete schedule of events, click here.
| Selected events for January and February: |
Martini Madness at the Lodge at Sonoma
January 13, 2006. 5–7pm.
Sonoma Valley’s Bartenders from Saddles, Meritage, El Dorado Kitchen, Carneros at the Lodge, Mary’s Pizza Shack, the girl and the fig, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Maya vie to create the world’s most fabulous olive martini. Tickets at the door, $20. (707) 996-1090 1325 Broadway, Sonoma
Olive Curing Seminar at Cornerstone Market Café
January 14, 2006. 11am–1pm.
Learn about curing olives from Don Landis, followed by a special tasting and lunch at the café. Reservations call: (707) 935-1681 23570 Hwy 121, Sonoma
“Olive You” at B.R. Cohn Winery
February 12, 2006.
Take a guided tour of the olive grove, and then enjoy cooking demonstration and appetizers made with B.R. Cohn wines, olive oils and vinegars. Free recipes to take home. $10 Reservations call: Teresa Reiss. (707) 938-4064 x13
15000 Hwy 12, Glen Ellen
Signature Sonoma presents “VinOlivo”
February 18, 2006.
Sonoma Valley’s best reserve and vineyard designated wines paired with olive-influenced cuisines. Auction of future releases from barrel lots. Sparkling wine reception, port tasting & chocolate fountain, dessert wine party, live entertainment and special guests. Purchase your favorite wine at the marketplace! Reservations & Tickets (707)935-0803 www.sonomavalleywine.com |
Olive Facts
• 99% of olive production in the USA is in California; the USA represents less than 1% of the world’s production of olive oil.
•Four main varieties are grown in California-- Mission, Manzanillo, Sevillano, and Ascolano.
•Italy is the largest importer and exporter of olive oil; however, Spain is the largest producer, accounting for 45% of the world’s production.
•Olive trees have been grown for three thousand to six thousand years in the Mediterranean.
•The olive tree can withstand the bleakest conditions--long hot summers, intense sun, mild winters with little water growing in the poorest soils.
•They require little maintenance, irrigation or fertilization.
•Good on food, good on your skin! Olive oil can heal inflamed skin and moisturizes without clogging pores.
•Olive oil symbolizes longevity, fertility, maturity and peace in various cultures.
Source: Sonomavalley.com |
