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Twenty five years ago, planting olive trees in this region was anything but traditional. Yet today, what began as a small, experimental orchard has grown into a 300-acre operation, complete with a bustling country store, loyal customers, handcrafted gift baskets, and even a vineyard. The story of McCauley Olive is one of vision, patience, community, and a deep-rooted love for quality.
When the Store Made Sense
In the early days, the goal was simple: grow olives and produce exceptional extra virgin olive oil. At first, the oil was sold to other local farmers, farm stands, stores, and restaurants. It wasn’t until demand for fresh, local olive oil surged that the idea of opening a storefront truly made sense.
“When the local demand for fresh extra virgin olive oil became present, that’s when the store became the natural next step,” said Maria McCauley.
Like many small businesses, the early days were full of exploration. Initially, the store focused on local produce alongside its signature olive oil. After about a year, it became clear where the heart of the business truly lay.
“We shifted away from produce and focused the store on being a local olive oil country store,” McCauley explain. That decision helped shape the strong, recognizable brand customers know today.
While olive oil was the star, customers started requesting gift sets from day one. What began as simple bundles soon evolved into a year-round collection of thoughtfully curated gift baskets matched with local treats and produce.
Today, customers can choose from ready-made baskets or create fully customized gifts based on personal taste or budget. Some even bring in outside items to include. “I look at the baskets as art,” explained McCauley. “I take pride in every basket and gift set I put together. They’re packed with amazing products—no empty containers or filler.”
Image by McCauley Olive
Why the Oil Tastes Different Every Year
Each harvest tells a new story. Weather plays a major role in shaping the flavor of olive oil, and that’s why customers may notice subtle shifts from year to year.
“All of our different varietals are amazing—it’s a personal preference,” they say. Some of the varietals include Arbequina, Frantoio, Mission, Koroneiki, Coratina, just to name a few.
The top sellers include:
Regular Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Garlic
Basil
Other favorites include the Dipping Blend, Lemon, and Jalapeño oils.
Trial, Error, and the Perfect Crop
The farming side of the journey brought its share of challenges and learning curves. Living on a hill, the founders wanted trees that were drought-resistant, beautiful, and unique to the area.
“We wanted something that wasn’t being offered locally. Olives turned out to be the perfect fit,” said the McCauley’s.
Early challenges focused on nurturing young trees and maintaining them until maturity. What began with just five acres quickly doubled within a year. Today, the farm proudly plants and harvests olives across nearly 300 acres.
Growing with the Health Movement
As public awareness of the health benefits of olive oil increased, so did demand. The business naturally evolved from wholesale distribution into a retail destination centered on farm-to-table values and healthy eating.
“There was a growing need to open a retail location where customers could truly experience our oils,” they explain.
Community at the Heart of It All
One of the proudest achievements isn’t just the products—it’s the people.
“I am most proud of my staff that I have been blessed with through the years,” said McCauley. “We’re also very proud of our long-time loyal customers and our amazing vendors. It’s a very blessed business.”
Collaboration within the farming community is essential. The store carries as many local products as possible and supplies many nearby farm stands, stores, and restaurants. “We want to see each other succeed, and that only happens when we work together,” they say.
While Olive oil was the focus, soon wine entered the picture.
According to the McCauley’s, wine wasn’t part of the original plan. That changed when they purchased their event center, McCauley Estate Vineyards, which came with its own vineyard.
“We had to do quite a bit of research and build the right team to grow the wine side of the business,” they explain. Today, guests can purchase McCauley wines seven days a week at the olive store. The wines can also be enjoyed and purchased at McCauley Estate Vineyards Wine & Dines which are held monthly at their venue located at 2525 Sunset Rd. in Brentwood.
Holiday Options
While personal favorites include olive oils, honey, balsamic vinegars, pastas, and pies, the store’s best sellers seem to fly off the shelves:
Olive oils
Balsamic vinegars
Olives
Honey
Pies
Snacks
Eggs
Pepper sauces
Gift sets
Refills, Rewards, and Sustainability
To encourage sustainability and customer loyalty, the store offers a $2 refill discount on McCauley Olive olive oil and balsamic bottles 250ml or larger, along with McCauley Olive honey refill discounts.
“We do this to help recycle and reduce waste,” they explain. “It makes many of our customers very happy—and keeps them coming back.”
From olive orchards to custom gift baskets, from farm stands to vineyards, the journey of McCauley Olive is one shaped by thoughtful risks, community collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to quality. What started as a small experiment on a hillside has become a cherished local destination—one bottle, basket, and harvest at a time.
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Dining and Cooking