Why Olive Oil and Ice Cream is Dreamy

By Shoshi Parks | The Olive Oil Professor

November 20, 2024

“I highly recommend [using] a grassy, fruitier extra-virgin olive oil—usually called a “finishing oil”—to give the ice cream an overall flavor balance,” says Bi-Rite Creamery managing partner and pastry chef, Kris Hoogerhyde. Hill has used EVOO from California producers DaVero and Gold Ridge Organic Farms, whose Picholine blend he says “superbly” complements the slightly different flavor and texture of soft-serve. 

 

5 stars

Olive Oil Pie Crust & Apple Pie: A Baking Demo with Stephanie:

5 stars! How creative and fun is it to attend a pie making class??? Really really cool! Thank you sooooooo much. The staff are lovely, the environment beautiful and the farm store is unique. We loved it and can’t stop talking about our wonderful experience.

Gerry R., Sonoma County, CA

Olive Oil Pie Crust & Apple Pie: A Baking Demo with Stephanie: It was totally lovely, in a cozy space and Stephanie was fun and engaging. Plus, the pie was yummy.

Thanks for inviting us,
Coleen and Monica

Coleen H.

The tour of the olive grove was fantastic. The little bit of knowledge imparted really made the tasting more enjoyable. Everyone was very friendly and accommodating.

Brice S.

We had a great time [during the Organic Olive Oil Exploration]. Stephanie was wonderful!! Thank you so much.

Patricia C.

I had the best experience visiting Gold Ridge Organic Farms. Every team member was kind. The olive oils and the apple cider syrup and apple cider balsamic vinegar tasting was amazing. I look forward to my next visit on November 9th.

Gabrielle S.

The Farmer Walk was absolutely the highlight of the weekend! Never imaged we would learn so much about the farm, Apples and how to pick them, olives, and behind-the-scenes tasting with the charming Brooke himself! Thanks bunches!

Jessica G.

I love Gold Ridge Organic Farms. I was introduced to them by the Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience. Their olive oils are fantastic and varied. They make the most amazing shrubs (that’s fruit, sugar and vinegar) that are perfect mixed with soda or your favorite libation. Then, apple season came around. The two of us boldly ordered 10 pounds of Honeycrisp Apples from Gold Ridge. Every single one of them was perfect - no bruises and beautiful to look at - but even more important, all 10 pounds of apples were delicious and sweet and CRISP. We also got a large bag of Meyer Lemons that were also amazing and perfectly ripe. We used them in drinks, on fish, and made amazing ceviches. We’re picking up 10 more pounds on Saturday, this time a Heritage mixed offering with varieties we’ve yet to try. Gold Ridge is our new go-to.

Donna R.

[The Orchard Hike with Farmer Brooke was a] very enlightening experience and fun and interesting to see behind the scenes. It was such an impressive and innovative operation. Both the walk and the view are extremely enjoyable. Ice cream treat was a tasty surprise.

Pei-Pei H.

5 stars: Our private olive tasting at Gold Ridge Organic Farms was an unforgettable experience. We were thoroughly impressed by the educational aspect of the tasting, where we learned about various olive varieties and their distinct flavors. It was also our first time trying an apple balsamic, which was absolutely delightful. The setting couldn’t have been more perfect—the view of the property is simply gorgeous, making the experience even more special. Our host was lovely, guiding us through the tasting with warmth and expertise. It’s clear why Gold Ridge Organic Farms has won so many awards. The quality and care that go into their products are evident in every taste. We’re already looking forward to returning in the winter for the Olio Nuovo. Highly recommend!

Sarah L.

5 stars: We were a bit late arriving at Gold Ridge, but Stephanie warmly welcomed us. Such a glorious day to explore the apple and olive orchards...we loved every minute of it! The olive oil tasting, a first for all of us, was a hit! Thank you for sharing Gold Ridge with all of us!

Karen A., Sebastopol, CA

We had a wonderful time touring your farm and tasting all the delicious treats that it produced. . The olive oil was incredible. It was a very educational and fun experience! Thank you!

Sheridan J.

Loved getting out to see the olive and apple trees on our little hike. Those apples were amazing! So much fruit on dwarf trees - it was an eye opener. The actual seated tasting was fantastic, it was hard to choose what to buy, all tasty options. Also went home with a great book on growing and caring for fruit trees. Can't wait to bring other friends back for a tour. Highly recommend.

Beth C., Sonoma County, CA

We had a splendid time! Thank you for your amazing hospitality and product line. All of Gourmet Food & Wine Tours appreciates knowing where to refer our discerning guests who are looking for amazing foodie experiences. I cannot wait to make my non-alcoholic drinks in Tahoe this weekend with your lemon-lavender shrub! Grazie, Renee

Renee R., Sonoma, CA

Orchard Hike with Farmer Brooke Hazen: The entire experience from arrival to departure was picture perfect. Learning about the property and organic systems and getting to see in a "hands on" style was fantastic! Still talking about the day with my friends. Thank you!!!

Satia H.

Good experience with good products and nice and professional staff.

Hongwei W.

We had a wonderful experience at Gold Ridge Organic Farms! We booked a tour and olive oil tasting to celebrate a birthday, and our morning here did not disappoint. The place is simply beautiful. The olive and apple orchards are gorgeous, with views for miles. We came home with new knowledge and some delicious items for our kitchens. Thank you for a fabulous day.

Nina S., SF Bay Area, CA

Lovely venue. Excellent pizza!

Sally A., SF Bay Area, CA

Beautiful property, excellent pizzas and salad from Chef Bruce. We especially enjoyed the caramel topping he made for the ice cream with Gold Ridge Olive oil and Apple Cider Syrup, yum!

Cindy L., SF Bay Area, CA

[The farm] was beautiful & unexpected. We sat under the olive trees listened to French musician Lara Louise & pursued the shop going home with treats. It’s a gentle & kind establishment & the pizza /salad was yummy yum!!!

Susanne W., SF Bay Area, CA

I am so gleeful knowing I’m soon receiving these lovely products. Thank you! My son and I visited a few months ago—enjoyed some fresh oils. I’m truly a happy customer

Rahim Q., Grapevine, TX

My gift arrived and it was so fun to open! What an amazing small business... totally impressed with how everything was wrapped and packaged for shipping! Honeycrisp apples are my favorite and I can't wait to try the syrup. What an extravagant gift... everything looks delicious!

Ausma K., MD

Your EVOO is excellent and the best value I have found! We are repeat customers (in Connecticut) and will keep coming back!

Michael G., Plainville, CT

The Picholine Blend: Excellent per usual, thanks again.

Ty J., Hemet, CA

Absolutely love the flavor, texture and the overall taste of the Minerva Olio Nuovo. The high polyphenol count, USDA Organic and California certification are very important to me. The quality of your operation from the way you grow, harvest, process, store and ship your product is superb! Awesome customer experience every time I call. Very informative and pleasant to talk with. Extremely happy with Gold Ridge Organic Farms! I’m a customer for life. I have also referred Gold Ridge to several family members. My cousin loves your olive oil as much as I do. She mentioned to me that she hasn’t had such quality and flavor since we were kids growing up in our old world Greek cultural environments. Both of our fathers were in the restaurant business. In addition, the women of the households were incredible authentic Mediterranean cooks as well. That’s a great testament to your company and the quality of your products.

Matt M., Longmeadow, MA

Your EVOO is extraordinarily delicious! The oils are smooth, flavorful, and absolutely outstanding. I found your EVOO to be perfect for drizzling on cooked vegetables, and salads; although I use it anywhere I would previously use butter or a spread. The taste is simply incredible. Thank goodness you ship to the east coast; I'm so glad I found you and I will continue to be a customer.

Carol T., Hackettstown, NJ

My feedback on the Olio Nuovo Tuscan Blend 2022 Harvest: OUTSTANDING oil. If freshness is what it's all about, then you guys are DEFINITELY the WINNER.

Leslie H., Oak Harbor, WA

My feedback on the Minerva Blend 2021 EVOO: Your Olive oil is fantastic! It is probably the best I've ever had. I am 100% Greek and grew up with an immigrant father who believed in quality food. As soon as I open the bottle, the aroma hit me. It reminded me of my childhood and how delicious food used to smell. My cousin tried it first and contacted me to tell me all about it. From now on this is my oil. Absolutely love it!

Ann V., Buzzards Bay, MA

My feedback on the Olio NUOVO Minerva Blend 2022: Very happy with the Minerva Olive Oil! Excellent taste, the best quality olive oils l have ever tried. Also, great service. I like being able to speak with someone on the phone when I have a question. You offer a customer service experience whenever I call. You have a customer for life. Also, have references several to your company. Recently, my cousin has ordered a bottle of the Minerva and loves as much as I do.

Matt M., Longmeadow, MA

I loved your OLIO NUOVO Arbequina Blend! It makes the best salad dressing (with lemon juice, salt & pepper) and I’m glad it has a high percentage of polyphenols! I had bought olive oil from a different farm before and it wasn't as good as your oil. We are getting ready to order again.

Beth S., Louisville, KY

I saw this olive oil on La Briffe recommended by Ruth Reichl. I love olive oil. My grandmother was from Croatia and she cooked with olive oil as did my mother way before it was chic to do. I am a native Californian and I live in Georgia. I miss California and I love La Briffe and Ruth's recommendations for things like your olive oil. It keeps me in touch with all things California.

Pam H., Decatur, GA

I haven’t encountered many American olive oils that knocked me out, but this one from Gold Ridge Organic Farms in Sebastapol is exceptionally good.

Ruth Reichl, James Beard Award Winner, Food Writer & Chef

We really appreciated the informative and tasty presentations as well as farmer Brooke’s informative tour of the orchard. A+ Everyone was super nice.

Blane H., Cloverdale, CA

Always happy with your olive oil! Someday we hope to visit the farm. It looks beautiful!

Ryan J., Portland, OR

I learned so much about apples! Thanks. I thought the oil tasting was so well organized and I enjoyed the experience very much. I’ll be spending more on olive oil Now. Thanks!

Sara S., Sebastopol, CA

Love your organic olive oils - they are amazing! Whenever we are in the area will visit.

Scott B., San Diego, CA

I love the Meyer Lemon Olive Oil! A friend brought a bottle for me to try and I am in love. I am a personal chef and I plan to make this a regular finishing oil. I am taking it with me back east to share with friends!

Heidi L., Sebastopol, CA

I love our olive oil! Thank you.

Lisa M., Port Washington, NY

Love your olive oil, thanks!

Ryan J., Portland, OR

The Arbequina Blend olive oil is simply wonderful, and the shipping was very fast! Thank you!

Barb G., Post Falls, ID

I like the VOLO Chocolate with Meyer Lemon. Kind of satiny, not too sweet. That’s good in my book! I like the olive oil in that one too. Kind of creamy and nourishing.

Ginny A., Plainfield, MA

I saw the farm store sign from the road and came in to explore. I'm so glad I did. I tasted, and chose some gorgeous oils and vinegars too & chocolate! Some really special gifts available. Great packaging & nice hospitality. Thank you. I'll be back.

Penny L., Sonoma County, CA

Your facility is beautiful! Your olive oil is fantastic, and the specialty chocolate with olive oil is super delicious (wish they made at least 80% chocolate to cut down on the sugar). As an aside, I absolutely loved the front gates!

Bonnie K., San Francisco Bay Area, CA

My feedback on Meyer Lemon Blend Olive Oil: I love it and think you’re doing great work…a credit to the community!

Barbara C., Santa Rosa, CA

AMAZING true olive oil! The taste and texture is divine, but for us this oil has been a blessing beyond the gourmet, our autistic son has had tremendous leaps forward in healing and development, this oil is truly brain food pure and healing. Thank you for what you do!

Laina S., Naples, FL

[The tour and tasting were] very interesting and informative. Thank you.

Kristen T., Sonoma County, CA

I learned so much! Loved the samples - very generous! I am sharing my purchases with my friends, too. I made pancakes to try the apple syrup and that was a hit! Thanks to the polite and knowledgeable staff. We had a great time! We bought a few items, for us and as gifts. You have an impressive operation that we will continue to support! Thank you for your customer care, attention to detail, and knowledge. Excellence shows!

Gerard G., Napa, CA

The best, unparalleled olive oil I’ve ever had! Apple cider syrup is also second to none! What is the most impressive to me is that all of the ingredients are freshly grown, organically made! Simply the best!

Jeongbum S., San Francisco Bay Area , CA

The taste and texture is divine, but for us this oil has been a blessing beyond the gourmet, our autistic son has had tremendous leaps forward in healing and development, this oil is truly brain food pure and healing. Thank you for what you do!

Laina S., Naples, FL

A friend gifted me the assorted tins for Christmas and I am very impressed. Delicious oil. As I cannot do dairy and do not like margerines I found scrambling my egg in this olive oil was sublime. You don't want to waste it on dishes where you cannot get the full impact of its delicious flavor. I am hooked.

Jean M., Grants Pass, OR

I will NEVER go back to store bought oils! The difference in taste between fresh and store bought was extraordinary.

Sheryl P., Cheboygan, MI

My entire experience was wonderful. The order arrived in a very timely manner, and the product is excellent!

Barb G., Bonners Ferry, ID

We love the Honeycrisp-Fuji Apple Cider syrup! Thank you!

Sarah H., Culver City, CA

Great products, excellent service!

Karen K., Los Angeles, CA

Recipients of the EVOO were delighted. Nice to get positive feedback from foodies.

Yvonne , Sebastopol, CA

Very good people and service.

Mateo S.

Always a pleasure working with Gold Ridge Organic Farms for custom milling. Very professional, helpful and friendly.

Bill M.

Delicious products and a beautiful view.

Steven M.

So far have been splashing Minerva on our pasta. No more boring pasta dinners! The details were also good - packing material, gold tab on bottle for opening, info for using each oil, drop down tab to cover spout opening, etc… Every detail well planned.

Patti L., Bellevue, WA

Thank you providing this service to our community. I was so happy to be able to have my olives individually milled this year. In the past I have always participated in a community press. So this is the first time I have been able to taste my very own olive oil! Thanks for making that possible!

Mary Lee M.

We've only opened up one bottle so far but we are pleased. I'm a bit of an olive oil snob. Your oil has flavor and smells like fresh grass. I put it on my air popped popcorn with salt. It's delicious! So glad I found you! Can't wait to try the other oils and get the new harvest oils in the future!

Debbie V., Boulder, CO

Everything is so great! Love the tins as much as the bottles and enjoying both right now. Love giving these oils as gifts too!

Laurie S., Sonoma, CA

The olive oils are excellent. My favourites are Tuscan and Arbequina and the fact that they are organic makes them even better. Also the packaging is exceptional.

Joanne H., Red Bluff, CA

I’m very happy with your Arbequina Blend. It’s smooth and fresh. It makes everything taste elegant. I love it. I also love your Minerva olive oil.

Cheri R.

The Strawberry Parfait apples made a lovely, fluffy applesauce in a soft pink color. Not as deep a color as the Pink Pearls, and the flavor is milder than other varieties in the markets here - but very pretty nonetheless... With a wee bit of my "secret ingredient" it tastes great!

Jennie C.

I recently picked up some Gold Ridge Organic Farms strawberry parfait apples from Whole Foods. They are some of the best apples I’ve ever had.

Samantha E.

Excellent packaging and true authentic organic extra virgin olive oil with the bite to the palate that distinguishes it from poor quality and purported EV olive oils. Thanks again expect repeated orders to come!

Ty J., Hemet, CA

LOVE IT!!! I take a shot of olive oil every day. (Along w/all the other stuff we use EVOO for!). Picholine Blend is high in polyphenols, which is why I chose this blend… I'm after the health benefits of higher polyphenols… I love that Gold Ridge is organic, I love all the awards they have, I love that they are a small farm, I love the taste and quality of the olive oil!

Ashley C., Murrieta, CA

I received my shipment in good order. I have opened the Tuscan Blend and was very impressed with its flavor and finish. The others I have not tried at this time. Since I, also, am a very small olive grower and making some organic extra virgin olive oil, I love to try other oils.

Marilyn M., Calistoga, CA

Love love love my order! I was introduced to the goldridge olive oil from My real good greens delivery that I started. I love the olive oil so much that I order a bottle almost every week. I also told a girlfriend about it, she ordered some, and I ordered some for My mom and sister who live in New York. I have never had such amazing olive oil, and absolutely love it! Thanks

Nancy S., San Francisco, CA

Five Stars!!!!  Thank you Andrea and Brooke!  LOVE your product!!!  Hope that Montage Healdsburg can send guests for tasting, special events some day!  Hotel opens November 18!!

Laurie S., San Clemente, CA

I am happy with the Arbequina olive oil.  I had been looking for a long time for an olive oil appropriate for making a vinaigrette that was flavorful without being overpowered by the strong taste of the olive oil.  And now I have found it!  Thank you!

Deborah , Del Mar, CA

We love this oil. I feel better about consuming an oil that is actually good for you as long as I don’t over heat it or use too much of it at once

Irene D., Port Townsend, WA

Amazing!!!

Merhunisa K., Bronx, NY

I love this olive oil.  I had been looking and trying many olive oils to try to find a mild but flavorful oil that would not overwhelm salad dressings and vegetables.  This is absolutely a perfect oil for these purposes.  I now also use it as my overall go to olive oil.  It enhances and does not detract from other flavor profiles.  Just delicious!  I also love the pouring spout that was included in my first order.  I love it so much I even sent this oil to a friend of mine who also loves to cook.

Deborah M., Del Mar, CA

We appreciate the chance to support local artists. 

We’re on a keto diet that requires us to consume a cup of oil a day. Your sampler has made this program tasty! 

It was flawless and the packaging was perfect! 

Excellent! Gave some to my mom, sister, and son/fiancé for Xmas. They loved it! My son and fiancé (in colorado) said it is the best olive oil they have ever had! My mom and sister are repeat gifts. My mom asked for more of the goldridge olive oil for Christmas. Always pleased with goldridge.

Nancy S., San Francisco, CA

I LOVE your olive oil so much. It is smooth and bright and delightful. AND its the only oil I wanted to provision my upcoming sailing adventure with for 6 months!

Thank you.

Aria A., Hallandale Beach, FL

I am very happy with your product. Shipping was fast and quality is excellent!

Danielle L., Sequim, WA

Great arrived before we expected it. Andrea is wonderful, she knew what we wanted with just......it begins with a P

John G., Lake Oswego, WA

I'm only on my first of the trio, Minerva, but I'm already super happy with my order. And, as a longtime connoisseur, you are now one of my favorite olive oils, not kiddin, and will now be in my regular rotation. Thank you for the complimentary pour spout. I never liked their idea as to keep oxygen out. But I love it. Super convenient and makes it easy to pour all over the place.

Homero D., Driftwood, TX

Great service and love the olive oil!!

Deb , Perry, MO