McEvoy Ranch, the largest U.S. producer of estate-grown, certified organic extra virgin olive oil, has announced its 2008 public tour dates. During the tours, guests will have a rare opportunity to view the 550-acre ranch and its olive orchards and gardens in the hills west of Petaluma, as well as learn about the horticulture of growing olive trees in California, the ranch’s certified organic practices and harvesting techniques.
Advance reservations are required and tickets for the popular tours cost $25 per person for the Orchard Tour, $35 for the Garden Tour and $75 for the Garden Tour with lunch. Tour reservations can be made at www.mcevoyranch.com.
The Orchard Tour explores the horticulture of growing olive trees and the McEvoy’s certified organic practices and harvest techniques. Guests will visit the frantoio – or olive milling room – for an explanation of the process of extracting olive oil. The visit concludes with a sensory evaluation of the olive oil and discussion of its culinary uses. The Orchard Tours take place from 10 a.m. to noon on the following Saturdays: April 19, May 24, July 12, Aug. 23, Sept. 13 and Oct. 4.
The Garden Tours offers an in-depth tour of the ranch’s certified organic gardens and fruit orchards, which are home to an array of heirloom flowers and vegetables. Head gardener Margaret Koski-Kent and her staff will discuss organic gardening techniques and offer tips on seed saving, crop rotation and composting. The tour concludes with a sensory evaluation of olive oil. Garden Tours will be from 10 a.m. to noon on the following Thursdays: May 1 and Sept. 11.
The Garden Tour with lunch includes the same tour, with a seasonally inspired lunch served al fresco at the scenic picnic area that has a view of the olive groves. The tour with lunch will be from 10 a.m. to approximately 1:30 p.m. on the following Thursdays: June 12, July 10 and August 14.
For further information on McEvoy Ranch, please visit www.mcevoyranch.com.
Please send food, wine and restaurant news
and event information to
foodandwine@sonomasun.com
