Until recently, Europe has always been the sole purveyor of olive oil. But, thanks in part to its similarity in climate and geography, the Central Coast of California is now becoming a leader in olive oil production. In 2002, recognizing that the conditions so conducive to olive production in Europe existed here on the Central Coast, Yves and Clotilde Julien planted olive trees and began their farm, bringing that European quality to California. Olea Farm is the perfect embodiment of the European ideals and traditions that are a quintessential part of the olive oil culture. A visit to their tasting room, located just outside the historic town of Templeton, is like taking a day trip through the European countryside. Templeton is located in San Luis Obispo County right in the middle of the well known Paso Robles wine appellation, with the cities of Paso Robles to the north and Atascadero to the south. 1000 silvery green Arbequina olive trees line the winding drive leading to the tasting room. Once in the tasting room, we welcome you with gracious hospitality and open arms. The tasting room showcases our award-winning extra virgin Arbequina olive oil and two expertly blended extra virgin oils, Crescendo and European; along with the delicately flavored lemon and basil olive oils. Visiting Olea Farm is the perfect introduction to the unique Arbequina olive. This small Spanish olive loves the warm California sun and produces one of the finest oils on the market. Its taste and essence are intense and powerful, yet it is delicate enough to be used in any recipe without overpowering the other ingredients. The flavor of the Arbequina is like putting “spring into a bottle”, which is why so many restaurant chefs from the area insist on using it to highlight their Central Coast cuisine.
In 2016, Yeves and Clotilde handed the business off to new owners Rick and Karen Roach. As Santa Cruz County natives, Rick and Karen are excited for the opportunity to step in and take the business to the next level.

Tasting room

The Olea Farm olive oil tasting room is a quaint and cozy place to enjoy some of the best olive oil California has to offer. Open weekends from 10am to 4:30pm and weekdays by appointment, the tasting room is just a quick drive off Highway 101 in scenic Templeton, California. All five of our main olive oils are available for free tasting year round. These include the Arbequina, Crescendo and European extra virgin oils, as well as the flavored oils Basil Blush and Lemon Blush. Depending on the time of year, limited reserves and short run varietals may also be available for tasting. In addition to olive oils, we also carry many other fantastic local products and gourmet treats. For more information or to schedule an appointment please call 805-610-2258. 

Note: Private tastings and farm tours for parties of 10 or more will be subject to a $5.00 per person service fee and must be scheduled and pre-arranged with Olea Farm.

Harvest

Olea Farm begins the harvesting process in the fall; starting in mid-October and finishing just before the first freeze, usually in December or early January. All of the olives are picked by hand and washed to prepare them for milling. The olives are then processed by Mill On Wheels and Master Miller Yves Julien.  Mill On Wheels is a local mobile milling facility based at Olea Farm and is co-owned by Olea Farm's Yves & Clotilde. After the olives are milled, the juice is transferred to the Olea Farm on-site bottling facility for bottling, labeling and packaging for sale. Below is a pictorial tour of Olea Farm's harvests from previous years.