TEXAS HILL COUNTRY OLIVE CO.

Texas Hill Country Olive Co. is run by father-daughter duo John and Cara Gambini. A third generation Italian immigrant, John had dreamed of owning a vineyard. He and Cara talked about his dream over Thanksgiving in 2008, just after John had read an article about a new Texas ranch (Texas Olive Ranch!) that had planted olive trees and were figuring out which varietals would grow best in Southern Texas. 

They thought it would be much more fun to help pioneer a new agricultural industry in Texas versus jumping into an already established one (there were already 160 wineries in Texas at the time). 

They are in Dripping Springs, the same area as Texas Olive Ranch, and they found the same ideal land conditions for olive trees, plus it reminded them of Italy. Today they are very proud to be the only certified organic orchard in Texas. 

They are also known for their no sugar added, barrel aged balsamic vinegars. They make the perfect salad dressing and can also be used in marinades and sauces, drizzled over desserts, used to make shrubs, jams and other culinary condiments. 

Their traditional balsamic vinegars are made from wine vinegar and grape must, which is cooked and concentrated and then aged until the flavor becomes sweet, dark and rich. Their white balsamic vinegars are made through pressurized cooking, which prevents the caramelization of the flavor and color of the grape. The flavor becomes sweet and complex.

Location: Dripping Springs, Texas

Website: texashillcountryoliveco.com

Products: Extra Virgin OIive Oil, Traditional and White Barrel Aged Balsamic Vinegars

Practices: Certified organic