When you think of olives, you might think of Mediterranean farms or Californian fields, but Texas has a rapidly growing segment of olive growers. The Texas Hill Country has the right soil and climate to make it a prime area for those who want to produce olives and olive oil. For an unusual journey into a bit of Europe in Texas, visit these Texas olive growers that allow visitors to their orchards.
Things to Do
Texas Olive Growers and Orchards You Can Visit in the Hill Country
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1. Texas Hill Country Olive Company – Dripping Springs
Photo: Facebook/Texas Hill Country Olive Company
Located close to Austin in Dripping Springs, Texas Hill Country Olive Company not only offers tours but also tastings. Fridays and Saturdays, you can tour the orchards and taste olive products at the end for only $6 a person. The tasting room also has a café, where you can purchase larger portions of olive-containing foods. Don’t miss the unique opportunity to try the rich olive oil gelato and brownies. A day at this orchard will be an experience you won’t soon forget.
2. Sandy Oaks Olive Orchard – Elmendorf
Photo: Facebook/Sandy Oaks Olive Orchard
When you want to not only get olives and olive products but also olive trees, visit Elmendorf’s Sandy Oaks Olive Orchard. This is one of the Texas olive growers that imparts its knowledge of growing to locals. Saturdays, go for the free 11:30 a.m. tour, then stick around to attend the free workshop two hours later. You’ll get a close-up view of a professional olive orchard and get tips on how to grow your own, though workshop topics change regularly and may not be held every week. For a great educational opportunity, you will want to visit Sandy Oaks.
3. Bella Vista Ranch – Wimberley
Photo: Facebook/The Bella Vista Ranch
Bella Vista Ranch in Wimberley produces both olives and wines, so a tour ends with tasting not only olive oils but also wines. When you visit the ranch and take a $15 tour, you will get a thorough discussion on olives and olive growing in addition to guided tasting so you can get the most out of the experience. Among Texas olive growers, this ranch is rare in its winemaking in addition to olive production. Make a point to visit this spot for a tour and tasting the next time you find yourself near Wimberley.
