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These Texas Olive Orchards Are the Perfect Tuscan-Inspired Getaway

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Tony Maples Photography

 

By Karla Blackstock of Wide Open Country

If you are looking for the perfect Tuscan-style getaway from the hustle and bustle, look no further than the Texas Hill Country and South Central Texas.  There are a number of olive orchards from south of San Antonio to Dripping Springs that deliver unique experiences with great products that you can purchase straight from the farm. These olive orchards have become the new “Italy” in Texas.

These Texas Olive Orchards Are the Perfect Tuscan-Inspired Getaway

Photo: sandyoaks.com

Situated just south of San Antonio in the quaint little town of Elmendorf, Texas, Sandy Oaks Olive Orchard offers “Olives with a Texas Accent.” The orchard was one of the first commercial olive orchards in Texas. Founder and owner, Sandy Winokur, planted her first olive trees in 1998. They have been one of Texas’ best-kept secrets – until now. The orchard has grown to host weekly events with free tours on Saturdays at 11:30 am. The kitchen at Sandy Oaks is open from Wednesday through Sunday for lunch. And you can “sail away” to a new country on Friday evenings to experience how olive products are served in other countries. June will offer an authentic menu from Argentina and Morocco. Later in the year, you can dine in Portugal or France. Check their website for more information. These bimonthly dinners are part of their passport services that you won’t want to miss. The testing room is filled with skin care products such as olive butter lotion to shampoo and food items like olive oils to butter and jellies; you can test and experience homegrown olive goods. The best surprise you are sure to enjoy – olive jelly.

These Texas Olive Orchards Are the Perfect Tuscan-Inspired Getaway

Photo: texashillcountryoliveco.com

Nestled in the beautiful Texas Hill Country town of Dripping Springs, the Texas Hill Country Olive Company prides itself on its infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Vinegars. But they haven’t let the ladies down either. Their lip and body balms are exclusive blends of their olives with no preservatives, no dyes and no chemicals. This family-owned orchard features a Tuscan-inspired mill house, a state-of-the-art Italian olive press and tasting room. If you are looking for a perfect venue for your next event, the Texas Hill Country Olive Company can accommodate you. They host weddings and large private events.

These Texas Olive Orchards Are the Perfect Tuscan-Inspired Getaway

Photo: Facebook/Bella Vista Ranch

This family-run business also offers a tasting room with fresh olive oil products. However, it also offers a larger variety of complementary foods that are also grown on the ranch. With cured olives, vinegars, wines and preserves, you are sure to envelop yourself in the taste of the Hill Country. Located in Wimberley, Texas, this Tuscan-style getaway will be a sweet surprise. Bella Vista offers olive oils infused with garlic, lemon, lime, fresh basil, white truffles and more. The tasting room offers fresh olive oils, jams and hand-crafted wines. This “Taste of Tuscany in the Texas Hill Country” can provide you or a group of your friends a private tour. Texas has always had a lot to offer. Be sure to check these relaxing locales before you plan your next trip abroad.

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