Things to Do

Go On a Tuscan Inspired Getaway Among the Texas Olive Orchards

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Tony Maples Photography

 

You don’t have to travel out of the country to find a uniquely Tuscan inspired getaway. The Hill Country is full of niches and hidden gems among its beautiful landscapes that truly inspire an Italian style vacation right here in Texas.

There are a few olive orchards from San Antonio to Dripping Springs that offer great products for sale right off their farms and deliver one of kind experiences to make the venture even more enjoyable. Below are three olive orchard farms to add to your bucket list for a truly Tuscan inspired adventure.

Sandy Oaks

Photo: sandyoaks.com

Located minutes from San Antonio in the town of Elmendorf, Texas is Sandy Oaks Olive Orchard touted as “Olives with a Texas Accent,” on its website. It is owned and operated by Saundra C. (Sandy) Winokur.

It is one of the first olive orchards in Texas. With its beautiful surroundings your sure to feel as you just stepped into a quaint Tuscan village. Known for its olive trees, and the various olive oil and olive leaf based skin care products it produces, according to its website, it is also known for its southern hospitality and the educational benefits it provides to the community on the various uses for olive oil.

From tours to weddings, to holiday parties and family gatherings there is so much to enjoy at Sandy Oaks. You can enjoy a wonderful farm to table meal, visit their tasting room, and shop among the skin products made on site. You can even take home your own olive tree to plant in your backyard.

For more on this hidden gem visit: www.sandyoaks.com

25195 Mathis Road
Elmendorf, TX 78112

Hill Country

Photo: Facebook/texashillcountryoliveco

Family owned and operated, The Texas Hill Country Olive Orchard is nestled among the beautiful landscape of Dripping Springs, Texas.

Founded in 2008, they are the most awarded olive oil company in Texas, according to its website. The road leading up to its doors is reminiscent of a road leading you into an Italian-inspired vineyard. The family chose Dripping Springs because of the perfect land conditions and the similarities the landscape shares with Italy.

“We are proud of the fact that we have created the only certified organic orchard in the State of Texas and were first to win medals in competitions for our olive oils starting in 2010, and continue to lead the pack today (so to say)” A must-see day trip complete with orchard tours, a tasting room, and a lovely bistro to enjoy a bite to eat.

For more on this beauty of an orchard visit: texashillcountryoliveco.com

2530 W. Fitzhugh Rd.
Dripping Springs, TX 78620

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Photo: Facebook/The-Bella-Vista-Ranch

Bella Vista Ranch is a small olive orchard located in Wimberley, Texas. According to its website, it was designed to inspire a traditional Italian family farm.

“It is home to over 1,200 producing olive trees, seasonal fruit and vegetables, a frantoio (olive press), a winery, tasting room, and gift shop,” shares its website. They are proud to produce the finest fresh-pressed domestic extra virgin olive oil around town. “The First Texas Olive Oil Co. is headquartered at the Ranch.”

In 2013, they were awarded a Gold Medal at the New York International Olive Oil Competition making them the first Texan olive oil to ever win a medal in the event. Take a tour of the orchards, the grounds, and enjoy a tasting of their various products. They provide a limited number of bottles of their olive oil each year so be sure to schedule your trip early while their supplies last.

For more information visit: www.texasoliveoil.com

First Texas Olive Oil Company
3101 Mt. Sharp Rd.
Wimberley, TX 78676