Wine County is best known for its grapes, but it is also home to a variety of other crops. Olives are very popular in the region and thrive in our various microclimates; when the discussion turns to olives and harvesting all of their deliciousness, one name, McEvoy Ranch, will surely be the topic of conversation.
A little background. With a renegade approach and love of Tuscan olive oil, McEvoy Ranch Founder, Nan McEvoy, purchased a gorgeous 550-acre sprawling ranch in West Marin County and engaged Dr. Maurizio Castelli, a leading authority on agriculture, to recommend the best olive varieties for the unique setting. Fast-forward twenty years and McEvoy Ranch is one of the preeminent leaders in certified organic, extra virgin olive oil and is a a favorite of chefs, at home and in restaurants, who favor the farm-to-table approach.
To maintain a healthy balance with the natural surroundings only 15% of the acreage is planted. This purposeful strategy aligns with their strong commitment to ensure they provide good land stewardship for the olive orchards, grape vineyards, and other fruits, vegetables, and flora grown on the estate. Learn more about McEvoy Ranch with this informative video.
Make a day of it. As you enter the Bunny Gate, you are immediately overcome by a sensation of being transported somewhere else. Maybe this started when you drove up our windy narrow road or when you spotted a doe and her two fawns feeding. Located only 15 minutes from downtown Petaluma, the idyllic setting is the perfect way to enjoy country living and they strongly recommend that you visit them seasonally to capture the beauty of Mother Nature at each time.
McEvoy Ranch offer s a variety of venues in which to experience the estate. Interested in something beyond a sit-down tasting at our table? We offer enchanting walkabout tours and special workshops throughout the year. They even have a community milling day, on November 12, where small growers from across Northern California bring their freshly-picked olives to the mill to create a true regional blend olive oil. So bring your camera, good friends, and comfortable shoes. There’s much to discover.
To learn more about McEvoy Ranch visit their website, Facebook Page and Instagram feed.
Mayacama is a private golf and residential community where a vibrant club life is joined by an active sporting life in an indescribably beautiful valley. To learn more about membership opportunities at Mayacama, please contact us at 866.519.3088 (toll free) or 707.387.0449 (direct) or via email at info@mayacama.com. Get social with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.