Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Los Angeles International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition?
What is the COOC sticker on the neck of your bottle?
How does one “taste” quality extra virgin olive oil?
How long does olive oil stay fresh?
Do you offer a discount for ordering a full case or more of olive oil?
How do I open the wax top on your olive oil?
Is olive oil good for you?
What goes into your compost? Can I buy it?
Do you sell olive trees?
Are you open for tours?

What is the Los Angeles International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition?
The LA County Fair Olive Oil Competition is considered the most prestigious annual olive oil competitions and one of the most acclaimed worldwide. The California Olive Oil Council (COOC) Tasting Panel, the only official panel in North America recognized by the International Olive Oil Council in Madrid, judges for this exclusive event.
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What is the COOC sticker on the neck of your bottle?
The California Olive Oil Council (COOC) provides olive oil producers and manufacturers a standards certification set by the International Olive Oil Council. The standards require that 100% California-grown olive oil be submitted for a sensory evaluation and a chemical analysis to test for fatty acids. The oil is then submitted to the IOOC certified tasting panel who decide the oil's fate by a blind taste evaluation. If the oil passes these criteria, it gets the COOC Certified Extra Virgin seal.
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How does one “taste” quality extra virgin olive oil?
Pour a small amount of oil into a glass small enough to comfortably fit into the palm of your hand (like a shot glass). Cover the top of the glass with the other hand, and gently swirl it while it warms up to its full flavor for about three minutes. Take in the aroma of the oil. Next, sip the oil while taking in air through the mouth and breathing out through the nose. Allow the oil to coat your mouth and tongue. Subtle nuances of artisan olive oil are based on its fruity or floral qualities, its pungency in the throat, and its bitterness. Like fine wine, words used to describe the characteristics of good olive oil include “grassy”, “nutty”, “spicy”, and “herbaceous”.
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How long does olive oil stay fresh?
Some say olive oil only keeps for two to three years, while others claim it will last indefinitely. We have a bottle of our olive oil from 2002 that we still enjoy. Always store it tightly capped in a cool, dark place to prolong its freshness and to protect its delicate flavor.
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Do you offer a discount for ordering a full case or more of olive oil?
Yes. Please call (707) 967-8400, or email sales@harrisranch.net for special pricing.
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How do I open the wax top on your olive oil?
Either peel away the green wax completely, or carefully break the seal with a knife at the lip of the bottle, near the visible “bubble” in the wax, leaving the wax intact. Pull out the plastic-topped cork and pour.
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Is olive oil good for you?
Extremely! The FDA and the Mayo Clinic among other reputable nutritionists encourage at least two tablespoons of olive oil daily to lower cholesterol and provide healthy antioxidants.
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What goes into your compost? Can I buy it?
It takes a full nine months to craft our quality compost. Ours is composed of cow manure, grape pumas, grape clippings, olive tree clippings, garden clippings, our household vegetable and fruit waste, and paper products (newspaper and junk mail without glassine windows). We also sell our liquid fish emulsion fertilizer, Pacific Choice Hydrolyzed Fish. Contact us at sales@harrisranch.net for details.
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Do you sell olive trees?
Yes. We grow and sell Italian Frantoio, Leccino, and Coratina olive trees. Please e-mail sales@harrisranch.net for more information.
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Are you open for tours?
We are brother and sister team and we are not able to offer public tours at this time.
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Recent Awards
Harris Ranch Napa Valley
Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
wins SILVER Medal at Los Angeles
International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition 2009,
SILVER Medal at COOC Competition 2009,

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