Texas Hill Country Olive Co. — Attraction in Dripping Springs

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing the private tour at the Texas Hill Country Olive Company, and it was an absolute revelation. From start to finish, this tour was an immersive journey into the world of olive oil production and appreciation that left me utterly impressed.

The tour began with a warm welcome from our knowledgeable guide, who expertly led us through the entire process of bottling their exquisite olive oil. It was fascinating to witness the meticulous care and dedication that goes into every bottle, from the grove to the final product. I gained a newfound appreciation for the art and science of olive oil production.

But what truly set this tour apart was the exceptional educational component. Our guide delved deep into the history, cultivation, and health benefits of olive oil. I left with a wealth of knowledge, feeling like an olive oil connoisseur.

The tastings were a highlight, allowing us to savor a range of their exceptional olive oils, each with its unique flavor profile. Paired with their personal label wines, the experience was simply divine. It was a sensory journey that left my taste buds dancing with delight.

The extensive line of items in their store was a delightful surprise. From gourmet olive oils and balsamic vinegars to artisanal products and beautifully crafted olive wood utensils, there was something for every palate and preference. The opportunity to purchase these treasures made it the perfect outing for any food enthusiast.

The private tour at the Texas Hill Country Olive Company is an absolute gem. It seamlessly blends education, culinary delight, and retail therapy in a beautiful setting. Whether you're a foodie, a wine lover, or simply curious about olive oil, this experience is a must. I left with a deep appreciation for olive oil, a full shopping bag, and a heart full of gratitude for this unforgettable journey into the world...

This is actually a composite score.  The cafe experience was a 3, but the tour of the olive oil operation and taste testing was a solid 5.

Cafe: Showed up around 1:00 on a Friday. It was an "order at the counter and we'll bring it to you" type setup. We scanned the counter menu and ordered without looking too closely. Got the egg salad sandwich, olives & oil, antipasto salad, vegetable flatbread, and 2 cans of water.  The wait wasn’t overly long.  The sandwich was reportedly excellent, but the antipasto salad and the vegetable flatbread were a bit of a disappointment. Post delivery service was also subpar as we needed assistance but couldn’t get anyones attention. Not sure what the problem was.  The other issue was the pricing for the amount/quality of the food served (as well as $3.50/can for what was described as rainwater).

Tour:  There was a free tour of the olive oil production, which is currently on hiatus due to the olive plants being killed over 2 really cold winters (they have other plantings in S. Texas and California). Did get a detailed explanation of the extra virgin olive oil definition, what to buy and what to avoid, health benefits (and typical consumption levels in the US and Italy), care and handling of oil and a tasting at the end of the various oils and some vinegars.  I found this to be one of the better tours I’ve had of late and rated a very solid 5 stars.  Would definitely recommend this to people touring the Dripping...

In planning for our day trip, I thought about checking out an olive orchard. Years ago, I had read about Sandy Oaks olive orchard but never quite made it out to visit. On my search online, I found Texas Hill Country Olive Company in Dripping Springs. The timing might not have been the best since the arctic freeze affected the olive trees. We did see both mission and arbequina a year and a half old olive trees. Under the shade of the oak tree and a breeze, we sat to listen to Cara (one of the owners) share the history of how their family business started. With a brief visit with the resident chickens we headed indoors for the abridged version of the mill tour. Finally understood how extra virgin olive oil is made and not to ever buy light olive oil!

After the olive orchard and mill tour, we joined the tasting tour ($10). There were so many varieties of olive oil and balsamic vinegar and flavor profiles similar to wine tasting. I loved getting to combine the balsamic vinegar with the olive oil and tasting with the bread and apple.

It was fun shopping at the store. Goodness with making choices though! I knew I definitely wanted their olive-based products.

Next time we'll have to stay and...