Durant Olive Mill — Attraction in Newberg

I visited here during the November 2016 Olio Nuovo Festival and was not disappointed. After sampling several flavors of oil (with bread cubes), vinegar and tea and browsing the gift shop, which was filled with cookbooks and culinary related novelties, my mother, a friend, and I went over to watch the mill in operation and hear the owner explain the oil-making process. He related the history of olive oil in general and this orchard in particular while we sampled oil fresh from the press.

Although it was difficult to hear over the sound of the mill, we did learn that the strong peppery taste of the oil is due to its high concentration of polyphenols, powerful anti-oxidants with anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce stroke risk and heart disease. (I went back for seconds.) We also learned that the mauve colored pulp that we could see piling up in bins at the other end of the machine would be recycled as fertilizer for the orchard.

In the large tasting room (which is also available for wedding receptions) directly above the mill, we were offered tomato mozzarella bruschetta drizzled with olive oil mixed with seasonings, a sampling of white wine from Durant Vineyards, and of course, more fresh-pressed olive oil varieties to taste. We were glad we'd begun the tour earlier in the morning because by noon, the place was getting crowded.

Across the parking area, at the Durant Vineyard tasting room, a white marquee tent held additional tasting booths. Local artisans offered chocolate truffles, coffee, and wine samples, which we enjoyed while taking in the expansive view of the Willamette Valley. Strains of live accordion music filled the air, lending an Italian ambience to the event.

While the Oregon Olive Mill and Durant Vineyards are open year round, with oil tasting available in the gift shop, it is definitely worth a visit during the Olio...

I’ve never been a huge fan of dipping my bread in olive oil and balsamic vinegar until I tasted and got hooked on Durant Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive oil and their Apero Balsamic Vinegar during the pandemic when my husband received a sample pack in a gift basket from work. Their dipping oil is soooo good that I purposely make focaccia just for the excuse to use it. When I ran out of it I’m sure I could have found it locally in Portland or ordered some, but choose to make it a mid-week day trip with my neighbor Kate down to their lovely Red Ridge Farm to get it at their gift shop. What a beautiful location, especially on an nice crisp fall day. We enjoyed perusing the gift shop and garden shop. Along with picking up a bottle each of oil and balsamic vinegar I found a sweet garden monk that was exactly what I was look to add to my zen garden. There’s plenty of tables and chairs if you would like to buy a few nibbles and have lunch (and I’m sure they wouldn’t mind it you brought your own picnic). Visit the lavender gardens, olive groves and beautiful grounds and finish up at the tasting room. Did I mention they make wine as well...

Schedule an appointment and take the tour! Jeff was our tour guide who walked us thru the process of quality oil pressing. This unique opportunity to be educated about the process, the history, passion behind the quality. The love for Miss Penny has created a wonderful opportunity for us. They even offer overnight stays. After learning about the types of trees, we even purchased a pair to grow at home. Salts, seasonings, candles, vinegar, oils, plants, olive wood spoons and boards are available in the gift shop. There are Wine Club options that include pantry as well. We look forward to going back to this...