Pasolivo olive oil company sees steady growth
The tasting room at Pasolivo.
It’s been a year since Brian Dirk, President of Pasolivo, introduced his team and presented his plans for the award-winning olive oil company and ranch. Thanks to the response from locals and visitors alike, Pasolivo has witnessed a steady climb of success.
Cheryl Wieczorek oversees operations as General Manager. Wieczorek’s background includes her thirteen year history as part of the JUSTIN winery management team. Her expertise in sales, marketing and production brings the assurance of continued quality and growth in Pasolivo’s future. Cheryl and her husband David have a love of the land; their quality fruit from their grape growing business supplied prominent winemakers in the Paso Robles region for several years.
Acquisition of historic property
The Dirk family acquired the ranch in October 2012 after an extensive search. “From the first visit when we toured the tasting room and ranch, we found Pasolivo to be completely magical,” said Dirk. “Every detail embraced us, from the hospitality and warmth of the staff to the serenity of the landscape and the spectacular show of wild turkeys, deer and abundant wildlife populating the ranch. From that moment, a clear vision of what we wanted to do there emerged and we knew that we wanted to preserve the quality of this treasure and build on the simple pleasures of country living that Paso Robles offers.”
Willow Creek Ranch, the historic name for the Pasolivo property, was originally owned by King Vidor, the legendary film director and producer of War and Peace, Northwest Passage, Stella Dallas, and The Champ. The ranch is located in the historic Adelaida region on the west side of Paso Robles.
Enhancing visitor experience
Dirk’s goal of enhancing the essential Paso Robles visitor experience with an authentic, quality environment and the tranquility of a public retreat is ongoing. The Tasting Room has been updated with a fresh coat of paint, new furniture and artwork. During the first phase of renovation, targeted for completion by the end of 2014, it will be redesigned with a welcoming entrance and a view of the olive orchard inviting visitors to learn about the qualities of true extra virgin olive oil, its wellness properties and the specialization of Paso Robles production. A green design principle will be used, utilizing reclaimed woods, solar integration and repurposed materials.
Plans for updating the Barn and an overhaul of the surrounding landscape, designed to convey reminiscences of a classic early California Ranch motif, are underway. When the Barn renovation is complete – the impression of the original structure will be preserved – it will be updated with fresh contemporary elements and will be used for gatherings, educational presentations, musical performances and exhibits.
As stewards of the property, Pasolivo continues to be responsible partners in the Paso Robles community, setting an example for preservation, embracement of local history and unity. Beginning with the landscape architecture, foreign vegetation will be removed and the reinstatement of indigenous plant life and flora, including scented plantings of rosemary, sage and lavender, will take place. Country gates, stacked stone walls and iron are part of the design; walking trails for open access will enable visitors to enjoy the ranch landscape and scenic vistas for recreation and meditation. Comprehensive planting of olive groves are planned to enrich olive production.
Award-winning olive oils
Pasolivo olive oils are made from olive trees grown organically and sustainably on its 140 acre orchard in Paso Robles. The ranch produces premium extra virgin olive oils from its 11 varietals that are hand-picked, milled and master-blended on the property.
Pasolivo has been awarded every major award in the U.S. olive oil industry, including Double Best in Shows at the Los Angeles International Olive Oil Competition and the San Diego Wine and Food Competition, and a ranking as a Top 10 Oil in the World by Der Feinschmeker, who hosts one of the world’s largest international olive oil tastings. It has been featured nationally in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Bon Appetit, Food and Wine, Saveur, USA Today, the Wall Street Journal and Newsweek.
Related: Paso Robles olive oil tasting tours
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