• Advertise
  • Donate
  • Write
  • Intern
  • Events
  • About
  • Contact

The Austinot

Discover Austin Texas! An Austin blog with hundreds of unique articles.

  • Things To Do
    • Things To Do This Weekend
    • Things To Do This Week
    • Things To Do This Weekend With Kids
  • Discoveries
    • Austinot Loves
    • Activities
    • Day Trips
    • Local Business
  • Food & Drink
    • Food
    • Drink
  • Entertainment
    • Events
    • Film
    • Music
    • Nightlife
    • Theatre
  • Culture
    • Arts
    • History
    • Museums
  • Et Cetera
    • Non-Profits
    • Podcast
    • Archives

Texas Hill Country Olive Company Is Inviting Day Trip Destination

June 4, 2013 by Eric Highland 12 Comments

Texas Hill Country Olive Company

Texas Hill Country Olive Company in Dripping Springs, TX

The end of 2008 found John Gambini sitting in a doctor’s office, reading an article in Texas Co-op Power Magazine about the fledgling olive oil industry in Texas. John loved the romance of the Texas Hill Country and had already decided that he wanted to plant firm roots in the area (pun intended).

But more than putting a stake in the ground, John wanted to do some pioneering, accomplishing something that would stand out from other Hill Country offerings. After reading the article, he realized that he could be one of the early pioneers in the olive oil industry in Texas.

So John set out with a dream: to create a destination-class olive oil business here in Texas.

And that’s exactly what he did.

Texas Hill Country Olive Company

Entrance to Texas Hill Country Olive Company

Texas Hill Country Olive Company: Destination-Class Experience

Texas Hill Country Olive Company Store

A small portion of the store at Texas Hill Country Olive Company

Little more than four years after reading the article in the doctor’s office that day, John Gambini’s Texas Hill Country Olive Company has become a destination in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.

Partnering with his brother-in-law Rick Mensik, John started the company in 2009. Today, the company has 17 acres, 16 orchards, 2,000 olive trees, and a gorgeous 6,000 square foot hospitality center.

The only certified organic olive tree orchards in Texas are plainly visible to the right of the parking lot as you enter the building. It’s not uncommon to see tour buses and limousines line up outside the entrance, and there’s a good reason for that.

Within the building, you’ll find much more than you expected.

Texas Hill Country Olive Company seems to have it all. Live music, fantastic food on a bistro style menu, wine tasting, a store featuring products made with their olive oil, and sampling after sampling of some of the most delectable balsamic vinegar and olive oil you’ve ever had.

Live Music at Texas Hill Country Olive Company

Live acoustic music on the weekend

Not to mention that they also host cooking classes, ladies night, and even karaoke. Their private dining and party room seats about 30 inside, but they have seating for over 150 outside as well.

Outdoor Event Venue in Dripping Springs

Shaded outdoor seating area accommodates more than 150 people

If all that isn’t enough, John and company are starting their own winery. They have a white wine coming out soon and have already produced a Chianti that they’ve trademarked “Texiante.” There’s no doubt in my mind that this place will continue to become one of the premiere destinations in the Hill Country.

Wine Tasting at Texas Hill Country Olive Company

Wine tasting area

“We’re in a phase of growth; we’ve almost outgrown this space,” says Cara Gambini, John’s daughter. Cara is responsible for business development at Texas Hill Country Olive Company.

The rapid growth isn’t difficult to explain. Everything we tried was outstanding. Just when we thought the next sample couldn’t be any better than the last, we were astounded.

Our Day at Texas Hill Country Olive Company

To be completely honest, I didn’t know what to expect. I had planned on a 45 minute visit, including a tour and interview. Then I planned to call it an early day and head out to The Salt Lick for a late lunch with Brittany. I was really craving The Salt Lick and it was a pretty firm plan in my mind.

My plans changed when we got to Texas Hill Country Olive Company. Don’t get me wrong, I love the The Salt Lick and am a die-hard fan of their brisket. But the truth is that I had no idea how much of a destination-type location Texas Hill Country Olive Company really is.

Balsamic Vinegar Texas Hill Country Olive Company

Balsamic vinegar selection at Texas Hill Country Olive Company

We sampled balsamic vinegar in every flavor imaginable: wild cherry, blackberry, strawberry, peach, pear, and even took home a bottle of the satsuma mandarin balsamic vinegar. We also tried various olive oils, which were the most rich and flavorful I’ve ever had.

Olive Oil Texas Hill Country Olive Company

Texas Hill Country Olive Company’s olive oils

Then there was artisan pizza, gelato made with olive oil and drizzled with the mandarin balsamic vinegar (sounds strange, I know, but try it!), wine, warm kettle chips with vinegar, and a cheese plate that was out of this world.

Olive Oil Gelato made by Teo in Austin

Olive oil gelato made by Teo, drizzled with balsamic vinegar

Kettle Chips Balsamic Vinegar Texas Hill Country Olive Company

Kettle chips with balsamic vinegar

Gambini Texiante Wine with Cheese Plate

Delicious cheese plate with Gambini’s Texiante wine

After we gorged on the the incredible food, we were able to take a tour of the orchards with John and Cara. John explained far more about olive trees than my mind could take in. He knows his stuff.

Baby Olives in Orchard

Baby olives in the growth stage

One of the things John said, however, really stood out, “The olive tree is civilization’s tree. This is a tree that the whole world should wrap its arms around. They are some of the most resilient trees, and the oldest one found was over 6,000 years old.”

Olive orchards in Dripping Springs, TX

Olive orchard at Texas Hill Country Olive Company

After our tour of the orchards, we got a sneak peak into the processing area, where the creative magic of Texas Hill Country Olive Company takes place.

There you will find a $150,000 olive mill designed by John’s mentor in the industry, a master miller with 40 years of experience producing olive oil. It’s the first press that keeps the oil in a vacuum. This is critical because the chief enemies of olive oil are oxygen, heat and light. This technology mitigates those threats.

How to make olive oil

John Gambini explains the olive oil-making process to us

The whole process of making olive oil of this quality is quite complex, but these folks at Texas Hill Country Olive Company have it down to a science.

With celebrity chefs like Kent Rathbun, the first winner of Iron Chef, using their olive oils and vinegars at Jasper’s, you know this is great stuff. We were also told that Halcyon’s new San Antonio location is also using their olive oil as well.

Nearly four hours after our tour began, our minds were blown, our stomachs were full, and our palettes were spoiled. Brittany and I had been taken in by this place and the passion we saw in John and Cara Gambini, and the entire staff at Texas Hill Country Olive Company.

Where Can I Find Texas Hill Country Olive Company’s Products?

Their location in Dripping Springs, 2530 W. Fitzhugh Road, is ultimately where you want to go. But if you can’t make it out there and you want to taste what we’ve been talking about, you can find their products at the following locations:

  • Mueller Farmers’ Market
  • Funkytonk Farmers’ Market on W. Anderson
  • Central Market
  • Faraday’s Kitchen Store at the Galleria
  • Cedar Park Farmers’ Market
  • Monument Market in Georgetown
  • Waco Farmers’ Market
  • Dallas Farmers’ Market

 

@EricHighland asks:

What is YOUR favorite destination in the Texas Hill Country? Let me know by commenting below, so I can check it out!

Filed Under: Day Trips, Discoveries, Drink, Food, Food & Drink Tagged With: dripping springs, wine

Best of The Austinot

We always have unique content on The Austinot and we love to give things away. You know, like concert tickets, gift cards, and other cool stuff. We only send out our “Best of the Austinot” newsletter twice a month. It’s where we give you a recap of our best articles and give stuff away. Interested? Subscribe to Best of The Austinot here!

Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest
guest
12 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Cara Gambini
Cara Gambini
10 years ago

Thanks Eric and Brit! I’m glad you had a good time out at the Orchard. That has been one of the most motivating things since I started the family business. It always puts a smile on my face to know someone has had a good time at our place or enjoys our products. Cheers!

0
Reply
Brittany Highland
Brittany Highland
10 years ago
Reply to  Cara Gambini

We’ve been sharing our experience with everyone, @caragambini:disqus! Really did have a wonderful time. 🙂

0
Reply
music guy
music guy
10 years ago

Fantastic destination! I have been there and the trees and the Millhouse are beautiful.

0
Reply
Sherah Singer-Songwriter
Sherah Singer-Songwriter
10 years ago

Thanks for the article! I’m from CA and still getting to know the Austin area and all it has to offer. I’m definitely gonna scoop up my honey-bun and some friends and make a day trip out of this! Sweet!

0
Reply
Wesley Sutton
Wesley Sutton
10 years ago

We made it to the Texas Hill Country Olive Company. Wow, what an impressive place. We met Susan and Merle, both really nice people, the kind you feel comfortable around the first time you meet them.

Susan went over the oils and vinegars, telling us her favorite combinations (she was spot on with what combined best). Then she and my wife discussed the spa products and wines. Afterward my wife got a glass of the estate red and we went out on the terrace where Merle explained the orchard and types of trees they grew. He showed us two varieties of trees that they sell and explained how to care for them.

After learning all about olive trees and spending some time with Oliver, their cat, we went inside and loaded up on oils, wine and spa products. All in all a very enjoyable and worthwhile trip.

We are now sitting in the Salt Lick (someplace else mentioned in Eric’s article) enjoying a Thurman’s Plate!

From me and my wife, thanks for a wonderful day outing. I know I can always trust y’all to send us on the right track!

0
Reply
Brittany Highland
Brittany Highland
10 years ago
Reply to  Wesley Sutton

All fabulous! You’re making me want to go back. 🙂

0
Reply
Sandra Day
Sandra Day
10 years ago

As someone from Texas living in France for 10 years now, I have to add my two-cents. Olive oil is a fine old product. But why do we Americans feel the need to “infuse” the majority of our food with different flavors (garlic, etc)? I have traveled around Greece (Santorini and Crete) and Southern France and tasted a vast range of infuse-less olive oils. In their pure and natural forms, they can vary quite greatly. I am excited that this venture is taking off in Texas, I suppose the Texas climate could be good for these trees. But, the prices are also way too high. I can get a good quality whole liter of French olive oil for 20 euros (and I find that expensive compared with some excellent Cretian oils). The art of French cooking is to savor the subtle flavors that the earth provides, by taking a natural ingredient and delicately preserving and enjoying it with creativity.

0
Reply
chris
chris
10 years ago

You should also check out Bella Vista Ranch in Wimberley, another local olive grower: http://www.texasoliveoil.com/

0
Reply
Brittany Highland
Brittany Highland
10 years ago
Reply to  chris

Thanks for the tip, @b36d2b2c0039512ef189723f2a834295:disqus! Do you know whether Bella Vista’s orchards are organic?

0
Reply
janet jocson
janet jocson
9 years ago

Great to know that this place also have cooking lessons and even karaoke. I love to do both, I like to sing while I’m cooking but I only use my new phone app called Karaoke scheduler which I think will also be great when I have the chance to visit this great place soon.

0
Reply
Steve Greenfield
Steve Greenfield
7 years ago

Hi I know It’s not relevant question BUT anyone can say how is the taxicab service of DFW Taxi Express, 411 Poplar Ln Irving 75063 Texas, +1 469-644-1832 which is near my location.

0
Reply

Connect with Us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Things to do

Things to do in Austin this week of October 2

10 Fun Things to do in Austin this week of October 2 include Broadway Austin presents Six, House of Burton: Austin, and more

Our top choices for things to do in Austin this Week of October 2, 2023, include Broadway Austin presents Six, House of Burton: Austin, Maisie Peters in Concert, and more! Austin is now among the fastest-growing metroplexes in the US! Keeping up with the growth, luckily, there’s plenty going on in Austin all days of the week. […]

10 Things to do in Austin with kids this weekend of September 29, 2023 include Texas Pumpkin Fest 2023, Touch-a-Truck 2023, and more!

If there’s one thing about this city, it’s that there is always something going on. So, if you’re looking for fun things to do in Austin with kids this weekend of September 29, 2023, there’s plenty of fun to be had, including Texas Pumpkin Fest 2023, Touch-a-Truck 2023, Boulderfest 2023, American Indian Heritage Day 2023, and more! Editor’s […]

10 Fun Things to do in Austin this weekend of September 29, 2023 include Bat City Scaregrounds, St. Elias Mediterranean Festival, and More!

10 Fun Things to do in Austin this weekend of September 29, 2023 include Bat City Scaregrounds, St. Elias Mediterranean Festival, and More!

There are plenty of fun things to do in Austin this Weekend of September 29 which include Bat City Scaregrounds, St. Elias Mediterranean Festival, NAMIWalks Central Texas, Oktoberfest at Banger’s, and more! Whether you’re planning a date or having fun with friends, these events and things to do in Austin this weekend may be right for you. […]

Austin Labor Day Weekend 2023 Events - Top 10 Things to Do

Austin Labor Day Weekend 2023 Events – Top 10 Things to Do Include Fish Fry by ACLC, Cornhole Tournament at Frontyard Brewing, Live Music, Parties & More!

The much-awaited Labor Day 2023 is right around the corner! And as we all know, everybody wants to make the most of this special day and enjoy the last bits of summer. Labor Day pays tribute to the social and economic achievements of American workers. In addition to that, it also symbolizes the end of […]

Caverns in Texas - 12 Best Austin Caves & Cave Tours Near You

Caverns in Texas – 12 Best Austin Caves & Cave Tours Near You

Looking for caverns in Texas? Want to explore the best caves in Texas? Luckily, there’s a great mix of both in Austin! Before we dive into the different bat caves in Texas or caverns Texas has to offer, what’s the difference between the two? Well, while used interchangeably, a cave is a naturally occurring cavity […]

Recent Posts

  • 10 Fun Things to do in Austin this week of October 2 include Broadway Austin presents Six, House of Burton: Austin, and more
  • 10 Things to do in Austin with kids this weekend of September 29, 2023 include Texas Pumpkin Fest 2023, Touch-a-Truck 2023, and more!
  • 10 Fun Things to do in Austin this weekend of September 29, 2023 include Bat City Scaregrounds, St. Elias Mediterranean Festival, and More!
  • Rooftop Bar Austin – 20 Best Bars, Dinner Spots, High Rise Restaurants Near You
  • Austin Labor Day Weekend 2023 Events – Top 10 Things to Do Include Fish Fry by ACLC, Cornhole Tournament at Frontyard Brewing, Live Music, Parties & More!

Welcome to The Austinot

We are all about Austin: the vibe, the people and the uniqueness of the city. We love to explore. Get to know us! We’ll respond if you comment. Heck, we’ll probably invite you to come and hang out with us!

Follow along to help support and learn more about local businesses, artists, and events.

-The Austinot Team

Privacy Policy

Trending Posts

  • 8 Laid-back Waterfront Restaurants in Austin (Besides The Oasis)
  • Guide to Austin’s Dirty Sixth Street
  • Austin’s Speakeasy Secrets (Shhh): Floppy Disk Repair Co.
  • 10 Fun Things to do in Austin this weekend of September 29, 2023 include Bat City Scaregrounds, St. Elias Mediterranean Festival, and More!
  • Birthday Freebies Austin 2023 – List of Over 45 Best Restaurants, Food Places, & Stores with Birthday Month Deals Near You

Copyright © 2023 · Log in

wpDiscuz
x
x