I'm Don Della Nina, although my cultural roots are from Italy, I was brought up in Stockton located in the San Joaquin Valley where my Italian American family became and is still involved in the agriculture community as ranchers, farmers, and crop dusting (aerial and/or ground services). Years later and prior to retirement, I decided to move to Contra Costa County and eventually East Contra Costa County, which was mostly agriculture at that time – 1984 – where my wife, Gail, and I live to this day.

We purchased acreage to farm in Historical Byron, California. From the start, I wanted to farm this acreage right. After having the soil tested for what would be the best to grow/farm and with the guidance from family, and our local farm advisor, it was recommended to plant alfalfa to replenish the nutriments to the ground as it contained a high content of boron (salt).

For the first five (5) years, our crop was alfalfa, but we knew we wanted something more permanent. After some research, I decided on olives because they are a hardy crop that should tolerate the high boron concentration that is present in our soil. Olives were also selected because they are drought tolerant – once established.  AND, oh what they can produce for you.

It was obvious that I needed to consider some type of an irrigation system for the olives, and that flood irrigating that was used for the alfalfa was not the answer. So my search for a reputable and specialized company in irrigation systems began. After evaluating several companies, I chose Lodi Irrigation in the San Joaquin Valley. Their focus is to streamline your irrigation system which will give you the most efficient, easy-to-understand operation possible, while giving dependable quality service and equipment. They provided a total quality solution for my needs. If you are able to utilize their services, it will be well worth your time, effort and money to consider them.

Selecting an olive tree supplier that is familiar with the various olive varietals (of which there are well over hundreds of varietals for both olive oil and table olives) and who will assist you regarding your planting concerns and questions play an important part in your decision making. Our supplier, Bruce Golino, owner/proprietor of the Santa Cruz Olive Tree Nursery specializes in Mediterranean Varietals. I placed my order for the olive trees about a year before they were ready for delivery. The trees were planted according to a plot plan, which was surveyed with markers where the trees would be planted as well as labeling each furrow with its appropriate varietal.

THE BIG DAY arrives and on September 26, 2003, we had Fr. Joseph, our Parish Priest and long time friend, come out to the field to not only bless the trees, but family, friends, guests and field workers. My Mom - Genevieve Della Nina and her sister, my Aunt Angeline Pizzi helped in coming up with an Italian name for our company. Hence, Olio Bello d’Olivo was created and means “Beautiful Oil from the Olive”.

I was referred to Nick Sciabica & Sons in Modesto, CA. to consider pressing our olives when harvesting time came. About mid-October 2004, the olives were ready for hand picking. Within 24 hours after harvesting, our first crop was off to Nick Sciabica & Sons and the olives were pressed the following day. After the harvest has been pressed, we take our olive oil samples – both unfiltered and filtered – to be analytically tested for it’s acidity level, free of defects, etc. which is a requirement by the California Olive Oil Council (COOC) to be certified as “100% extra virgin”.   
From our first harvest in 2004 up to this year’s harvest – November 2007, we have increased our yield of 100% “estate” extra virgin olive oil and look forward to continue providing bigger and better yields for you our customers, family and friends.  For our customers, friends and families to be assured of purchasing and enjoying a high-end quality “100% extra virgin olive oil”, we became supporting members of the California Olive Oil Council (COOC) in 2004 and continue to be supporting members to this day. 
Please note that we offer in-house private tastings at our home OR if you prefer, we can accommodate you and your prospective family/friends or customers at your home, store or at a special event.  This offer is free of charge.  Give us a call for an appointment that would be accommodating for us all. 
If we can answer any further questions or if you need further product, appointment availability or what Farmer Markets we are participating at, don’t hesitate to contact us at 925-634-5051.

Olive to Taste!