I'm Don Della Nina, and although my cultural roots are from Italy, I was brought up in Stockton, CA located in the San Joaquin Valley where my Italian American family came and is still involved in the agriculture community as ranchers, farmers, and crop dusting (aerial &/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.
After many discussions and being disappointed in living in the suburbs, we decided to go back to the "Earth" and decided to purchase acreage to farm in "Historical Byron, CA. From the start, we 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 recommened to plant alfalfa to replenish the nuriments 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 could tolerate the high boron concentration that was present in our soil. Olives were also selected because they are drought tolerant - once established.
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 & money.
Selecting an olive tree supplier that is familiar with the various olive varietals (over 1,000) and who will assist you regarding your planting concerns and questions play an important part in your decision making. Our supplier, Bruce Golino, owner/grower/proprietor of the Santa Cruz Olive Tree Nursery specializes in Mediterranean varietals. We placed our order for olive trees a year before they were delivered. Then the trees were planted according to a plot plan, which had been previously surveyed with markers.
THE BIG DAY arrives and on September 26, 2003 our precious friend and Priest, Fr. Joseph, came out to the ranch/field to not only bless the trees, but family, friends, guests and field workers. My Mom - Genevieve Della Nina & her sister (my aunt) Angeline Pizzi helped in coming up with an Italian name for our company.
I was referred to Nick Sciabica & Sons in Modesto, CA to consider pressing our olives. About mid-October 2005, the olives were ready for hand picking and within 24 hours after harvest, our first crop/first/cold pressed was off to the Sciabicas. After pressing, samples were taken to an certified analytical lab to be tested for its acidity and other properties, free of defects, etc., which is required by the COOC in order for us to be certified as "100%" estate extra virgin olive oil.
From our first harvest in 2005 up to this last year's harvest - November 2008, we have increased our yield of extra virgin olive oil and look forward to continue providing bigger and better yields for our customers, family and friends.
Please make a note that we also offer in-house private tastings at our home at no charge or if you prefer, we can accommodate you and your prospective family/friends/customers at your home/store/office or at a special event. Just give us a call in advance for an appointiment that would be accommodating for us all.