San Benito Olive Festival
It’s time for the first annual San Benito Olive Festival, Saturday Oct. 19 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The event takes place at the historic Paicines Ranch about 12 miles south of Hollister. Attendees can enjoy olive oils, wines, chocolates, dried fruits, teas, and more. General admission tickets are $20, or $10 for kids 5-12 (kids under 5 are free). Those 21 and over can purchase VIP tickets for $30 which include wine. Get more information and buy tickets online.
The inaugural festival features award-winning olive oils and wines from vendors such as Paraiso Vineyards, Scheid Vineyards, Oils of Paicines, Brigantino Olive Oil, Pietra Santa Winery, Calera Wine, Casa de Fruta and Guglielmo Winery. Visitors can enjoy a variety of foods and beverages from companies including Running Rooster, San Juan Oaks Dining, Paine’s Restaurant, Marich Premium Chocolates, and San Benito Tea Company.
There will be celebrity chef demos from Dorothy McNett (head chef and instructor of the Cooking Club in Pacific Grove, Maurizio Cutrignelli (owner/chef at Morgan Hill’s Maurizio’s), Matt Woolston (owner/chef at the Supper Club and Matteo’s Pizza & Bistro in the Sacramento area), and SakaBozzo (team of Gene Sakahara and Sam Bozzo, always present at the Gilroy Garlic Festival). Don Landis, also known as “The Olive Guy,” will be demonstrating three methods to de-bitter olives.
Mr. O’s Jazz Band, the Workhouse Poets and other bands are performing a mix of jazz, soul, country and other styles of music throughout the day. Plus, local art and cultural exhibits will be on display from the San Benito County Arts Council and the San Benito County Historical Society.
Location:
Paicines Ranch, 13388 Airline Hwy, Paicines
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