Queen Creek Olive Mill, Arizona’s only extra virgin olive oil producer, was showcased at the 2024 New York International Olive Oil Competition (NYIOOC).
The regional olive oil business took home a Silver Award for its Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The NYIOOC is the world’s most prestigious olive oil quality contest so it’s a pretty big deal!
The NYIOOC receives entries from top producers worldwide.
For the Queen Creek Olive Mill, this marks the third time the world competition has recognized its premium extra virgin olive oil. The agritourism destination previously won the Gold Award in 2017 and the Silver Award in 2019 for its Balanced Extra Virgin Olive Oil, solidifying its reputation as a leading player in the olive oil industry.
“We are so incredibly proud to have produced one of the world’s best olive oils recognized in the New York International Olive Oil Competition,” said John Rea, President of the Queen Creek Olive Mill. “Our Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil is made solely from our olives grown on our farm in Queen Creek and this year we had a wonderful harvest.”
The award-winning Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil is made of a selection of Arbosana and Koroneiki olives harvested at the Queen Creek Olive Mill during the optimal period of the 2023 season. The local olive farm produced on average three tons per acre for a total of 2,547 liters of olive oil. The Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which is in its second year of production, was crafted to have a well-balanced flavor, revealing notes of tomato leaf and green almond with a subtle undertone of fresh-cut grass, followed by a light, peppery finish.
“We are looking forward to another great harvest and milling season to come this year,” said Rea.
Olive Oil 101
For those eager to explore the art and science behind extra virgin olive oil, the Olive Oil 101 Class is a must.
This 45-minute class unveils Queen Creek’s secrets of olive oil production, from the delicate harvesting of olives to the precise crafting of this liquid gold. If you’re lucky enough to have Wolfgang as your guide, you’ll wish the tour was longer.
Ask him about his secret for long and good health.
Check out Addie Ibarra’s October 2023 article “Olive the Good Stuff.”
Dining Experiences
The Queen Creek Olive Mill Estate is more than a place to visit — it’s a foodie destination in and of itself. With three onsite dining options, you’ll have no problem finding something for everyone.
For when it’s too hot to be outside, and even when it’s not, the Del Piero Kitchen, Marketplace Cafe is like having all of your favorite Italian menu items together in one place. While you wait for your meal, stroll through and peruse through Del Piero Deli’s Italian Grocery and stock up on pasta, olive oils, of course, hand-crafted goods, and more. For dessert, they’ve even got a coffee shop, for all your digestive needs. At Queen Creek Olive Mill, the feel of Italy is at your doorstep.
Queen Creek Olive Mill is located at 25062 S. Meridian Rd., Queen Creek, Arizona. For more information, call (480) 888-9290 or visit queekcreekolivemill.com.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
