Originally planted in 1888 by a doctor, looking for a fresh supply of olive products for his practice, the historic Bella Rocca Orchard was commercially managed by Louis Sammis from the 1920s until 1970. In 1971, Louis passed away at age 90 and the orchard began a long rest period. In 2009 a local family, Ken and Leanne Evoniuk’s purchased the 50 acre Rocca Bella Historic site and gave the heirloom trees some extra tender loving care. Evoniuk and their local Rocca Bella team provide each olive tree the right amount of pruning and care with special care given to their heirloom sections of the grove, which require less maintenance than mechanically harvested olives orchards.
Heritage Olive OrchardToday, the orchard is vibrant and the Mission, Manzanillo and Sevillano olives are delivering exceptionally rich flavors. The olives are hand harvested and crushed locally. You can find Rocca Bella Olive Oil on site in their tasting room, as well as at select locations and farmers markets throughout Calaveras County.
Bella Rocca Olive Oil Christmas Basket I Courtesy of Bella Rocca Olive OrchardBella Rocca Olive Oil – Tasting Room
Interested in visiting the Bella Rocca Olive Oil tasting room? With a week’s notice you can schedule a private tasting for your group by calling ahead, or visit without a reservation during their regular hours, Friday and Saturday 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Featuring their locally grown and harvested olive oil as well as Italian balsamic vinaigrette and other locally made goods, Bella Rocca Olive Oil Tasting Room is a wealth of passion and knowledge on the olive oil industry. But be warned, you may just fall in love.
