All About River Ranch Oregon Olive Oil

River Ranch olive grove photo credit Cori Solomon

Olive oil production in Oregon is a niche industry, especially in the region where coastal breezes have a prominent influence. River Ranch Oregon Olive Oil is one of a few producers in Oregon and one of the only ones in Southern Oregon. The climate in Oregon makes it more challenging to cultivate olives. Still, in the Umpqua Valley along the banks of the Upper Umpqua River, cold-tolerant varieties like arbequina and arbosana do exceptionally well.

Oregon Olive Oil?

Olive trees at River Ranch Oregon Olive Oil photo credit Andrew Harris

You might be surprised to learn that there are approximately 50 oil growers throughout Oregon. They believe in the future of growing olives in the state and feel it should be the newest Oregon Agricultural industry because of the tree’s potential to thrive in conditions brought on by climate change. Most of these growers are in the Willamette Valley.

Today, the Olea Project, a Sustainable Agricultural Research and Education (SARE) program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is conducting research to determine whether olives are a viable alternative crop for Oregon. The project is a collaboration between Oregon State University (OSU) Extension’s Mid-Valley Small Farms Program and local olive growers.

The objectives include:

1. Determining effective olive propagation techniques for Oregon.

2.  Evaluating the cold hardiness of olive cultivars through a six-year field evaluation.

3. Assessing the transplanting and up-potting practices for their ability to achieve rapid orchard establishment. 

The project evaluates how plant size and maturity impact subsequent cold-hardiness, including plant location, time of year of planting, and irrigation and dry-farming practices.

River Ranch Background

Mo Otis purchased the Douglas County property in 2010, intending to grow olives. At the time, he planted 7000 olive trees. Otis’ great-great-grandfather was an olive grower in Greece.

Today, James Otis owns the 230-acre property, of which 10.4 acres are planted with approximately 5000 olive trees.

Located in Glide, Oregon, and nestled along the Upper Umpqua River and the foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range, Douglas fir, pine, and cedar seedlings and mature fir and red madrone trees surround the River Ranch property. The unexpected beauty of the area inspires as one does not expect to see olive groves snuggled between the evergreen.

River Ranch Farming

River Ranch Oregon Olive Oil groves photo credit Cori Solomon

River Ranch’s farming practices benefit the area’s cooler climate. The grove’s location in a pocket simulates a Mediterranean-like microclimate. At the same time, prudent watering during the growing season increases the fruit's polyphenol levels.

The grove’s proximity to the North Umpqua River and the gentle breezes constantly flowing through the valley produce excellent olive oil. Harvesting is done by hand when the taste and polyphenol levels are ideal. Harvesting early often produces less olive oil, but the superior quality of ultra-premium extra virgin olive oil surpasses the oil volume.

The River Ranch Oregon Olive Oil Products

River Ranch Oregon Olive Oil products photo credit Cori Solomon

River Ranch is considered the largest olive oil producer in Oregon. All oils and products sold at River Ranch come from estate olives. The products include Premium extra-virgin olive oils pressed, Flavor Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oils, Olive Leaf Tea Leaves, and Olive Oil Sugar Scrub.

A favorite is the Fresh Tarragon Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Tastings and Tours

Olive Oil Tasting photo credit Andrew Harris

River Ranch offers complimentary tours and tastings, but you must call for an appointment.

Our tasting, led by Elaine Smith, focused on the best way to sample olive oil. Like wine, it begins with a swirl. To do this, you cup the glass in your hand to warm the oil, cover the top with your other hand, and swirl gently simultaneously—this process of warming and swirling releases the aromas.

Next, you smell the aromas. After capturing the aromas, you slurp. Make sure you touch your tongue to the back of your top teeth and inhale. This gesture spreads the oil in your mouth and helps release the flavors of the olive oil.

Finally, you swallow. You should expect a mild stinging sensation in your throat because this shows that the oil is rich in antioxidants called polyphenols. Bitterness at the back of your tongue is also typical, as it is a sign that you are tasting extra virgin olive oil.

From the beauty of the Umpqua Valley to the aromas and tastes of the River Ranch Oregon Olive Oil, experiencing the region in person is the best way to get a clear picture of what cold-tolerant olive oil is all about. 

River Ranch Oregon Olive Oil

440 South Lone Rock Lane, Glide, OR 97443

541-496-9700