IL Fiorello Olive Oil Company

Oil mills producing single-varietal olive oils are a rarity, especially in California, where the Spanish Arbequina is the most common variety.

IL Fiorello Olive Oil Company, a boutique producer of premium olive oils, is changing this status quo by producing thirteen different single-varietal olive oils at its certified organic groves. The privately owned company is dedicated to growing and milling the finest quality artisan olive oil with a complex flavor balance.

“Olive oil is an ancient food that deserves a place on the modern table. It is not just a cooking ingredient, but a healthy staple for the kitchen, with multiple deep flavor characteristics. It is part of the Mediterranean diet, and it is very nutritious, says Mark Sievers, proprietor. "We want people to use olive oil in their kitchens and enhance everything related to eating and enjoying healthy food."

The farm is spread across seventeen acres, where 3,000 olive trees are grown without pesticides. IL Fiorello has expanded to include vegetables and fruits, hens for eggs and beehives for honey. The Community Alliance with Family Farmer (CAFF) recently co-hosted a field day at IL Fiorello’s farm to explore a tiered integrated pest management (IPM) strategy.

IPM focuses on the long-term pest prevention by combining techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation and resistant varieties. These methods minimize risks to human health and reduce the need for harsh chemicals, producing healthier and tastier olive oil.

A highlight at IL Fiorello is its milling process. It can produce quality olive oils with a minimum quantity of 1,000 pounds and is one of the few in the state that offers custom milling. Also, local families that harvest small quantities of olives can take advantage of their community milling service to produce oil for personal use and gifts. The amount of oil returned after milling is proportionate to the weight of the olives delivered. In 2023, IL Fiorello milled over 17,000 pounds of olives from ninety families during just one of the community milling events.
IL Fiorello is known for its award-winning oil, which consistently earns medals at multiple national and international competitions. The ultra-modern equipment from Pieralisi—a leading producer of machines for extraction and separation of liquids—ensures that the oil milled meets the highest standards.

An exclusive feature is the oil-tasting experience, where visitors can book an hour-long guided tasting to taste single-varietal oils paired with very select foods. This presentation changes monthly. The program is highly popular and draws visitors from Northern California, Canada and Europe. Since its inception, IL Fiorello has conducted over 25,000 presentations.

Founders Ann and Mark Sievers are a part of the Olive Oil Commission of California and ensure their products meet state and international extra virgin olive oil standards. Mark heads an advisory committee, while Ann is part of the research committee. Their dedication to meeting quality standards is key to achieving extra virgin olive oil certification for products, a process involving rigid chemistry testing and master taste tasting to confirm that the oil is to international standards.

A key attraction at the farm is its Bistro, which is open seven days a week and serves plant-forward dishes made with farm-grown organic vegetables paired with olive oils. Fresh bread, jams, marmalades, and compotes made with farm-grown ingredients are presented daily.

“We serve what we grow on our farms, and our From the Farm lunches showcase the ever-changing seasonal ingredients we grow, each paired with the exquisite oils,” says Ann Sievers.

IL Fiorello is preparing for the upcoming event, Oktoberfest, where community growers bring their olives for milling and enjoy a Chef prepared Oktoberfest luncheon. It also hosts seasonal events like Tomato and Lavender festivals, where the primary focus is to provide high-quality, organic products and other seasonal vegetables and fruits, creating memorable experiences for visitors.

IL Fiorello’s commitment to quality and focus make it the leader in the olive oil industry.