First Olive Festival In San Benito, California

On Oct 19., San Benito County in Calif., will be hosting its first Olive Festival at the scenic and historic Paicines Ranch. The festival is set to be a new tradition, showcasing the rich agricultural bounty and beauty of the San Benito area, according to a festival press release.

Award-winning olive oils, wines, chocolates, dried fruits, preserves, and other culinary and agricultural products will be on display and given out for sampling. Some of the renowned olive oil producers and winemakers attending the event include Oils of Paicines, Brigantino Olive Oil, Pietra Santa Winery, Calera Wine, Casa de Fruta, and Guglielmo Winery. Visitors to the festival will get the opportunity to meet and talk with the artisan food-makers, and watch cooking demonstrations by local chefs from Northern California.

In addition, the olive expert Don Landis, "The Olive Guy," will be demonstrating three ways to handle olives to get rid of their natural bitterness. Mr. O's Jazz Band, the Workhouse Poets, and other bands will perform a mix of jazz, soul, and country music throughout the day.