Our Story

Our Story

On a business trip during the summer of 2012, I found myself with some spare time and wondered around in a small downtown historic district. The charming historic area was comprised of an assortment of antique shops, boutiques and restaurants. I entered a store that neither the name nor the contents easily translated into what the store was all about.

In a few moments I was greeted by an associate who inquired about my interest and knowledge of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar, which at that time was non-existant. Soon I was tasting samples of Extra Virgin Olive Oils from all around the world, being taught about the complexities of the many varieties, fusions and infusions of flavors. Next came the Balsamic Vinegars, imported from Modena, Italy, which I was encouraged to try as many different samples as I desired. Just when I thought it couldn't get any better my host offered pairings of Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar which really pumped the flavor volume up even more. I walked out of the store with my favorites in hand, thinking where had all this flavor been all my life, not to mention its many health benefits!

Upon my return home I let the Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar speak for itself. It didn't take much to convince my wife that this was a culinary enterprise we needed to pursue more in depth because of the rich taste and quality of the product. Research into the history and uses of Olive Oil over the centuries were very interesting, some of it reading like a mystery novel.

Ultimately, we decided to invest our energies into opening our own store dedicated to selling the highest quality, best tasting Extra Virgin Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars available. We also enjoy sharing what we have learned with those who visit our store in the same way that it had been done for me, pay back of a sort.

We opened our store in the charming alpine village of Helen in North Georgia, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Helen is a great place to enjoy and combine the great outdoors with tasty foods from the many fine restaurants in town. Olive Trees may not be native to alpine Helen or North Georgia for that matter, but we believe our Alpine Olive Tree will flourish here.