Our Top 10 FAQs

  FAQ ‘s about Olive Oils and Vinegars at Grapevine Olive Oil Company:

 Where are the olive oils and vinegars from? 

Most of our olive oils are from California and Texas. Some selections are from European countries such as Italy and Spain. (In the online store, the country of origin will be in the description)

Most of our vinegars are from Italy and California.

How do you know they are really Extra Virgin oilve oils?

 We only work with farmers that are certified by the California Olive Oil Council, Texas Olive Oil Council, and domestic and international producers that have won awards at the New York Olive Oil Competition (which are also tested for authenticity)

 Are all the olive oils certified organic? 

No, not all of them are USDA Certified “Organic”  Look in the description of the olive oil and it will indicate if it is Organic and/or Kosher.  Some of the smaller farms we buy from cannot afford the USDA certification even if they are technically organic.

Are Your Olive Oils Filtered?

None of our olive oils are filtered therefore you might notice a little sludge or olive skin remnants in the bottom of your bottle.

What is floating in my vinegar?

The "Mother" is sometimes noticed by our customers when they call and and ask what are the " web-like " objects sometimes seen floating in the vinegar bottle.  The "Mother" is just what it sounds like-it's where the vinegar started to form and contains probiotics and other nutrients.  Do not fear the Mother-it's good for you!

 Are you part of a franchise? 

No, we source our products ourselves and decide what we want to carry. 

What do I use olive oil and vinegar for? 

For All Your cooking! Substitute olive oil where you are using vegetable and other oils; olive oil is much healthier! Use it on salads, sautéing, bread dipping, roasting vegetables, grilling..anywhere you want to add an extra layer of flavor! Vinegars are great as a drizzle over fresh fruit, as a finish on roasted vegetables, in your salad dressing, as a finishing glaze for meats, to add flavor to cocktails or in fizzy water. These are just a few examples, google olive oil and vinegar recipes and plenty of ideas will appear! 

How long is the shelf life? 

Olive Oil is a fresh squeezed fruit, you should eat it as fast as possible. We recommend using it in less than 2 years for max health benefits and flavor. Our vinegars actually get better with age! I’ve personally never had one go “Bad” but if it smells weird, throw it away. 

What makes your olive oil different than the brands sold at the grocery store? 

The majority of mass produced brands of olive oils sold at your local grocery store are imported (typically from Italy, Spain, Chile, etc) and have been proven to be either not “extra virgin” and/or not even olive oil at all. (Google "Olive Oil Fraud, you will find much information!)

 Fraud awareness in olive oil has risen significantly over the past 5 years, but has been ignored because the American public likes the cheap prices. At our store, we let you taste our olive oils before you purchase so you know what you are taking home.

Click this link to find info on fraud on big grocery store brands:

http://fortune.com/2015/06/24/olive-oil-brands-lawsuits/

 How are your balsamic vinegars affordable/vs. expensive balsamic vinegars? Most of our balsamic vinegars (aside from those specifically packaged and labeled) are “Condimento” grade balsamic. They are a mixture of young and older balsamic vinegar to get the same flavor profile of a really expensive balsamic at a more affordable price. 

Is there sugar in balsamic vinegar?

Yes, balsamic vinegar is made with grapes, therefore it does have some sugar content. Some of our balsamics also have sulfites (Same as in wine) If you need something with no sulfites, we do have those available (look for specifics in description)

or ask us to point them out.

Is there Gluten in Olive Oil or Vinegar?

There is no gluten in vinegar or olive oils. 

Is there sugar in olive oil?

There is no sugar in olive oil.

 Is Calorie and Nutritional information available for your oil and vinegars? Yes, ask the staff and they will provide for you.  

Do you offer gift baskets? Yes, our olive oils, vinegar, coffee and gourmet foods are a wonderful gift for any occasion.  We have a large selection online, or if you want a custom gift basket, call the store and our helpful staff will put together something unique just for you!