Stella Cadente's harvest takes place at Shooting Star Ranch, weather permitting, within the first two weeks of November. The resulting Italian varietal oil is fruity and herbal with a long peppery finish. We accomplish this the old fashioned way. We ask our family and friends to join us in our hand-picking picking endeavors and have a wonderful hearty lunch with local Mendocino pinot wines. It's a time of celebration and fun!!

Olives: Frantoio, Leccino, Pendolino, Coratina & Mission

Aroma: Herbal, with an expansive and complex nose

Flavor: As described by Slowfood, Italia - "The predominant flavor of new olives is accompanied by notes of mown hay, tomato leaves and aromatic herbs. The taste corresponds to the smell; the oil is very lively with a good texture and pleasingly bitter and spicy notes"

Acidity: 0.20% (must be under .5% to qualify for the COOC seal)

Appearance: Green/Gold

Press: Pieralisi 3 Phase/Stone Mill

Test Plot: Stella Cadente has a test plot with UC Davis with the following varietals: Lucca, Arbequina, San Felice, Koraneiki, Kalamata, Picholine, Cayan, Mission, Frantoio, Leccino and Pendolino. The idea is that visiting professors can assess the climate, soil and other variables for the growing of olive trees in the interesting climate that is Anderson Valley, Mendocino County. There are 5 test plots in different regions throughout California for this purpose.