SACRAMENTO — The 2017 California State Fair Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition winners have been announced. Distinguished judges and experts analyzed and evaluated 170 of the best olive oils from the Golden State during the March 22 competition.
The competition is exclusively for oils which are grown, processed and bottled right here in California. In a “Blind Judging,” 15 judges tasted each California extra virgin olive oil out of a standard, blue olive-oil tasting glass. Every oil is judged by a point system, with 100 being a perfect score: 35 points for Aroma, 45 points for Flavor and 20 points for the Finish.
The Best of Show winner for Extra Virgin Olive Oil is Bondolio Extra Virgin Olive Oil of Davis. Calivirgin Olive Oil of Lodi, CA, won the Best of Show Flavored Olive Oil for their Lusty Lemon flavored olive oil. There are also medals for Best of California, Best of Class, double-gold, gold, silver, and bronze. A full list of the winners can be found here.
“The entries won awards based on the quality and complexity of their flavor characteristics, as well as their balance of aroma and flavors. I, for one, can’t wait to use these 2017 medal winners in my own kitchen,” said Nancy Ash, president of Strictly Olive Oil LLC, and Head Judge of the 2017 California State Fair Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition.
Top Extra Virgin Olive Oil winners will be featured at the California State Fair in the Save Mart California’s Kitchen – Extra Virgin Olive Oil Exhibit for visitors to enjoy July 14 – 30, 2017. Fairgoers will also have a new experience this year. This year, the California State Fair is introducing a new olive oil education classroom. Olive oil experts from around California will teach classes about all aspects of olive oil.
If you can’t wait for the Fair, winners will sample their award-winning olive oil before the CA State Fair Gala on June 22, 2017 at the Best of California Tasting event. They will also join the winners of the Commercial Wine, Beer and Cheese competitions. For tickets send an e-mail to gala@calexpo.com.
The California State Fair Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition is supported by the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through Grant SCB14002.
About the California State Fair
The California State Fair is celebrating our 50th anniversary at Cal Expo July 14 – 30th. Originally established in 1854, the California State Fairs is dedicated as a place to celebrate California’s achievements, industries, agriculture, diversity of its people, traditions and trends that shape the Golden State’s future.
–California State Fair
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