Warwick Valley Olive Oil Co. celebrates official grand opening

WARWICK — Chris and Diane Zimmerli and their neighbors Arthur Baxter and Andrea Volter independently came up with the same idea: Warwick would be an ideal location for the unique olive oil stores they had each visited during separate travels.

They decided to become partners.

On Friday, June 5, Town of Warwick Deputy Supervisor James Gerstner, Mayor Michael Newhard and members of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce joined the four partners, their families, friends and staff for the official grand opening of the Warwick Valley Olive Oil Co. at 20 Railroad Ave.

The partners explained that they chose Warwick as an ideal place for their store because of their love for this area where they live, for its richness in historic charm, character and friendly people and for the many visitors who are also attracted to the Warwick area.

They believe their varied backgrounds ranging from gourmet cooks, interior designer, lifetime town resident, local business owners and aerospace engineer are synergistic and a key to the store's success.

And they are all lovers of good and healthy foods.

UP Extra VirginThe tap room, which opened in February, was inspired by an awareness of the healthy and flavor benefits of cooking with genuine extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs), traditional balsamic vinegars and spices.

Warwick Valley Olive Oil Co. is able to obtain its ingredients from around the world through an exclusive supplier having long term relationships with premium producers.

The store is also one of a limited number in the country licensed to offer "Ultra-Premium" (UP) Extra Virgin olive oils in addition to a wide variety of the finest fused and infused EVOOs and balsamic vinegars.

These olive oils come from both northern and southern hemispheres where harvests are six months apart, enabling them to offer the most recently harvested and freshest oils.

"Our friendly and knowledgeable staff, " said partner Arthur Baxter, "will be happy to answer your questions about the various oils, vinegars, exotic sea salts, spices, locally produced artisan items and other products. With a love for good cuisine and the art of its preparation the staff also enjoys sharing ideas on how these fine products may be used to enhance your cooking and eating enjoyment and will assist you in finding the ideal oils and balsamics for yourself or that special gift for someone."

Essential informationWarwick Valley Olive Oil Co. is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For additional information call 544-7245 or visit: www.warwickvalleyoliveoil.com.

- Roger Gavan