Rave Reviews

For personal reviews, click here.

Publications and professional reviews:

Cigar Aficionado (sister publication of Wine Spectator) Recently had an article about Olive Oil in which one of our exclusive tour locations (Poplar Hill) was mentioned. (Sept/Oct 2006, p. 64)

See our letter to the editor of the New York Times from May 26, 2006 in which I mention some of the private estates we visit on our tours.

Great Olive Tours and olive oil tasting was featured in the Sunday Travel section of the LA Times! Have a look...
Link to the LA Times article
PDF of text of article

We were recentlly mentioned in IntervalWorld (Summer 2006): "St. Helena might also be the only place in Napa Valley where you can take a personalized fruit tour that has nothing to do with grapes. Carol Ainsworth of Great Olive Tours loves the humble little olive and is delighted to share her considerable knowledge"

The Napa Valley Register
10 questions for Carol Ainsworth of Great Olive Tours
October 03, 2007

The inflight magazine of ATA Airlines (Oct 2006) mentions a number of Napa and Sonoma olive producers, as well as information on our tours. .

A user of TripAdvisor.com was kind enough to post a lovely review of our tour in February of 2006

St. Helena Chamber of Commerce "California Olive Oil has achieved great cachet," says Marlena Spieler, a San Francisco Chronicle food writer.  Great Olive Tours is probably the only tour company in the country that focuses on the art and science of boutique olive oil tasting and production.  To have this experience, "you need a guide like Ainsworth," wrote Leslie Gornstein, author of "The olive has its place in the sun." (LA Times) Published in First Thursday newsletter, August 2006.

Profesional Reviews:

Hi Carol,
Thank you so much for all of your help in making this a perfect day in wine country! The tasting, tour and of course the lunch were absolutely spectacular.
Best regards, Carl
(carl wagner | senior partner | benchmark destinations, inc.)

I do want to thank you on behalf of all our guests yesterday for an incredibly unique and informative morning. I heard nothing but great comments from everyone and I know that many walked away with purchases to remember the day. If you need any referrals or anything, please don't hesitate to call. I will be sure to send people your way.
Valerie Perry
Vice President / Marketing Manager
Placer Sierra Bank and its divisions

Rachel & Carol, The compliments are through the roof on the Poplar Hill experience! The guests were beyond delighted! This was a highlight of their program and they LOVED everything!!
Thank you so, so much!!
Jane Brovelli
President Viviani Inc.
Northern California Destination Management Specialists

Dear Ms. Carol,
Napa Valley olive oil is world class. Thank you for providing this experience; it’s a trip filled with excitement...
Rajaee Saliba
Guest Service Manager
Meadowood Napa Valley

WHAT A FABULOUS DAY! Thank you, Carol…more than I can say. I have not stopped talking about you since arriving back at the Inn. I look forward to sending folks your way!
Fondly,
Laurie
Concierge
The Carneros Inn

Hi Carol, Thank you so much for such an enjoyable day. Tasting olive oil was a unique experience for me, and the properties visited were all fabulous. Your knowledge is amazing! Tina Smith, Concierge Kenwood Inn and Spa

Dear Carol,
I want to let you know what a wonderful time I had on your tour. I haven’t stopped mentioning it and I will be happy to send our guests your way.
Tegan Wilson,
Concierge
Hotel Healdsburg