Looking to expand your palate beyond the typical wine and beer tastings? Look no further than Modesto, where you can indulge in the wonderful world of olive oil tasting. Yes, you heard that right – olive oil tasting. And the best part? It’s absolutely free!
Head over to Sciabica’s California Olive Oil on Yosemite Boulevard for a unique tasting experience. Their gift shop and tasting room are open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You’ll be able to sample a variety of olive oils and discover the rich flavors and aromas that each one has to offer. It’s a truly sensory experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for this liquid gold.
But that’s not all – mark your calendars for the upcoming Farm2Fork Market on Friday, Aug. 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is a celebration of Sciabica’s 87th anniversary and promises to be a day full of food, fun, and of course, olive oil. The market will feature over 20 local artisan food-crafters, live music, and even tastings of beer, wine, and hard cider. With raffle prizes and special event sales, it’s an event you don’t want to miss.
According to Jonathan Sciabica, the CEO of Sciabica’s California Olive Oil, the market has been a staple event since 2011, with a brief hiatus during the pandemic. It was initially created to introduce people to their gift shop and tasting room, but it has now become a way for the company to show their gratitude to the community that has supported them over the years.
If you’re interested in attending the beer, wine, and cider tastings at the market, a $10 donation to MoBand is required. However, admission to the event, as well as olive oil and food sampling, is completely free. And if you find something you love, there will be plenty of products available for purchase, as well as food vendors selling their delicious creations outside.
When it comes to olive oil tasting, remember to take a sip, not a dip. The oil is poured into small cups, which you can hold in your hands to warm it slightly and release the aromatic flavors. Think of it as the healthiest shot you’ll ever take. As for what to look for when tasting olive oil, Sciabica explains that for flavored oils, it’s an intuitive experience. The fresh flavors obtained through the “agrumato-method” – where real fruits or herbs are pressed with the olives – are sure to delight your taste buds. And for varietal olive oils, you can expect a range of intensities, from buttery and sweet to peppery and bitter. With over a dozen varieties available to sample, including garlic, lemon, jalapeno, and more, there’s an olive oil for everyone.
After the market, don’t forget to check out Sciabica’s newest addition – the Track 424 Brewery. They will be hosting a B-Day Party in the Taproom on Aug. 26, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Here, you can try their craft beers, including their hazy IPA, Bright Track, and their pilsner, Chug Along. And for all you hop lovers, they’ll be introducing a new West Coast IPA called Hopomotive at the party. Just like the olive oil tastings, the beer tastings are free and available during gift shop hours. Starting from October 5, the Tap Room will be open Thursdays through Saturdays and will even offer flights of beer for purchase.
So why not take a detour on your next drive and explore the world of olive oil and craft beer at Sciabica’s in Modesto? You’ll not only enjoy a unique tasting experience but also support a family-owned business that has been producing high-quality olive oil since 1936. It’s a win-win for your taste buds and the local community.
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