FAQ – Texas Hill Country Olive Co.

1. General Questions

When was Texas Hill Country Olive Co. founded?

The company was established in 2008 by John Gambini and his daughter Cara. To learn more about the Texas Hill Country Olive Co., click here.

Is Texas Hill Country Olive Co. Women Owned?

Yes! Cara Gambini helped found the Texas Hill Country Olive Co. with her father, John, in 2008.

Do you offer tours and tastings at your brick and mortar location?

Yes, we offer guided tastings Tuesday-Sunday at our location in Dripping Springs, TX. To learn more and plan your visit, click here.

Do you offer private events at your Dripping Springs location?

Yes, our Tuscan inspired venue is the perfect setting for intimate evening events like rehearsal dinners and private parties.

For more information about private events, please email our Events/Store Manager at store@texashillcountryoliveco.com or click here to fill out a date request.

What recognition has the Texas Hill Country Olive Co. received?

Texas Hill Country Olive Co. is the most awarded olive oil company in Texas and ranked in the top 20 most awarded olive oil companies in the world.

We have been winning medals for our high-quality olive oils since 2010. We win medals annually in international and national competitions, from Berlin to Japan to New York.

How can I stay up to date on Texas Hill Country Olive Co. news?

To stay up to date on new launches, sales, recipes, and more, make sure to sign up for our Texas Hill Country Olive Co. emails. Enter your email in the footer of this page, or in the pop-up.

Where can I find recipes that use Texas Hill Country Olive Co. products?

We have a comprehensive blog on our website that includes hundreds of recipes using our Texas Hill Country Olive Co. products. Click here to check out our recipe blog.

1. Olive Oil

What is Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

Our oil is extra virgin. Scientifically speaking, this means it has less than 0.8% acidity. Practically speaking, it means that once the olives are picked, they must be pressed within 24 hours, before the acid levels can build up.

It also means that the temperature is kept low throughout the process of extracting the oil – this is what's known as 'cold pressed.' High temperatures extract more oil, but heat can destroy many of the subtle flavors and impair the taste of the oil. We make sure the temperature of the press never goes above 30 degrees Celcius / 86 degrees Fahrenheit. What all this means to you is that your oil tastes as fresh as the field it came from.

What makes good olive oil?

First, olive oil is like wine. Fruit varietal, climate, and soil all have a big impact on taste and quality. Just as with grapes, some olive varietals aren't up to the privilege of being turned to liquid but are only good for eating as fruit.

Olive oil is no more and no less than whole olives, crushed. This means that we have to pay even more attention to the care of the tree and its fruit. Different olive varietals are suited to different parts of the world. We grow Pendolino, Arbequina, Mission, Hojiblanca and other varietals of olives in both Texas and California. These varietals create oil that is perfect for cooking or spreading on salads or bread.

The second part of our secret is the land. The hilly, limestone-rich areas of central Texas and the California hills are almost identical to central Italy, which is considered by many to be the finest olive growing region in the world.

Does all of your olive oil come from Texas?

Unfortunately, our 13 year old Dripping Springs olive trees died in the 2021 Texas freeze.

Although we have replanted, our new trees are young and still not yielding olives that we are able to use.

We do have orchards in South Texas and Northern California, where we now get all of our olive oil.

Although we no longer produce all of our oil in Texas alone, we are still one of the only Olive Oil companies that produce solely in the United States, whereas most other companies import their oils from Europe.

How are your infused olive oils made?

We infuse our olive oil right here in Dripping Springs, Texas. We use all natural flavors when creating our infused olive oils.

2. Balsamic Vinegar

What is grape must?

Authentic balsamic vinegar is made from grape must, which is freshly crushed grape juice that contains the skins, seeds, and stems of the grapes.

Do you make your own balsamic vinegar?

We get our Traditonal and White Balsamic bases straight from Modena, Italy. According to experts, you can only get a true balsamic vinegar if it comes from Modena!

However, all of our infusions and bourbon aged balsamic vinegars are done right here in Dripping Springs, Texas.

Our Balsamic Vinegars are truly a blend of Italy and Texas - just like us!

What are the health benefits of balsamic vinegar?

When it comes to overall health and nutrition, balsamic vinegar offers several potential benefits. It contains antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which have been associated with various health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved heart health.

To learn more about the health benefits, and if balsamic vinegar works with your dietary restrictions, click here.

Does balsamic vinegar go bad? When does it expire?

A high-quality balsamic vinegar that's been properly stored in a cool, dark place should last for several years or even decades.

However, the flavor and quality of the vinegar may start to degrade over time. Over time, the vinegar may become less complex and flavorful, and the color may start to fade. Exposure to air, light, and heat can also cause the vinegar to deteriorate more quickly.

To help extend the shelf life of balsamic vinegar, it's best to store it in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Make sure the bottle is tightly sealed to prevent exposure to air.

To learn more about the shelf life of balsamic vinegar, click here.

1. Shipping & Delivery

How do I track my order?

Once your order has shipped, you will receive a tracking number via email. You can use this number to track your order on the carrier's website.

Do you offer free shipping?

We offer free shipping on orders over $65+ in the continental United States. Free shipping is not offered for international orders, or to Hawaii or Alaska.

Do you offer International shipping?

We do offer international shipping to Canada and the UK, and shipping prices will be determined at checkout. At this time, we do not offer international shipping to other countries or territories.

Can I cancel or modify my order?

We try to process orders as quickly as possible, but if you need to modify or cancel your order, please contact our customer service team as soon as possible. We'll do our best to accommodate your request, however once the order is shipped, customers may be charged for rerouting.

Can I pick up my items in-store?

Yes, we do have a physical store, located in Dripping Springs, TX, around a 40 minute drive from Austin, TX.

If you live in the area, and would like to pick-up your order for no additional fee, please follow these steps:

Once your items are added to cart, go to checkout.
Under "Delivery Method" select "Pick Up".
You will be alerted by email when your order is ready for pick-up. For large orders or gift boxes, please allow 2-3 business days for processing.

For store and holiday hours, click here.

Texas Hill Country Olive Co.

2350 Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620

2. Returns and Exchanges

Returns Policy

We strive to ensure you are completely satisfied with your purchase. If, for any reason, you are not satisfied with your order, we offer a return policy for most items purchased directly from us. Here are the details:

Return Period

30-Day Return Window: Most products can be returned within 30 days of receipt.

Condition of Returned Items

Must Be in Original Condition: Items must be returned in their original condition, including all packaging, accessories, and documentation.

Return Process

Reach out to one of the contact methods below, and provide your order number, contact information, and reason for the return.
Receive Return Authorization: We will provide you with a Return Authorization Number (RAN) and return instructions.
Ship the Product Back: Pack the item securely and include the RAN. Ship the product back to us using a traceable shipping method.

Refunds

Processing: Refunds are processed within 7-10 business days upon receipt of the returned item.

Refund Method: Refunds will be issued to the original method of payment.

Exceptions

Final Sale Items: Note that final sale items cannot be returned or exchanged.

Shipping Charges: Original shipping charges are non-refundable, and return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.

Exchanges

For defective or damaged products, we offer exchanges. Please contact us within the return period to arrange for an exchange.

For more information regarding returns please call or email:

Texas Hill Country Olive Co. Customer Service

customersuccess@texashillcountryoliveco.com

512-607-6512

Or visit us at our retail location:

2530 W. Fitzhugh Rd.,

Dripping Springs, TX 78620

1. Account Registration, Sign in, Password

Resetting Your Password

If you have forgotten your password, click the "Forgot password?" link on the Sign In screen. Enter your email address, and we will send you a link to reset your password.

Changing Your Login Email Address or Password

You can change your account email address and password on the Account Information page. All your email subscriptions and order confirmations will be sent to your new email address.

2. Olive Oil Club

What exactly is your olive oil club?

We have a quarterly club for people that love olive oil and balsamic vinegar as much as we do! Get quarterly shipments of curated products sent right to your door 4 times a year.

What is included in each quarterly club box?

Each quarterly box is expertly curated to reflect the season, new products, and trending flavors. Each box includes:

500ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil
250ml Infused Olive Oil
250ml Balsamic Vinegar
3 recipes that use the quarterly products

Here are some examples of our most recent club boxes:

May 2024: Texas Miller's Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Black Pepper Garlic Infused Olive Oil, Fig Balsamic Vinegar
February 2024: Olio Nuovo Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic Infused Olive Oil, White Lemon Balsamic Vinegar
November 2023: Ascolano Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Rosemary Infused Olive Oil, Pear Balsamic Vinegar

What comes with a club membership?

Your membership comes with the following perks:

20% off all purchases, online and in-store
Quarterly shipments of curated products for a reduced rate of $59.95
Additional discounts during major sales, such as 30% off on Black Friday
Free glass of sangria on your birthday
Free tasting flight at every visit

How much does your quarterly club cost?

There is no cost to become a member, and we charge $59.95 per box, shipping not included. Swaps and additions made to your box may accrue additional charges.

Can I make swaps or additions to my quarterly club box?

Yes, you can make swaps or add additional products to your club box. In the email announcing that quarters club box, a link will be included to help you swap or add on products.

Swaps and additions will accrue additional charges and change the price of your club box for that quarter.

How will I know what is coming in my next shipment?

When you join Club you will be added to our mailing list. We will alert you of all relevant club and company information through email.

Please do not unsubscribe from any Texas Hill Country Olive Co. emails, as you will no longer receive club updates.

For more questions about club shipments, please email customersuccess@texashillcountryoliveco.com

Can I gift or re-route one of my shipments?

Yes, if you would like to gift one of your quarterly club boxes to someone else, you are able to do so.

You can do this through the member portal.

What if I want to skip a shipment?

You can skip a shipment through your account portal.

If you need assistance, please email customersuccess@texashillcountryoliveco.com.

What if my automatic payment doesn't go through?

If your saved billing method for club does not successfully charge you for that quarter, you will receive an email with a link that will take you to your account portal where you can update your billing information.

If you cannot be successfully billed, the box will not ship out for that quarter.

How do I cancel my subscription?

You can cancel your membership through the member portal.

If you are having any difficulties, you may call or email us for assistance.

3. Subscribe and Save

What discount can I get with subscribe and save?

By signing up for subscribe and save you can get 10% off each time your product re-ships.

How often can my products arrive with subscribe and save?

You can sign up for 30, 60, or 90 day delivery. They will ship x amount of days from the date you signed up.

What products are offered with subscribe and save?

Subscribe and save is available for all olive oils and balsamic vinegars except limited release products.

Location & Hours

Do you have a physical store?

Yes, we do have a physical store, located in Dripping Springs, TX, around a 40 minute drive from Austin, TX. See below for store and holiday hours.

Visit us at:

2350 Fitzhugh Rd,

Dripping Springs, TX 78620

We are also available in various retailers accross the country. For more information on where you can find us, email sales@texashillcountryoliveco.com.

What are your store hours?

The gift shop is open daily from 10 am to 5:00 pm. Walk-ins are welcome. You do not have to purchase a ticket to visit us. The gift shop, bistro, and orchard are open to the public for visits.

The bistro is Open Daily for lunch from 10 am to 3:30 pm. Some of our menu items are seasonal. You can see our current menu here. We currently offer tastings Tuesday-Sunday. You can find the times and book your guided tasting here.

2024 Holiday Hours:

Easter: March 31, 2024 (Sunday) - Closed
Independence Day: July 4th, 2024 (Thursday) - Close at 3:30
Thanksgiving: November 28, 2024 (Thursday) - Closed
Christmas Eve: December 24, 2024 (Tuesday) - Closed
Christmas Day: December 25, 2024 (Wednesday) - Closed
New Year’s Eve: December 31, 2024 (Tuesday) - Close at 3:30
New Year's Day: January 1, 2025 (Wednesday) - Closed

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