Sonoma County Olive Oil Producers Win California State Fair Awards By The Press Democrat

Two local olive oil producers took home top awards in the state fair's recent Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition.

Brooke Hazen grows 70 acres of olives at Gold Ridge Organic Farms in west Sonoma County. New flavored varietals of Meyer Lemon and Mandarin-Kumquat, front have been added to traditional milled oils. Photo taken on Thursday, October 28, 2021. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

The California State Fair recently announced the results of its 2026 California Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition, and two Sonoma County producers emerged with top honors.

McEvoy Ranch, a family-owned operation in Petaluma, and Gold Ridge Organic Farms, based in Sebastopol, collected a slate of awards, including the competition’s most coveted distinctions: Best of Show and Best of California.

Innovation yields top honors

At McEvoy Ranch, recognition has long been part of the story. Over its 36 years, the olive oil and wine producer has been featured in national publications such as The New York Times, Sunset magazine, Forbes and Wine Spectator, and spotlighted by Oprah Winfrey’s annual “Favorite Things” list for its Whipped Body Butter in 2024 and ODE Hand & Body Lotion Discovery Set in 2025.