Gourmet Olive Oil Shop Opens in Westport: The Free Samples Will Wow You

We've all tasted plenty of olive oil. But few of us have tasted anything at all like top-of-the-line olive oil — the kind sold at Olivette, a Darien store that's now opening a second location in Westport.

You can go into the store now opening at 24 Railroad Pl. and try out a bunch of different olive oils and balsamic vinegars to see which ones you like most. They're often award winners from around the world, and they'll shock you at how good olive oil can taste. Most of us have no idea how good it can be.

This is the kind of stuff you want with your bread or in salad. And while it's more expensive than what you can buy in a typical supermarket, none of it is ever going to break your bank account. You'll almost always pay more for a bottle of inexpensive wine.

Olive oil shops are expanding their toehold in Fairfield County. In addition to Olivette at  1084 Post Rd. in Darien (across the street from the Darien Playhouse movie theater), there's an unrelated gourmet olive oil shop in New Canaan, New Canaan Olive Oil at 98 Elm St.

Elsewhere in Connecticut, there's O'live a Little in South Windsor and Canton, The Olive Factory in Waterbury and The Extra Virgin Oil Store in Mystic.

Here's a news release from Olivette about the opening of the Westport shop:

Olivette is pleased to announce the opening of  a second extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting room at 24 Railroad Place in Westport.

The tasting room showcases the freshest, ultra-premium, extra virgin olive oils from around the world and authentic balsamic vinegars from Modena. Guests are always encouraged to taste before they buy and discuss food pairings and recipes with the staff.

 “We are very proud to offer our customers exclusive products of superb quality. One of the many outstanding olive oils we carry was recently named one of the top 10 extra virgin olive oils in the world. It is a thrill to be able to offer such delicious, high quality products to our customers” said Alina Lawrence, owner of Olivette.

The public is invited to attend the Westport grand opening celebration on Thursday, July 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. and explore the full line of olive oils and vinegars while enjoying light refreshments.

Guests are welcome to complimentary recipe cards using their products, including cool summer salads, flavorful grilled meats, and refreshing fruit desserts.

“Balsamic vinegar and fresh fruit is a simple, traditional Italian pairing just perfect for a hot summer’s day” said Lawrence.

Through its Darien and Westport locations, Olivette is committed to highlighting a way of living and eating that connects our local and global communities through the pleasure of food that is never artificially or mass produced.

By sourcing only the finest artisanal products, Olivette provides a culinary experience that delivers unsurpassed sensory and health benefits to its customers.

About Olivette

Olivette is a distinctive extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting room with locations in Darien and Westport and is Fairfield County’s exclusive retailer of Ultra-Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil, the highest standard for extra virgin olive oil in the world. Olivette scours the globe for gourmet salts, rubs, chocolate bars, pasta, and other specialty food products. http://www.olivettect.com/

Olivette’s ultra-premium olive oils are served at the finest restaurants in Connecticut,  including leFarm, The Whelk, The Spread and Community Table.

Alina Lawrence is an olive oil educator, speaker, consultant and owner of Olivette. She received her training and certification in olive oil sensory analysis from the National Organization of Olive Oil Tasters (ONAOO) in Imperia, Italy in 2013 and shares her expertise with epicureans and chefs alike.