Terra Dolce Farms recently received a Gold Award by the New York International Olive Oil Competition for their medium intensity Arbequina oil. The event is held in New York City each April. This year, a leading panel of international experts tasted more than 700 extra virgin olive oils from every corner of the globe to determine which deserve to be known as the very best olive oils in the world.
“Aromas of ripe fruit, green grass, dried fruit, banana and notes of herbs, tomato. Taste exhibits abundant fruitiness, green grass, sweetness, some bitterness, medium pungency and notes of butter, banana, with exceptional harmony, a high complexity and a high persistence.” – NYIOCC 2014 Judges
Tommie Williams stated “Growers of olives in Georgia have many questions yet to be answered that will take many growing seasons to answer. The question we have answered: Can we produce high quality award winning extra virgin olive oil? We, at Terra Dolce farms in Lyons Ga., are elated to have won a Gold award at the international tasting in NY last week. We owe any thanks to all those who have helped to pioneer olives in Georgia including the Shaws at Georgia Olive farms. This is really a win for Georgia.”
For 25 years, brothers Tommie and Clint Williams and their business partner Darrien Ramsey have managed a successful pine straw and land development company in Lyons, Georgia. Having been raised on a working farm, the Williams brothers were well-acquainted with an agrarian lifestyle.
Their travels throughout the years have given them exposure to a variety of foods, fruits, oils and wines not traditionally native to Georgia.
The dream of growing olives in Georgia grew roots for owners of the farm 3 years ago. In June 2013 they purchased a cold press mill and designed their own private label. Their olive grove became, Terra Dolce Farms which means, earth sweet. The first harvest was in 2013.
Happily, all their visions, hard work and persistence have paid off. Georgia’s climate, soil and water have proven the perfect combination for growing several olive cultivars. The result is a mild, fruity flavor with a fresh, unique taste.
