It takes a bit of getting used to — the feel and taste of olive oil as it sits on your tongue before you swallow. But then its essence overwhelms your taste buds and conjures ideas for rich recipes, and you go back for more. Keith and Georgeanne McDaniel enjoyed the experience so much while on vacation in Park City, Utah, that they brought the idea to Pinehurst and most recently to Winston-Salem. At Green Gate Olive Oils, authentic Italian canisters line the tables as customers taste olive oil flavored with Tunisian blood oranges and balsamic vinegar aged in oak barrels for at least 18 years. Once you finish the free sampling, choose an oil or vinegar to purchase, and watch employees bottle it right in front of you, ensuring you take home a fresh product to marinate your steak for dinner or douse tomorrow’s salad.
Art of Infusion
Green Gate Olive Oils uses fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices to pack oils and vinegars with flavor.
Black Cherry Balsamic Vinegar: Natural black-cherry juice gives a sweet richness that complements salads with feta, goat, and blue cheeses. $14.99.
Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar: Three different chocolates bring a depth of flavor and make a great topping for vanilla gelato or fresh berries. $14.99.
Basil Olive Oil: Fresh herbs make this oil a good fit for summer salads and Mediterranean dishes. $14.99.
Blood Orange Olive Oil: Tunisian blood oranges are pressed together with Tunisian olives for this versatile, citrus olive oil, one of the shop’s most popular varieties. Use it on fish, seafood, and chicken. $16.99.
Green Gate Olive Oils
105 Cherokee Road, Suite B-E
Pinehurst, N.C. 28374
(910) 986-0880
Hours: Monday-Saturday,
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
205 South Stratford Road
Winston-Salem, N.C. 27103
(336) 528-0446
Hours: Monday-Saturday,
11 a.m.-6 p.m.
greengateoliveoils.com