Italian Blend and Estate Blend were recognized among the world’s best extra virgin olive oils at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition.
Olive Oil Times |
Livermore, United States — Birch Creek Olive Orchards has been awarded two Gold Awards at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, recognized for Italian Blend and Estate Blend.
Birch Creek Olive Orchards earned a Gold Award for Italian Blend, a medium-intensity extra virgin olive oil. Crafted from Frantoio, Italian Blend is marked by herb-forward aromatics and a green, savory profile, opening with notes of herbs and artichoke and carrying through to impressions of unripe fruit, green almond and bitter almond.
Birch Creek Olive Orchards also secured a Gold Award for Estate Blend, a medium-intensity extra virgin olive oil produced from Arbequina. Together, the two honors underscore a strong year for Birch Creek Olive Orchards in the world’s most prominent olive oil quality contest.
Birch Creek Olive Orchards is a boutique olive orchard in the heart of Livermore Wine Country, where the family focuses on producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil using sustainable growing practices. Birch Creek Olive Orchards produces clean, filtered oils intended to be both flavorful and consistent.
Birch Creek Olive Orchards began planting in 2013 and harvested the first crop in 2017. Birch Creek Olive Orchards said the inaugural harvest, featuring Hojiblanca and Picual olives, produced an award-winning extra virgin olive oil, and that the Estate and Italian blends have continued to receive awards.
The 2026 results add to Birch Creek Olive Orchards’ established NYIOOC record. Birch Creek Olive Orchards has earned four Gold Awards and two Silver Awards overall, including two Gold Awards in 2025 and two Silver Awards in 2024.
With the 2026 Gold Awards for Italian Blend and Estate Blend, Birch Creek Olive Orchards is ranked #23 in the United States, #69 in the Northern Hemisphere and #73 Worldwide in the Olive Oil Times World Ranking.
The NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, widely regarded as the world's leading olive oil quality contest, is a trusted reference for consumers and industry professionals.