The olive tree may have been under cultivation since 3000 B.C., but the best olive oil in modern times wasn't produced until 1936. That's the year my father Nicola Sciabica and I began cold pressing olive oil in California. Though I was born in Waterbury Connecticut, my father was born in Sicily and long desired the Mediterranean climate. He was told that he would find what he was looking for in California. Upon arrival in San Francisco he was met with a little disappointment, as it was summer time and he expected a bit warmer climate.
Yet, in 1925, we took a short drive to Modesto (to pick up some watermelons to sell in San Francisco) and he fell in love. He said “this is like home”. He purchased a small grape vineyard in Modesto that year, and we began to grow grapes, not for wine, but to sell them fresh for wine making. During prohibition, my customers were allowed to make a small amount of wine for personal use
After 11 years on our Modesto vineyard my father decided that olive oil would be our next venture. With the knowledge that he brought from olive oil making in Sicily, the fall of 1936 marked the first time Sciabica’s olive oil would grace our family’s table.
However, it was not known as Sciabica’s, but rather Marsala Olive Oil, so named for the town in Sicily in which my father was born
For decades our olive oil was only available under the Marsala label. It was not until the late 80’s that we branched out and began pressing olives by variety and season, keeping the varietal separate all the way to the bottle. We then began to offer our varietal olive oils under the Sciabica's label. More recently, we have expanded our line to include Fresh Pressed Unfiltered olive oils and "Fresh Flavored" olive oils, which of course are made fresh in the presses by sending Lemons, Oranges, Jalapeños, Basil, Garlic, Rosemary, Limes or Habaneros with the olives through the presses.
We are committed to offering unique and exciting new products that live up to the quality and consistency that you have come to expect from the Sciabica Family.
Today, with the help of my sons Nick and Daniel, and my grandson Jonathan, we carry on the Sciabica tradition of California olive oil production, the way my father taught me over 72 years ago. All our 100% Extra Virgin California Olive Oils are unrefined and contain no imported olive oil, chemicals, artificial colorings or preservatives. They are a delight to experience. In fact, we're so confident that you'll enjoy our flavorful olive oils that we offer you an unconditional money-back guarantee. If you’re not completely satisfied with our products, just contact us and we'll refund your purchase price.
Remember when you purchase our Varietal Olive Oils, you're dealing directly with the family who makes this premium gourmet olive oil. We think of it as being shipped from our family to yours.
To our entire family of customers - Thank you and may you live a Heart-Healthy life!
Joseph Sciabica CEO Nick Sciabica & Sons
Nick Sciabica & Sons olive Oils 