With stunning grounds, small-lot wines, and olive oils that rival the best in Italy, it’s equal parts tasting tour, art stroll, and gift-shopping heaven. It’s now one of my favorite Northern California day trips—and my go-to spot for unforgettable gifts. Here’s why.

Welcome to McEvoy Ranch

Just outside Petaluma—less than 40 miles from San Francisco—sits McEvoy Ranch, a 550-acre organic farm best known for its award-winning extra virgin olive oil. I recently had the chance to explore this stunning property, learn about its fascinating history, enjoy a guided tasting, and (of course) visit the well-curated gift shop. While there’s no shortage of places to sip wine and sample olive oil in Northern California, McEvoy Ranch is in a league of its own.

The Experience

We started with the Public Ranch & Art Tour—and I highly recommend it! As we strolled through the expansive grounds, our guide shared the story of McEvoy Ranch, founded in 1990 by Nan McEvoy. Originally a working dairy farm, Nan had a vision: she believed the climate and soil were ideal for olives. Working with the help of a Tuscan olive oil expert, she imported and planted 1,000 olive seedlings from Italy.
Today, more than 14,000 olive trees stretch across the property – each propagated from those original cuttings. In fact, McEvoy has supplied thousands of cuttings to growers across the Western U.S., playing a key role in the growth of the California olive industry.

San Francisco Roots

Nan came from a prominent San Francisco family with deep roots in journalism, culture, and innovation. Her grandfather, Micheal de Young, co-founded the San Francisco Chronicle and is the namesake behind the de Young Museum. Nan herself retired as the chair of the board of the Chronicle Publishing Company at age 72.

Today, the ranch is owned and operated by her son and grandchildren. In addition to orchards, ponds, trails and a thriving fruit, vegetable, flower and herb garden, the grounds feature outdoor sculpture and paintings from the McEvoy family’s collection.

The Tasting

After the tour, we gathered on the patio for a tasting of McEvoy’s olive oils—all grown, harvested, milled, blended, and bottled entirely on-site. The olives are milled within hours of harvest to preserve peak freshness, flavor and nutrients. (Fun fact: unlike wine, olive oil doesn’t improve with age. The sooner the fruit can be made into oil, the higher the quality.)
We also sampled several flavored oils. Unlike infused oils where flavor is added after the oil is produced, McEvoy crushes herbs, fruits and spices with the olives, creating bold, complex flavors. Lemon, Basil, Jalapeno and Blood Orange were all standouts.

Elevated Gifting, From Pantry to Powder Room

After a delicious lunch – light salad, soup, and a glass of McEvoy Ranch Vermentino, we wandered into the gift shop, which is a destination in itself.
Alongside their full line of olive oils and vinegars, you’ll find small-lot wines, unique culinary goods, cookbooks, and ODE, their proprietary olive oil-based bath and body collection. Made with McEvoy’s early-harvest oil, ODE products are ultra-hydrating and antioxidant-rich. Scents include Verde, Citrus and Lavender, plus an unscented option. (Fun side note: The ODE whipped body butter made Oprah’s Favorite Things list in 2024!).
It’s one of those magical shops where you walk in for a gift… and somehow leave with three things for yourself. (No regrets.)

The Social Club

As I filled my basket, I learned about McEvoy’s Social Club. It’s free to join, and offers curated shipments three times a year, 15% off of products and other on-site perks for future visits.
I signed up for the Orchard Club, a rotating mix of olive oils, vinegars and gourmet goodies. There’s also the Vineyard Club (wine only) and the Estate Club (a generous mix of both wine and culinary offerings).

What I Took Home

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil — robust and peppery, ideal for roasted veggies or crusty bread
• Citrus Hand & Body Wash + Lotion Duo – smells yum! super nourishing!
• Citrus Body Oil – luxurious and not greasy
• Champagne and Mission Fig Vinegars – great for salad dressings
• Flavored Oils in mix-and-match gift packages – Lemon, Chai Spice, Blood Orange and Ginger Turmeric (I heard the Chai Spice is amazing over vanilla ice cream – will report back!)
• My new Social Club membership!

If you’re looking for a housewarming gift, a thoughtful thank-you, or a just-because treat, McEvoy Ranch makes it easy to be the best gifter in the group. In person or online, it’s now one of my go-to sources for finds that are beautiful, unique and completely practical.

Make a Day of It

McEvoy Ranch is less than an hour from San Francisco, but it feels like another world. Whether you’re heading out solo, planning a girls’ day out, or hosting out-of-town guests,  this one’s a win.

For reservations, contact McEvoy Ranch at (707) 778-2307 or Visit@McEvoyRanch.com.

Thanks for reading!