Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do you offer in-store pickup?
Yes! Whenever you make an online purchase, you have the option to select "in-store pick up" during checkout. This option is free and your order will typically be ready in 1-2 business days. If the product is not sold out and you do not see the bottle size you want available, please reach out to us so that we can assist you.
2. What are your hours of operation?
You can make a purchase anytime 24/7 on our online shop at www.vineandolives.com. If you want to stop by in person, please visit during our business hours. View our Contact Page to see our current hours of operation.
3. What is your Refund Policy?
Click here to read our refund policy.
Click here to learn about our shipping policy.
4. What is Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
The "extra" in the Extra Virgin Olive oil ( EVOO) relates to the first cold pressing of the ripe green olives. The "extra" in Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is the highest premium grade for olive oils. It is the best that you can buy. EVOO means it has less than 0.8% oleic acid.
5. What does "First Press" and "Cold Press" mean?
These terms are interchangeable. They are terms used in the past when initial pressure was applied by hard presses producing only a small amount of olive oil from the olive paste. To extract even more oil, hot water was applied to the olive paste to improve the flow of the oil. Producers today use these terms to affirm that EVOO is an unrefined, natural product that has undergone very little processing, making it a top of the line oil.
6. Are your EVOO's first cold pressed?
Yes. All of our Olive Oils are first cold pressed. Cold pressed is a chemical free process using only pressure, producing a higher quality olive oil that is lower in acidity.
7. How should I store my olive oil?
Olive oil should be stored in a cool (70-75) dark place. Light and heat are 2 of the 3 primary enemies of olive oil. Bottled in dark containers is also important to shield olive oil from harmful UV Rays and light. It should not be stored in the refrigerator.
8.How long does Olive Oil stay fresh?
Freshness is the key to taste in Olive Oil and after a one year shelf life you will begin to lose that fresh taste. However, how your olive oil is stored can have a great impact on the shelf life of your olive oil.
9. Why is Olive Oil superior to other oils?
Taste and health benefits are the difference between Olive Oil and store bought vegetable oils. Vegetable oils are tasteless and add fat to your recipe. EVOO's add fresh flavor unique to itself and is a healthy replacement for butter or margarine that will also add taste to your recipe. EVOO is fresh pressed from the fruit of the olive tree leaving the color, taste, vitamins and nutrients intact.
10. Are there different "grades" of oil?
Yes, there are 4 different grades.
1) EVOO is the highest quality rating w/ acidity level of less than 1%
2) Virgin Olive Oil -acidity level of less than 2%
3) Semi-fine Olive Oil- Aroma and taste defects and acidity level is less than 3%
4) Olive Oil- An oil which is a blend of chemically refined and unrefined virgin oils.
Example: Extra Light is a blend at consumer markets
11. What are the nutritional components of olive oil?
1 Tablespoon of olive oil contains 120 calories, 14 grams of fat and no cholesterol.
77%of the fat in olive oil is monounsaturated, and 9% is polyunsaturated fat. 14% is vegetable derived saturated fat. Extra Virgin olive oil also contain the antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin E, as well as phenolic compounds tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol. Olive oils do not contain salt and are naturally cholesterol free.
Studies show that when substituted for saturated fats, monounsaturated fats lower blood cholesterol, especially the "harmful" low density lipoproteins (LDL) while protecting the "good" high density lipoproteins (HDL).
12. Can I cook with Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)?
Yes. EVOO can be used up to 400 degrees which is the smoking point. EVOO is also excellent for sautéing (300 degrees), for sauces and frying (340 degrees). EVOO is excellent for marinades, vinaigrettes and of course always a great finishing oil to drizzle over your dish.
Cooking with a healthy olive oil that tastes good to you, will make your dish more nutritious than cooking with butter.
13. What are the health benefits of EVOO?
It is recommended to take at least a Tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil a day for health benefits. EVOO studies have shown health benefits range from reducing blood pressure, preventing heart attacks, lower cancer risks, anti aging properties to name a few. This is attributed to the high percentage of natural antioxidants, polyphenols, oleic acids and monounsaturated fats.