Dayton, Oregon – As autumn leaves begin to turn and the crisp air settles over the Willamette Valley, Durant at Red Ridge Farms is preparing to host its much-anticipated 16th Annual Olio Nuovo Festival throughout November 2025. This month-long event is a vibrant celebration of the season’s first olive oil pressing, a tradition that blends Italian heritage with the unique terroir of Oregon’s wine country. The festival highlights the growing trend of high-quality olive oil production in the Pacific Northwest, positioning itself as a key event in west coast food news.
A Legacy Rooted in Oregon Soil
Durant Vineyards, founded in 1973, has a rich, multi-generational history deeply connected to the land. Initially established by the Durant family as pioneers in growing wine grapes in Oregon’s Dundee Hills, their commitment to innovation led them to plant olives in 2004. This move established one of the few olive orchards in Oregon and, crucially, led to the creation of Oregon’s first and only commercial olive mill. Today, Durant Olive Mill is recognized for producing award-winning extra virgin olive oil, earning accolades such as multiple gold medals at the NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition and a ninth-place ranking globally by the Olive Oil Times in 2025. The family’s dedication extends to sustainable farming practices, evidenced by their Food Alliance Certification.
Understanding Olio Nuovo: The “New Oil”
“Olio Nuovo” is Italian for “New Oil,” signifying the oil derived from olives harvested and pressed at the very beginning of the season. This early pressing yields an oil packed with vibrant, fresh flavors and a high concentration of beneficial polyphenols and antioxidants, offering a distinctively bold and peppery character. Unlike aged wines, younger olive oil is generally preferred for its peak flavor and health benefits. The Olio Nuovo Festival is an opportunity for visitors to taste this liquid gold in its freshest form, celebrating the culmination of the olive harvest.
A Month of Harvest Celebration and Culinary Delights
Throughout November 2025, Durant at Red Ridge Farms will transform into a festive hub, offering a full spectrum of experiences for olive oil enthusiasts, foodies, and families alike. The festival aims to immerse guests in Italian-inspired flavors and traditions, showcasing the bounty of the season.
Ticketed Culinary Experiences
For those seeking an immersive gastronomic journey, two signature ticketed events are scheduled. Feast Olio, an elevated seven-course Italian luncheon, is designed to highlight olive oil in every dish, expertly paired with Durant Vineyards’ estate wines. Prepared by resident chefs Eric Bartle and Sara Kundelius, this experience begins with an exclusive tour of the Durant Olive Mill, complete with a glass of sparkling wine. Feast Olio will take place on the first four Saturdays in November (November 1, 8, 15, and 22), from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM, with tickets priced at $180 per person. Seating is limited, and advance reservations are highly recommended.
Complementing Feast Olio, the Oeno & Olio Tasting offers a communal tasting experience that pairs Durant Vineyards’ wines (Oeno) with their freshly milled olive oils (Olio). Served with warm bruschetta, this event provides a delightful exploration of the synergy between these two core products. These tastings are scheduled for the first four weekends in November (November 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, and 22) from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with tickets costing $63 per person.
Free Events and Activities
Beyond the ticketed experiences, the Olio Nuovo Festival offers a wealth of free activities throughout November. Daily guided Olio Nuovo Mill Tours provide an insider’s look at the olive-growing process in the Pacific Northwest and the milling operations. Visitors can witness the mill in action (though the mill itself will be safely blocked off during operation) and taste the fresh Olio Nuovo.
The Olio Food & Wine Pavilion will be open on weekends from 10 AM to 4 PM, offering live music and a variety of Italian-inspired dishes from local chefs and food vendors, all complemented by Durant Vineyards wines. The Holiday Marketplace will feature regional artists, makers, and food producers, offering a perfect opportunity for early holiday shopping with Durant’s olive oils, culinary items, and artisanal crafts. A Self-Guided Olive Oil Tasting is available at the Farm Shop, allowing guests to explore the distinct flavor profiles of various olive cultivars. Additionally, a Community Mill Day on Sunday, November 16, invites small-scale growers to mill their own olives, fostering a sense of shared harvest.
A Celebration of Community and West Coast Flavors
The Olio Nuovo Festival is more than just a tasting event; it’s a celebration of community, local artisans, and the rich agricultural tapestry of Oregon. Owner Paul Durant emphasizes that the festival is “as much about community as it is about the olive oil harvest”. This event underscores the growing appeal of artisanal food production on the west coast, attracting visitors eager to experience unique, locally sourced products.
The festival culminates on November 29 and 30 with the Olio Grand Finale, featuring “Oysters & Olio,” the debut of new Durant Vineyards sparkling wines, and activities supporting the See Ya Later Foundation.
The 16th Annual Olio Nuovo Festival offers a compelling invitation to savor the season’s finest, connect with the land, and experience the pioneering spirit of Durant at Red Ridge Farms.
