Our Story

When Chris Smith bought a little slice of heaven in Mount Aukum California he knew he wanted to get back to his midwest roots and plant something….he just didn’t know what. With a day job and two daughters, it needed to be a hardy crop that required minimal maintenance.

In 2002, he planted his first 500 Spanish Arbequina olive trees.

Though returning to the soil and relying upon and learning from local farmhands, Chris cultivated his budding crop and his craft, planting more and more trees every year. With buckets of handpicked olives, a bottling machine, and a humble garage, Smith started selling his extra virgin olive oil to his friends and neighbors.

In 2006, Chris moved out of the garage and down the road when he learned of a property for sale right off the main drag with a storefront on it. That storefront became the Windmill Creek Olive Oil tasting room.

In 2021, Chris closed the doors to his storefront. You can still visit the tasting room by appointment or place an order online. Thanks for your support!