Our Story

When Chris Smith bought a little slice of heaven in Mount Aukum, California, he knew he wanted to get back to his Midwestern roots and grow something of his own. The only question was what. With a day job and two daughters, he needed a crop that was hardy, well-suited to the climate, and happy to grow with a little independence.

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

With guidance from local farmhands and plenty of learning along the way, Chris cultivated both his orchard and his craft, planting more trees each year. With buckets of handpicked olives, a small bottling machine, and a humble garage, he began producing extra virgin olive oil for friends and neighbors.

In 2006, Chris moved out of the garage and down the road to a property with a storefront right off the main drag. That storefront became the Windmill Creek Olive Oil tasting room.

The original storefront closed in 2021. Today, Windmill Creek continues to take orders online while a new tasting room is being built at the ranch. The tasting room will be closed during Summer 2026 and is scheduled to reopen by appointment in Fall 2026.

Thank you for supporting Windmill Creek Olive Oil.