Woodpecker Trail Olive Farm First Press Extra Virgin Olive Oil

One of the most decorated domestic olive oils in the country, grown and pressed on a single estate in Glennville, Georgia. Woodpecker Trail Olive Farm First Press Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a handpicked, cold-pressed Arbequina EVOO that earned a Gold Award at the NYIOOC, the world's most prestigious olive oil competition, and a Flavor of Georgia Award from the University of Georgia. The NYIOOC sensory examiner said it plainly: "This was truly one of the best olive oils I have ever examined from the United States. Everything from the aroma to the mouthfeel to the punch screamed fresh."

Tracy and Curtis Poling grow, harvest, and press this oil themselves at their Glennville, Georgia farm, picking by hand each September and cold-pressing immediately to preserve the natural polyphenols, aromas, and flavor of the fruit. The result is a genuinely fresh, high-phenolic extra virgin olive oil that exceeds international quality standards by a significant margin.

Tasting notes: Olive fruitiness, green, sweet, artichoke, citrus, pepper, radish, and ripe fruit. Robust yet smooth with a pleasant peppery finish that signals real freshness and high polyphenol content.

Perfect for:

• Drizzling over grilled fish, salmon, and seafood straight from the heat
• Finishing steaks, lamb chops, and grilled meats at the table
• Dipping warm crusty bread to taste the oil on its own
• Whisking into vinaigrettes and salad dressings where the oil is the star
• Drizzling over fresh burrata, ricotta, and soft cheeses
• Making homemade mayonnaise and aioli. See our Lowcountry Olive Oil Mayonnaise recipe
• Finishing pasta, risotto, and grain dishes just before serving
• Drizzling over fresh eggs, avocado toast, and morning dishes where great oil makes a difference

Pairs beautifully with:

• 18 Year Aged Traditional Dark Balsamic Vinegar. The classic pairing for bread dipping and salads
• 12 Year Aged White Balsamic Vinegar. Smooth and golden for seafood and delicate dishes
• Bulls Bay Carolina Flake Sea Salt. A pinch at the table lets this oil shine at its best

Great as a gift for:

• Serious home cooks and food enthusiasts who appreciate a genuinely exceptional olive oil
• Anyone who has ever wondered what the best domestic olive oil actually tastes like
• Olive oil lovers who want to support American small-batch farming
• Hostess gifts, housewarmings, and special occasion gifts for the food-forward recipient
• Add this bottle to our 2 Bottle Gift Basket or Make Your Own Gift Box for a premium finishing oil gift presentation

Why the peppery finish matters:

The peppery sensation in the throat is not a defect. It is a direct indicator of oleocanthal, a natural anti-inflammatory compound found only in genuinely fresh extra virgin olive oil. The stronger the pepper, the fresher and more polyphenol-rich the oil. Woodpecker Trail's First Press consistently delivers that finish at a level most domestic oils never approach.

Size: 250ml / 8.5oz
Variety: Arbequina
Producer: Woodpecker Trail Olive Farm, Glennville, Georgia (Tracy and Curtis Poling)
Harvest: Handpicked in September, cold-pressed immediately after harvest
Bottling Date: October 2025. Best Buy: September 2027
Awards: NYIOOC Gold Award (World's Best Olive Oils Competition), UGA Flavor of Georgia Award
Lab Analysis: Total Polyphenols: 634 | FFA: 0.06 | Peroxide Value: 7 | Delta K-270: -0.002
Certifications: Non-GMO, all-natural, gluten free, no additives or sugar
Note: Refrigerate after opening for maximum freshness. Supplies are limited each harvest year.