ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM
Queen Creek
PHOTOGRAPHY BY VISIT MESA
Olive Mill AN EAST VALLEY FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS IS WORTH THE DRIVE
The Phoenix Southeast Valley has a rich history of family farms. Many of those farms now offer agritourism attractions and culinary bounty for locals and visitors alike. A local favorite that is worth the drive from the West Valley is Queen Creek Olive Mill. Queen Creek Olive Mill (QueenCreekOliveMill.com) is Arizona’s only family-owned and operated working olive mill and farm. Be sure to book a tour in advance. This offers great insight into the Rea family that owns QCOM and the process for making olive oil. The Olive Oil 101 class is $7 per person. After a tour and complimentary oil tasting, you can shop in the market for olive oils and balsamic vinegars. There are so many incredible flavors, from lemon and vanilla bean olive oil to fig and chocolate balsamic.
OLIVESPA AT QCOM Owner Brenda Rea is a mom of five kids and finding quality skin products was an issue. So, she created the Olivespa skincare products. These are all-natural skincare products made from the family olives.
DINING AT QCOM The Rae family wanted to honor their Tuscan roots, so they opened de Piero as a Tuscan-inspired eatery. You can find tasty gourmet sandwiches, charcuterie trays, soups and flatbreads. Pick up a fresh-roasted espresso from Superstition Coffee and take your gourmet treats outdoors to enjoy them on picnic tables in the olive grove. CONTINUED >
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R OA D T R IP | FOOD + BEVE RAGE