Tucked into the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains in Watsonville, Belle Farms is a small, family-run operation producing exceptional extra virgin olive oil with deep roots in both tradition and place. What began in 1997 as a modest vineyard planted by Steve and Marguerite Remde has grown into a thriving farmstead with seven acres of olive trees, a commitment to sustainable agriculture, and a reputation for international award-winning olive oils crafted in the Tuscan tradition—distinctly shaped by California’s coastal climate
Today, Belle Farms remains very much a family endeavor. The Remdes’ children are an active part of harvest season, helping pick olives and assisting at farmers markets, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that defines the farm. This hands-on approach carries through every bottle, from orchard to press to table.
What Makes California Olive Oil So Special
California is one of the few regions in the world producing olive oil under rigorous quality and labeling standards. Belle Farms’ olives are estate-grown, hand-harvested, and cold-pressed within 24 hours—an essential step for preserving freshness, flavor, and the natural health benefits of extra virgin olive oil
Their core oil is a harvest blend of classic Tuscan varieties—Leccino, Frantoio, Maurino, Pendolino, and Moraiolo—picked between late November and early December. This careful timing, when some olives are ripe and others still green, creates a balanced, versatile oil with layered flavors that shine in everyday cooking and simple finishing drizzles alike
Belle Farms’ oils have earned international recognition for quality, a testament to meticulous farming, thoughtful harvest decisions, and mechanical extraction methods that avoid heat or chemicals—hallmarks of true extra virgin olive oil.
Olio Nuovo: Olive Oil at Its Most Alive
If there is one product that captures the excitement of olive harvest season, it is Olio Nuovo, or “new oil.” Available for only a short window each year, Olio Nuovo is extra virgin olive oil at its freshest—bottled immediately after pressing, without filtering or settling
The result is a vibrant, intensely aromatic oil with bold grassy notes, a peppery bite, and remarkable depth. Naturally cloudy in appearance, Olio Nuovo reflects its just-pressed state and is meant to be enjoyed right away, ideally within 60 to 90 days. This is olive oil as a seasonal experience—best drizzled over warm bread, soups, roasted vegetables, or simply tasted on its own to appreciate the character of the harvest.
For olive oil lovers, Olio Nuovo is not just a condiment; it’s a celebration of time, place, and freshness.
Seasonal Brightness: Lemon Olive Oil
Another highly anticipated seasonal offering from Belle Farms is their Lemon Olive Oil, made using the traditional Italian agrumato method. Instead of adding flavor after pressing, estate olives and fresh Eureka lemons are co-milled together, allowing the natural citrus oils to infuse seamlessly into the olive oil
The result is a lively, aromatic oil with vibrant lemon notes and a beautifully integrated finish—perfect for fish, chicken, roasted vegetables, salads, and baked goods. This method preserves balance and authenticity, creating an olive oil that feels both bright and refined.
Belle Farms Olive Oil Products
Olio Nuovo (Seasonal)
Unfiltered, freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil bottled immediately after harvest. Intensely flavorful, aromatic, and available only for a short time each year. Best enjoyed fresh.
Tuscan Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Estate-grown in Santa Cruz County and crafted from a blend of five traditional Tuscan varieties. Well-balanced with a delicate peppery finish—ideal for vegetables, meats, fish, and dipping with rustic bread.
Everyday Olive Oil
A slightly milder extra virgin olive oil designed for daily cooking, including sautéing, baking, and frying—offering the same quality Belle Farms is known for at an approachable price point.
Lemon Olive Oil (Seasonal)
Co-milled olives and Eureka lemons create a fresh, citrus-forward olive oil with bright aromatics and versatile culinary uses. Belle Farms’ olive oils reflect the best of California agriculture: thoughtful stewardship of the land, respect for tradition, and a commitment to quality you can taste. Whether it’s the fleeting thrill of Olio Nuovo or the sunny lift of Lemon Olive Oil, these seasonal offerings invite cooks to savor the harvest—one pour at a time.
Marguerite is at the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College on Saturdays, and at the Monterey Farmers Market at the Del Monte Shopping Center on Fridays. You can also order online from Belle Farms website.
See also: Olio Nuovo: Fresh Olive Oil at Its Healthiest
