Oil's Well That Ends Well Locally owned and grown olive oil company that saw its humble beginnings over 25 years ago (1996) when the founder, Theodora Stephan, planted her first olive trees in nearby Santa Barbara--with her first harvest in '98! Fast forward to today, and they've grown from a roadside farm stand to having won multiple award for their EVOO, as well as having two boutique stores, this one and one in Solvang, to go along with a mass production facility in nearby Buellton. The Good: *Friendly, no pressure customer service *They have monthly olive oil and balsamic vinegar clubs *Over 40 food products to choose from, including their award-winning EVOOs, balsamic vinegars, mustards, spices, sauces, and more. *All EVOOs are organically grown *Lotions, bath salts, and other skin care products *EVOO tastings The Meh: *Store is a bit on the smallish side and cramped for an ogre, such as myself. The Ugly: *A lot of prices are not displayed/not marked on the products. I know, I know if you have to ask... But, anywho, that's one of my pet peeves about places like this. It's not difficult to just make things clear. TLDR: Cute little store in a charming town. If you love EVOO like I do, then definitely check them out. read more

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We were directed here from our hotel in Solvang (the Landsby) that stated they offered complimentary olive oil tastings to Landsby guests. The paper we were given by the Landsby said "no reservations required". As soon as we walked in, the sales associate was very rude and asked if we had a reservation. I simply stated that we did not because the paper said no reservations required. She said "yeah we need to change that. well, it's going to take me a while to get it ready". We said it was fine and patiently waited. The olive oils and vinegars themselves were tasty, but we will definitely not be coming back here due to not feeling welcome and not friendly service. We felt very awkward being there and were going to buy a bottle of vinegar but decided not to given how uncomfortable we felt. Don't waste your time. read more

We have been members with Global Gardens for several years now. What that entails is a club where you can have set intervals to receive their products. We were first on the olive oil and vinegar club, but we had vinegar coming out of our ears so we switched to just olive oil. The olive oil varietals are so interesting and tasty. There's not a bad one among them. Our favorite is the Kiss My Grass olive oil. Highly recommend! read more

The high standards in which these products are grown, processed, bottled and shared are apparent in the taste and quality of the product! Delicious and healthy! Passionate, knowledgeable AND friendly staff. Highlight of my visit to Sta Ynez area read more

AWESOME!! We randomly stopped here on the way to Ostrichland because of the "Olive Oil Tasting" sign. sign me up!! A group of us shared 2 tastings. We were treated to delicious olive oil with a small piece of bread and then the same oils were used to be paired with unique balsamic vinegars. The majority of gals in my group loved the blood orange balsamic vinegar. We checked in on yelp and got the buy one tasting, get one free. The lady that helped us was super nice and very knowledgeable about all the olives. This was a fantastic pit stop. Definitely recommend if you're in the area. read more

Owner Theo is extremely knowledgeable on everything an olive tree can produce. Take a taste sampling of her olive oils, tour her shop and get on her mailing list to learn about recipes. Learn about the area of Santa Ynez and Los Olivos. You will have a memorable time. read more

Wow! I didn't realize an olive oil tasting would be so awesome! But first - they have this powder they sell called "dream dust" that you can put in your coffee and it's the best thing ever. Get some now. On to the main event: I'm not a huge olive oil person, but they guide you through tasting a bunch of different infused olive oils with their bread and it's incredible. My favorite is the basil infused olive oil. Yum! They all taste distinctly different, and they end up pairing them with complimentary vinegars as well. They also have spices, and they'll have teas in the future. They have something for everyone. Go check it out! read more

Cute concept. A homegrown business feel. The lady was explaining how they came in the 90's and produced olives. This weather is great for olive trees. You can purchase an olive oil tasting and with the holidays approaching they will be brining in some Make-up and skin care products. Stop in and take in the ambiance. read more

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As we drove up, we were delighted to find parking at the front of the store. We made eye contact immediately with the sales associate and yet my husband and I were not greeted or acknowledged. Instead, other customers with a dog were warmly greeted as well as other customers that came in after us. Aside from the snobby associate and over priced sage and lavender, this establishment should be grateful anyone is stopping by. Shopping is truly overrated when the service is rather lacking ...thumbs down on this one! read more

I've been spoiled by Theo. Have not found any other brand of oils that I love this much. I've been coming here for years now and bring friends for tastings on my day trips up near Solvang to pick up oils and visit wine. Beautiful property and friendly folks. A must do if you are planning a trip up here. read more

Love this place, I was very impressed with the olive tasting and they explain all the kinds of flavors we tasted. We felt in love with flavors and became club members. Also we bought couple of bottles and we're looking forward on our first ship. read more

The best olive oil I've ever tasted and my great-grandfather imported it from Sicily.

We have this amazing unique gem literally right in our backyard. GLOBAL GARDENS produces the highest quality most delicious hand-crafted olive oils around. You can sample a wide variety from distinctively Greek, locally made oils, some herbaceous, others citrus infused, and more, while sampling vinegars, local honey products with nutritional spice blends, smelling handmade soaps and browsing other interesting selections of both local and worldly items. Bright colors, olive trees imported from Greece, unique gift baskets, a recipe book by Theo herself and a large orange resident cat named Zak dazzle your senses. Another reason to love this business goes beyond the amazing products. Just in conversation, the devastating CA wildfires were mentioned. Before I knew it, Theo and Dawn were wrapping up an "805 pack" of products donated to my family. They have donated these to countless others affected by natural disasters in our community. Top notch business that makes me proud to live here! read more

Rude proprietor. Doesn't honor price marked. Not sure if she was juat having a bad day. I won't return.

When any visitor comes to see us we automatically add a visit to Global Gardens in Los Olivos. Theo and the girls welcome our guests with open arms and the olive oil and vinegar tasting is not only delicious and informative, it is completely enjoyable and entertaining. I've been there when people are waiting in line for the next tasting. I love sharing this beautiful farm stand in the country with everyone and my husband and I are delighted to be club members and look forward to picking up our bi-monthly products. We love you GG! read more

I found Global Gardens about a year ago and was excited to try the different olive oils. I was so impressed with the selection and taste of not only the olive oil but the vinegars. I joined that day and have been a club member ever since and love my shipments! I don't use any other olive oil except Global Gardens. I even bought Theo's cookbooks and an olive tree from her! Glad I found Global Gardens. read more

Best olive oil we have ever tasted! The one we got has hints of sage. Very delicious! Tastes earthy and rich. We hope to come back for olive oil tasting some day. read more

Delicious olive oil and vinegars. Signed up for the club after a tasting. A variety of tastes and combinations with an explanation of each as well as recommendations for cooking and pairing. read more

I signed up to be a member of their club a year ago when I visited their store in Los Olivos. Since that time Global Gardens has charged my credit card 4 different times without me actually getting any product! In trying to contact them both by email and phone to adjust my membership has proved to be impossible! The customer service does not even exist! read more

Loved tasting olive oil and balsamic vinegars and infused oils. What a great experience and setting for only $5! All organic and local. Highly recommend! read more

Absolutely delicious oils and vinegars! So fresh and healthy. And, a beautiful outdoor setting for the tasting. Theo was so knowledgeable and passionate about her products. I even joined the club to receive oils, vinegars and gourmet food items four times a year. read more

Stopped by on a whim and were not disappointed! Theo was a delight and really knows her product. She is passionate about her olive oils and it really shows. Such a treat and well worth the drive out of town! After olive oil tastings in Italy we were so excited to find the real deal in this company. We will definitely be buying again and again and would definitely return if we were back in the area! read more

If you are in wine country tasting wine, Global Gardens is the perfect detour. We have been in several times and have brought many visiting guests here. Theo is an excellent host and educator on all things olives. I love the different spiced rubs and herbs she has. I have used these to roast my own almonds and the results were fantastic. Her olive oils will be the best you have ever had! read more

Love everything about Global Gardens from the products (Blood Orange Balsamic Vinegar and Basil EVOO are two favorites) to the quaint setting and family friendly greeting. A great place to shop, receive olive oil education and relax in the picnic area. A must stop when meandering through the Santa Barbara Wine Country. read more

Don't say your dog friendly if you aren't. I was polite and respectful in your establishment with our boxer puppy and the old lady that worked there was rude and acted beyond pretentious. I had one bite during their tasting and the bread was absolutely disgusting. The grounds are beautiful- the staff..... Not so much. read more

So, my long time girlfriend came up from LA to visit for the weekend. Took her to Los Olivos for some wine tasting, then we just needed a break from that. We drove out of town a little and we found GLOBAL GARDENS. What a great spot! Theo Stephan the Owner is fabulous and her Certified Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is wonderful! We did the tasting and we were amazed by how little we actually knew about Olive oil, especially the flavor! Wow! Theo completely spoiled us as we savored 7 very unique olive oils and 5 scrumptious Vinegars. If you are headed to the Central Coast I absolutely urge to stop by Global Gardens and experience a flavor explosion in your mouth! I joined her club, grabbed her cookbook and picked up some wonderful Dream Dust! This stuff does wonders for your coffee, you just gotta go! Thanks for a GREAT DAY Theo! I'll be back to pick up my next GG Club Olive oil of the Month, Can't wait! read more