Gold Hill Retreat & Olive Oil Company
In 1969, Achille and Asunta Marchini bought property in El Dorado County to retire on and to infuse new life into an old ranch. The Marchini's raised Polled Hereford cattle on the property until 1999 when their grandson, John Tillman came up with some new ideas for the property.
Tillman wanted to share the property and keep it undeveloped. He researched olive trees and extra virgin olive oil. In 2001, the first 300 olive trees were planted and the permitting process was started for an olive oil tasting room, and for re-purposing the main house for events and vacation rentals. The property now grows 1,600 olive trees of different varieties.
The tasting room opened in October 2002 and was followed closely by the opening of Gold Hill Retreat in the main house. Gold Hill Olive Oil had quick success in its first ever oil produced from the property taking a Gold and Silver medal in extra virgin olive oil competitions in California. The medal winning has continued and each year the California Olive Oil Council certifies the oil as extra virgin.
Three estate grown and produced oils are offered for tasting. Achille's Blend, Gold Hill Estate and El Dorado Blend are all certified extra virgin medal winners.
