The Sciabica family’s long tradition of olive oil production began in Sicily, in the olive oil mills of Castelvetrano in the province of Trapani – a region famous for olives and olive oil. In 1887 Nicola (Nick) Sciabica was born in Marsala, Sicily and as a young man, he learned the ancient art of producing olive oil in Trapani. After immigrating to the United States, he settled and started a family in Waterbury, Connecticut, but longed for the warm Mediterranean climate. After years of searching, he discovered Modesto. Nicola said, “This is like home.” and in 1925, with his wife and their 3 sons, he purchased a small ranch in Modesto.

11 years later, in 1936, with the knowledge that Nicola brought from olive oil making in Sicily, the Sciabicas began cold-pressing Marsala® Brand Olive Oil (named after his birthplace). Marsala is now the undisputed oldest continuously produced California Olive Oil. Today, the Sciabicas still reside, farm and cold-press olive oil on the same property.

In the late 80’s the family pioneered “single varietal” olive oils, keeping individual olive types separate (just like wine). For over 30 years we have been offering our single varietal olive oils under the Sciabica’s® label, ranging from Buttery-Sweet to Peppery & Robust, depending on the olive varietal and season of pressing. In the 90’s the family again blazed a new path with ‘Fresh Flavored’ olive oil, uniquely made fresh in the press by sending fresh fruit, herbs or peppers (such as Lemons, Basil and Jalapeños) with the olives through the presses. 2 ingredients, no artificials or heat infusion, resulting in a remarkable fresh flavor and health experience.

Through the years, the efforts of Nicola, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have made the Sciabica Family’s olive oil unmatched in quality and flavor. Joseph Sciabica, who headed the family operation for 74 years, would always say, “You can’t beat experience.”

Today, Nicola’s grandsons Nick and Daniel, and great-grandson Jonathan, carry on the Sciabica tradition of California olive oil production, the way Nicola did over 7 decades ago. We are committed to offering unique and exciting new products that live up to the quality and consistency that you have come to expect from the Sciabica Family.

Keep in mind, when you purchase our California Olive Oils, you’re getting the same premium olive oil that we use in our home. We think of it as being shipped from our family to yours.

To our entire family of customers – Thank you and may you live a Heart-Healthy life!