Award Winning
Extra Virgin Olive Oils
Arbequina-Mission Reserve
California Mission
2024
We are awaiting the GOLD and BRONZE 2025 award medallions from the California Olive Oil Council for our 100% Arbequina and our Arbequina-Mission Reserve Blend but couldn't wait to share the news.
100% Arbequina
100% Arbequina
Arbequina-Mission Reserve
Welcome to Basque Away
Woman-owned and family operated olive ranch in Creston, just outside Paso Robles, California, in San Luis Obispo County has ideal warm days and cool nights. Our 657 Arbequina, Mission and Picholine olive trees thrive in this Mediterranean climate. Each olive is hand picked and locally cold pressed within hours of coming off the trees into our 100% Estate Grown Extra Virgin Olive Oils (EVOOs). We are unabashedly proud of our oils, certified as "the finest quality extra virgin olive oil" and awarded medals year after year by the prestigious California Olive Oil Council (COOC).
We offer FREE olive oils tastings on our patio at the olive farm in Creston, just outside Paso Robles, overlooking the olive grove by appointment. Just email Cynthia at cynthia@basqueaway.com. Just one taste and you will know why we won all those awards. And what a great way to break up all those wine tastings. Bring family and friends.
Polyphenols
Basque Away specializes in high Polyphenol EVOOs, tested by an independent third party lab. Its the polyphenols that make Extra Virgin Olive Oils and the Mediterranean Diet so healthful with its anti-inflammatory properties. The American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, Harvard School of Public Health, John Hopkins, Mayo Clinic and list goes on and on have all found that even half a tablespoon of EVOO a day lowers rates of premature death from cardiovascular disease. More recently, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) added reduced risk of dementia related death to the list of benefits. And when such healthful EVOOs also taste great which the blind sensory tasting panel concluded in making their awards to Basque Away year after year, you are in for a healthful treat.
The International Olive Council rates oils with a polyphenol count over 550mg/kg as Very High. Each of Basque Away's EVOO 2025 Releases is "Very High": our 100% Arbequina has a Very High polyphenol count of 620mg/kg; our Arbequina-Mission Reserve has a Very High polyphenol count of 651, and our California Mission has a whopping polyphenol count of 722. Each of our oils has a distinctive fruit or produce front note imparted by the particular estate grown olive varietal, followed by the classic EVOO bite and peppery finish-- all essential hallmarks of true Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Don't be fooled by ads that claim to be high polyphenol or even "30x more" than some undisclosed oil. Basque Away tells you exactly what the polyphenol count is in each of its oils.
Our EVOO
(EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL)
California Mission-2025 Release
Our 2025 Release Estate Grown California Mission is an exquisite emerald green and extremely robust with a healthful very high polyphenol count of 722. It has a grassy front note with hints of green tea, tomato leaf and even woodiness, followed by a distinctive bitter bite and a lasting pepper finish. Because only less than 65 liters were produced, we did not and will not be submitting this oil for COOC certification this year. Limited inventory.
100% Arbequina- 2025 Release-GOLD MEDAL WINNER
Our 2025 Release Estate Grown Arbequina is certified by COOC as the highest quality extra virgin olive oil and won GOLD. It has a buttery and grassy front note. Close your eyes and sniff and you will feel like you are on a lush green hill. As with all true EVOO's, it is followed by a bite and then ends with a zesty pepper finish, the latter two notes from its very high and polyphenol count of 620. Let this healthful EVOO provide the "pepper" to your salad dressings or dish.
Arbequina-Mission Reserve- 2025 RELEASE-BRONZE MEDAL WINNER
Our 2025 Release Estate Grown Arbequina-Mission Reserve certified by the COOC as the highest quality extra virgin olive oil and won BRONZE. It is a lovely blend of 49.9% of our Arbequina with 49.9% of our California Mission and a .2% kiss of French Picholine. It has front notes of butter and grass from its Arbequina contributor and almond and herbaceous hints from its Mission and Picholine contributors. Even with its "very high" polyphenol count of 651 this blend is a very versatile and healthful EVOO. If your recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of butter, use 3/4 tablespoon of this EVOO..
100% Arbequina-2024 Release
Discounted 12% with Basque Away donating an additional 12% to the Terrace Foundation which is committed to providing fresh and nutritional meals to seniors and the disabled. Learn more about this innovative urban farm at theterracefoundation.org while ENJOYING GOOD WHILE DOING GOOD SALE, one of Basque Away's own philanthropic events. Sale ends Friday, March 28.
Described by the COOC as "balanced with notes of green apples and herbaceous", our 100% Arbequina, released in 2024, won not only a GOLD MEDAL but also BEST IN CLASS SPANISH SINGLE VARIETAL of all the COOC EVOO's competing in California and medaled at the California Mid-State Fair. This beautiful Spanish olive produces an elegant oil with the classic EVOO bite and peppery finish from its high and healthful polyphenol count of 492. Best By Date: Sept, 2025 so plenty of time to savor.
Arbequina-Mission Reserve-2024 Release
Discounted 12% with Basque Away donating an additional 12% to the Terrace Foundation which is committed to providing fresh and nutritional meals to seniors and the disabled. Learn more about this innovative urban farm at theterracefoundation.org while ENJOYING GOOD WHILE DOING GOOD SALE, one of Basque Away's own philanthropic events. Sale ends Friday, March 28.
Described by the COOC as "balanced and robust with green fruit notes" (and I also pick up a creamy cashew note), our Arbequina-Mission Reserve, released in 2024, blends our estate grown 49.4% Arbequina, 49.4% Cal. Mission with. a .2% French kiss of our Picholine olives. No wonder it won both a GOLD MEDAL and BEST IN CLASS for NON-ITALIAN BLENDS from the COOC and medaled at the Cal. Mid-State Fair. It has the classic EVOO bite and peppery finish from its very high polyphenol count of 632, perfect for roasting poultry, beef or lamb, drizzling over root vegetables, perfect with simple pastas, and super when sauteing dishes and stews to warm the soul. Or just grab some bread and dip it. Best Buy Date: Sept. 2025 so plenty of time to savor.
Lemon Infused
Also discounted 12% with Basque Away donating an additional 12% to The Terrace Foundation which is committed to providing fresh and nutritional meals to seniors and the disabled. Learn more about this innovative urban farm at the terracefoundation.org while ENJOYING GOOD WHILE DOING GOOD SALE, one of Basque Away's own philanthropic events. Sale ends Friday, March 28.
We infuse our award winning 100% Arbequina EVOO with lemon extract oil for a citrus hint ideal with seafood, salad dressing, vegetables or anything else where you want a lemon twist. We love it on sweet potatoes. No infused oil can (or should) be certified as extra virgin olive oil as it is no longer 100% olive oil, but this infused oil has the benefit of our 100% Arbequina's high polyphenol count. Best By Date of September 2025 so you have plenty of time to savor.
Testimonials
"Love Basque Away's olive oils on virtually everything, from roast vegetables to tomatoes to meat. The taste is so fresh and grassy and satisfying. My personal favorite is the Arbequina-Mission Reserve as it seems to amplify the best features of both olives."
K from Colchester, Vermont.
"Basque Away's California Mission Olive Oil is a true gem for olive oil lovers seeking both exceptional flavor and health benefits. One of the standout features of this oil is its high polyphenol content (722) which not only enhances its robust, peppery finish but also delivers powerful antioxidants known for the anti-inflammatory properties. If you appreciate high quality olive oil with both rich taste and health benefits, Basque Away's California Mission is a must-try."
M from Fort Charlotte, Fl.
"I ordered 100 custom three-ounce bottles of Basque Away's 100% Arbequina EVOO as party favors for my wedding reception, and it was an absolute hit! It's such a special and unique gift that truly wowed our guests. I also use their 750ml bottles of the 100% Arbequina for everything- it's my go-to olive oil for cooking, drizzling and dressing. Truly exceptional quality, and I can't recommend it enough."
P from Paso Robles
I've tried a lot of olive oils and its the best I've had. I love that it's micro local and from a female owned small business. It's important that I give my family the best food that I can source and I feel confident I found the best olive oil for our daily use."
E from Paso Robles.
"My French mother-in-law is an expert cook and very hard to please... and a very tough food critic as well. She finds the Basque Away olive oils excellent and better than any other Extra Virgin Olive Oils available today."
C, M.D., Del Mar, California
"I'm addicted to Basque Away's Lemon Infused oil, a little red wine vinegar and Basque Away's No Salt Seasoning. The only problem is that I have to hide the French bread from myself or I could eat a whole loaf with this great oil and seasoning."
C from Everett, Washington
Why Basque? Why Olives?
So when Cynthia retired from being a lawyer in the San Francisco Bay Area for 40 years, it seemed like the perfect fit for a “recovering lawyer”. Basque Away LLC was formed in 2018 and named in honor of Guy’s mother and her proud Basque heritage.
Guy’s mother was born to Basque parents who immigrated from Vizcaya and Navarre to Nevada where they had a sheep ranch. After Guy’s mother had raised nine children, she and her husband moved to Sonoma California where she thrived in her garden growing fruits and her beloved peonies.
One of Cynthia’s fondest childhood memories was sitting with her Cuban father overlooking El Generalife gardens and Alhambra in Spain eating tapas, including olives of course, while sipping fino sherry (but the latter was a secret from her mother!)
Basque Away has been a proud member of the California Olive Oil Council since 2018 and recipient of awards since first entering EVOO competition in 2022. Cynthia went back to school and received her Master Milling certificate from the University of California, Davis Olive Center in 2022, and in 2024 became a member of the California Olive Oil Council's Board of Directors.
Our Farm
That's our family hand harvesting. Farm visits and free olive oil tastings welcome by appointment. So when you need a break from all the Paso Robles great wine tasting, make an appointment and bring your friends for free olive oil tastings on our patio, overlooking the olive orchard. At the farm, we offer additional sized bottles in addition to the 375 ml and 750 ml which we ship. At the farm, you can also purchase 250 ml, 266 ml, and 300 ml sizes. Just email Cynthia at Cynthia@basqueaway.com to make a farm visit appointment or for direct orders. Bring friends
We Care about our Community
Philanthropy
Basque Away donated gallons of its award winning EVOO's to The Terrace Foundation in Santa Barbara in 2024 and in January 2025 so seniors and disabled persons could have the healthful benefits of true extra virgin olive oils. We also donated 10% of our sales during the Wine 4 Paws Event in 2024 and will do so again in April 2025, to support sheltered dogs and cats at the Woods Humane Society. We also donated EVOO to the Pet Project Foundation for their fund raising auction as we also do at many of the Basque festivals to support their cultural activities including promotion of youth Basque dancing.
Events
The 2025 Fair Season is almost upon us. Basque Away is currently scheduled to be:
Wine4Paws Charitable event on;
Saturday, April 26 at Brecon Estate Winery, 7450 Vineyard Dr. Paso Robles, Cal. and
Sunday, April 27 at Rava Wineries, 6785 Creston Road, Paso Robles. Basque Away will be donating 10% of its sales to Woods Humane Society to raise money for local dog and cat rescues. No tickets required. Bring your pooch and enjoy Basque Away's free olive oil tastings while also enjoying fine wines.
Saturday May 3, Fresno, Basque Festival, Caruthers, Cal. Campos Brothers Farm, 15516 S. Walnut Avenue from 11-5. No ticket required for entrance and you don't have to be Basque! Free olive oils tastings while enjoying Basque dancers, music and festivities.
Saturday May 10 Paso Robles Annual Olive and Lavender Festival from 10-4 at the Downtown City Park. Look for Basque Away at Booth 106. No ticket required. Free olive oil tasting.
Sunday May 18, Los Banos Basque Picnic, Los Banos Fairgrounds. 403 F St. Again, no ticket required for entrance and you don't have to be Basque to enjoy the dancing, music and festivities or Basque Away free olive oil tastings.
Sunday May 25, Kern County Basque Festival, 2301 S. Union Ave. Bakersfield, Cal. And yet again, no ticket required for entrance and you don't have to be Basque to join in on the fun and free olive oil tastings.
Stay tuned for more events.
Join the Club
Join our email list and get our suggested and seasonal EVOO recipes, see our holiday gift baskets and bottles, and learn more about olives, extra virgin olive oils, and the Basque Festivals we will be joyfully attending.