KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Similar to wine, California now ranks among the best in the world when it comes to premium olive oils.

Competing against more then 480 domestic and international extra virgin olive oils at the world renowned Los Angeles International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition, Chacewater Olive Mill won Best of Show in the “domestic, robust” category for its 2012 Tuscan Blend, which also won Best of Class among the Tuscans.

In addition to Chacewater’s gold medal for its Tuscan, Chacewater’s Allegra and Favolosa Extra Virgin Olive Oils received silver medals also in the “robust” category which compares early season oils.

Starting its 13th year, the Los Angeles International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition is one of the premier olive oil competitions in the world, bringing together the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in awarding medals to the best extra virgin olive oils from around the globe.

Like many great olive oil producers, Chacewater Olive Mill grows its own trees, hand-picks the fruit, and processes and bottles the oil at its own on-site mill.

Mill Master Emilio De La Cruz has been tending the 10-acre orchard and mill at this location for more than 10 years.

De La Cruz and Chacewater owner Paul Manuel look forward to producing and bottling high quality extra virgin olive oil for years to come.