Photo © Charles O’Rear

A co-founder and partner of Grove 45 Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), Bonnie began farming and producing  gold medal winning EVOO in 1994 when she imported Tuscan trees, Frantoio, Leccino, Maurino and Pendolino, to her ranch in Chiles Valley, California. Bonnie grew up around agriculture and the wine industry in Sonoma, California, but it was not until she traveled extensively in Italy that she developed the passion for olive trees and olive oil. An early member of the Northern California Olive Oil Council (now the California Olive Oil Council) she became its first secretary. In 2000 the oil produced from Bonnie’s trees won the prestigious “Orciolo d’Oro” award at an International Competition in Pesaro, Italy.  In 2004 Bonnie planted a second grove of the Sicilian variety, Nocellara de Belice. The blend of the Tuscan and Sicilian varieties produces a wonderfully fruity and balanced olive oil.  

Bonnie attended the University of California at Davis, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1967 and later a teaching certificate. Bonnie is an avid sportsperson who loves golf, cycling, hiking, swimming and rides and shows cutting horses. Bonnie competed in the 1982 Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii, winning her age group and finishing 13th for women overall.

To ensure that her ranch remain as it is she has willed the Storm Olive Ranch to the Land Trust of Napa County.

© 2012 GROVE 45