The Ancient Olive

Great friendly service today and so helpful in helping me to pick out a bunch of different olive oils and vinegars for my mom for mothers day and her birthday. The owner even threw in a free jar of mustard because I had purchased a nice order of the different items. They couldn’t have been more nice. All of the flavors are delicious. These make a great gift as well. Put a bow on it and everyone loves it.

We were walking along the Park Avenue shops and we spotted a neat little hidden path between shops. We explored and found The Ancient Olive. We were pretty excited when we first walked in because it is similar to an olive oil shop we have in downtown St. Petersburg, FL. We figured we would check out the goods and maybe buy a bottle or two, which normally ends up being three.
Within a few seconds of us stepping in the store, a younger male employee said «can I help you?» Only it was said in more of a «what do you want?» manner. We said we were just looking. He said okay and walked off. We browsed the selection and decided we wanted to try one of the flavors. They had little sample cups laying out, just like the store back home. We grabbed a cup and poured a tiny amount into the sample cup to try. We both liked it and were thinking about buying a bottle when the same employee came up to us. He said something along the lines of «Remember. You need to use the sample bottles to pour samples from». We had used the spigots. Again, this was not said in the friendliest tone. It made us feel like we couldn’t try anything else. How were we supposed to «remember» when it was our first time in the store? Maybe there were signs? If so, they were lost in the busyness of all the items laying around.
It left a bad taste in our mouth and we decided to leave without making a purchase. The Ancient Olive definitely lost some business. We almost never leave a store like this without a purchase. I would recommend that they engage customers nicely and ask if they have ever been in before. If not, explain the policy. We probably wouldn’t have returned regardless because we don’t live in the area, but we definitely would have made a purchase that day. Friendly service can go a long way with small shops like these.

A co worker recommended I check out The Ancient Olive, for great olive oil and vinaigrettes. It was interesting because they let you sample the olive oil and vinaigrettes. I purchased the Tuscan Herb Olive Oil and the Lavender Balsamic Vinaigrette. The employees are very helpful and knowledgeable. I will be back for more items and will def. participate in one of he cooking classed they offer in the near future.

We had to go back to the Ancient Olive since we became enamored with the Balsamic’s on our last visit. We love the flavored Balsamic Vinegars and we only use it and olive oil on our salads. Our favorites are the Tangerine, Blueberry, Raspberry and Black Cherry. We don’t have a location near us so we bought enough to last us until we come back down to Florida. They have many other things available in the store. I especially like the pure honey. Also many accessories as well.

Went to The Ancient Olive for the first time yesterday and absolutely loved it. I always thought the olive oil I’ve been using was the real deal but no! Never knew their could be such a difference. I love that this shop offers generous tastings and information so you can make an educated selection. Not sure I’ll ever be able to buy the stuff at the grocery store again! …and don’t get me started on the amazing vinegar selection! Omg!!! This was my first of many more visits

The Ancient Olive truly is a hidden gem. My wife and I visited a few months back for a Unilocal event and sampled an incredible amount of oils and vinegars, all of which were great. All of the employees were helpful and even gave us samples of items that weren’t currently being demoed.
About three weeks ago, we ventured back for some last minute Christmas gifts and were shown the same sort of hospitality as before. One extra helpful employee helped us create some interesting combinations, which led to us buying two sampler packs. There’s so much more to this store than olive oil and vinegar (hot sauces, mixers, snacks, etc.) but, I have to say, they really are the selling points. We’ll be visiting again once we empty our bottles.

This is the best hidden gem in downtown Winter Park. My husband found this place through a Unilocal event and I am so glad we went! The staff are so helpful and friendly. The oils and vinegars are to die for. Can’t believe I have lived here for two years and am only finding this place now! They have an assortment of oils/​vinegars that you can try and the possibilities are endless! This is a great place for gifts for the holidays as well.

One of our go to places. Taste any infused olive oil or balsamic. They have a lot of great foods. Very helpful staff and very knowledgeable Make sure to visit!

I came here with my boyfriend and was pleasantly surprised by the variety of vendors and the warm friendliness of every employee present. The Ancient Olive’s co-​owner let us sample pretty much anything in the store (which is beautiful!) and had a large backstory on every product available. It was so great listening to the stories of local vendors and how he came to know them, how their businesses started, etc.
The store is wonderfully laid out with olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and tons of other products to sample. Plus, the prices are so reasonable. I ended up with a BBQ sauce (large bottle), seasonings, and a bag of gluten free rolls for only $ 16.
Must tries:
Gluten free bread rolls: Not sure what the brand is but they are incredible. They have a cheesy center and are really good with the applewood smoked sea salt. I bought both and had to refrain from buying two bags of the rolls.
Garlic paste: Again, not sure of the brand but it’s located in a little fridge to the right of the cash register. Very strong but so delicious. I didn’t buy but it’s on my list.

I had never stopped into the Ancient Olive before checking it out for an Elite Unilocal event last night and I am so happy I attended because this place is a real gem!
They carry so many different locally made goods as well as amazing Olive Oils with a ton of flavors. I especially loved the Butter olive oil! It’s such a healthier option than using real butter and tasted just like the real thing. I totally sound like someone that cooks like Paula Deen, but that’s beside the point…
I loved the Bungalow 23 mixers and am pretty sure they will become a main stay at my house because they’re so tasty! The Pear Ginger Martini mix is a must and goes perfectly with Tito’s!
Can’t wait to go back and explore this place again soon! The staff were really friendly and helpful, they also really knew their stuff! So many amazing little items tucked into a super cute store, I can’t wait to go back.

Such a neat store with over 60 premium olive oils and balsamic vinegars along with a variety of local goods (try the Bungalow 23 cocktail mixers!). I was welcomed by the friendly and knowledgeable staff at a Unilocal event I recently attended. I’ll definitely be back before the holidays… this is a perfect place to find unique gifts for anyone who appreciates gourmet specialty foods and unique kitchen accessories.

Came here for an Elite Unilocaler event that showcased all the local makers of the products sold in the store. It was my first time at the Ancient Olive and I can’t believe I didn’t visit sooner.
The owners and staff are so incredibly friendly, there is a huge assortment of olive oils and balsamic vinegars, plus various local foodie products that you can’t live without.
I’ll be back next week and maybe the next week and then never leave.

While I was in Savannah, Ga, I ran across the location there and it reminded me that there were a couple of things I needed to pick up. Unfortunately I was on a business trip and low on space on my suitcase so I opted to wait until I returned home and get them at the Winter Park store.
I have been shopping at The Ancient Olive for a while but have not run out of anything for a while but it is a great place to look for new things. Today I wandered in to see and there were some sauces being sampled. They were so good I grabbed a bottle of each to try with some of my recipes. I was so excited to find some new sauces that I totally forgot I needed some more of the Coratina EVOO. I can always order it online but since the art festival was going on I would just pop in and grab some.
I have never been disappointed with the products they offer and they offer you the chance to sample the various infused oils. The Basil infused, rosemary infused and Tuscan herb infused olive oils are my personal favorites. The Pomegranate and Rasberry Basalmic vinegars are also a couple of my favorite items. Their wite and black truffle oils are also very good.
I have been to several of their locations and have always has a positive shopping experience. The next time you are in Winter Park… Stop on by and check out what they have to offer…

The Ancient Olive is a gourmet tasting room specializing in ultra premium olive oils and vinegars. Prior to my first visit I would have gagged at the thought of drinking straight olive oil or vinegar, but since that first introduction at The Ancient Olive it has become a full blown addiction.
Pro tip: Pair the Blood Orange olive oil with the Dark Chocolate vinegar.

A great place to shop for high quality olives oils and balsamics, as well as local products for area chefs, bakers and artisans.
The staff is extremely knowledgeable, professional and friendly. The General Manager, Tracy, spent a great deal of time helping me pair oils and vinegars food an upcoming party.
I highly recommend a visit if you’re looking for the highest quality oils and vinegars!

5 Stars for a hidden gem that houses some truly spectacular oils and vinegars as well as a tremendous amount of locally-​made goods.
Dang– I’ve been missing out! I love salads and ain’t down with the creamy dressings– I like olive oil and balsamic vinegar. So discovering this little local gem, tucked in a little courtyard behind the Spice and Tea Exchange, was a revelation!
Right when you walk in you’ll see metal barrels set up in rows with signage above each one labeling the flavor-​infused oils, the Ultra Premium EVOOs, and the many balsamic vinegars. Oh yes, my friends. There are flavors! We’re talking tangerine, lavender, garlic, rosemary, etc. Though I was a bit overwhelmed at first, the folks that work there were eager to explaining the process of tasting each one and quick to offer suggestions on combinations based on my particular needs.
One thing I also appreciated was the two sizes you could choose from when you finally find that perfect oil. I tend to use more oil than balsamic, so I got the larger olive oil and kept the vinegar small. I’d also suggest investing in the $ 5 pouring spouts for the oils. This will help prevent accidental over-​pouring and wastage.
But don’t stop at the oils! The Ancient Olive also boasts a ton of #OrlandoMade products! We’re talking Bungalow23 mixers, Fat Cat Sauces, Jane’s Short & Sweet cookies and skin products, local BBQ sauces, pickles, etc. Walk around and shop their expertly curated pantry of goods knowing you’re supporting some fabulous local makers.
Can’t wait to attend one of their cooking classes some day!

I came to the Ancient Olive after I tried one of their balsamic vinegars at a friend’s home a while back. When I first entered the store, I was slightly overwhelmed not knowing where to begin. This didn’t last long, though. The staff was extremely friendly, and we’re there to answer any questions. They didn’t hover, though, which is always nice. The prices were steep, but a there is nothing wrong with a great every once and a while. When you go, I recommend trying the coffee, dark chocolate, and the prosciutto balsamic vinegars.

We absolutely loved this place! This is a foodie’s heaven for sure. Not only can you try everything in the store (which we tried a lot), but the staff is really friendly and helpful. They have a list that makes pairings and have sizes from small to large. The larger bottles you buy once they are done, you wash it out and bring it back and they will refill for $ 1 off the price! There are so many different olive oils and balsamic vinegar’s to choose from and all of them are really good! I will definately be back soo :)

Nestled behind Park Avenue is a hidden gem and mini oasis. Step behind the iron gates and you’re transported into a quaint courtyard that houses The Ancient Olive. Last week we stopped by for a visit and after sampling real olive oils I’ll never go back to the Publix brand. The Ancient Olive houses over 60 different types of olive oils, a handful of balsamic vinegars and exceptional local gourmet food and condiments.
Before our visit I was clueless to the complexity and care required for high quality olive oil. Most people avoid cooking with olive oil and opt for butter, but once you taste these flavors you’ll toss your butter sticks. Most of the olive oils here are imported from Italy. Before arriving, each variety is evaluated and confirmed as the world’s highest quality as set by their UP international rating scale. The shop houses a number of olive oil flavors created by crushing olives and whole fruits such as blood oranges and Baklouti peppers. The flavors are natural, plant derived and will radically change your cooking and marinades.
During our time here we tasted a mix of flavors including Herbs de Provence olive oil (my favorite) and Espresso Balsamic. The best part of the tasting was combing the infused olive oils and balsamic vinegars. The combinations are endless and can be used for everything from salads to pancakes and even homemade popcorn. The Cinnamon-​Pear Balsamic and Blood Orange olive oil was incredible and such a great alternative to balsamic vinegar dressing, which turns boring after a number of salads.
After indulging in layers of flavor we moved to the gourmet food side of the shop. I was thrilled to see SO MANY local food artisans like Bungalow 23’s drink mixes and Fat Cat’s hot sauces. We also sampled carrot cake jam and beer jelly and now I’m officially over grape jelly. The Ancient Olive is a treasure trove of flavors and we are hooked! Next time you’re on Park Ave, head north and start your collection of authentic olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Your kitchen (and family) will thank you.

So many goooodies!
Since my last review in 2011, they have really added a ton to their shop.
In addition to what they are known for, The world’s finest ultra premium extra virgin olive oils, unique balsamic vinegars, flavor infused olive oils… they offer so much more.
— Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oils
— Flavor Infused Olive Oils — my favorite is the Rosemary
— Balsamic Vinegars — the Grapefruit White Balsamic Vinegar, wow!
Note: if there are flavors you aren’t sure of, try them out! They encourage that.
— Specialty, Seed, & Seasonal Oils — including truffle, black & white and local at Fat Cat Gourmet Hot Sauces.
— Accessories & Hardware including, Charles Viancin cooking lids, Bungalow 23 premium cocktail mixers, Savannah Bee Company products, Jane’s Short & Sweet cookies, Sunchowder’s Emporia jams, butters, and chutneys, Kernel Desires, and more!
They have recipes on their website which are perfect when you are picking up new ingredients from their shop:
This is a lovely, welcoming spot that supports local through and through. My last visit, I was building a gift basket and one of the employees walked me around and helped me concoct a great mix of goodies. It’s really a treat to shop here. When you are in the area, make sure to stop by.