In 2002, when Lourdes and Michael Clayton bought the 12-acre piece of property located at 2610 E. Clark Road just outside of Santa Maria, all it had was four oak trees.
Then in 2009, they planted five fully grown olive trees. Within five years, they had more than 600. Now they have more than 1,600 trees on roughly 6 1/2 acres. In comparison, it’s a smaller operation to some of the other olive companies in the area, but it’s making a big impact.
Last year, the Claytons harvested their first batch of olives from the trees—taking in more than 30 tons and donating all of the profits to area veterans’ groups.
The Claytons have a deep appreciation for U.S. military veterans.
“Everyone’s got to know that veterans have to be No. 1 on their minds,” Michael said.
Michael, who hails from Arkansas, is a Santa Maria attorney (not to be confused with George Clooney’s character in the movie, Michael Clayton) and Lourdes is originally from Michoacán, Mexico. Together, the couple has effectively dedicated their lives to building a veritable olive oil empire.
It wasn’t easy at first. Their first harvest was slated for 2014, but it was devastated by the olive fruit fly.
“I don’t know why we thought we could take on Mother Nature,” Michael said. “She won.”
The Claytons were soon back in business. They attribute some of their success to Olea Farms in Templeton, which sent representatives to harvest and then instantly press the olives onsite—which the Claytons said is crucial to preserving the flavor and properties found in the oil.
They tested samples from their 2015 harvest, and it came back with low acidity levels—as low as .06 percent, which Lourdes said is a hallmark of good olive oil. In fact, their brand is labeled as “ultra-premium,” which is as good as an olive oil can get.
Don’t be fooled by what you see on the supermarket shelves, Lourdes said, adding that most of what’s sold is blended with vegetable oil and therefore not entirely authentic.
Lourdes said there are several qualities that exist in a superb olive oil. She suggested buyers first take note of an olive oil’s origins. Smaller brands that come from dedicated farms are a good sign. Second, the oil should smell “fresh,” Lourdes said.
Lastly, there’s taste—which has several factors. Lourdes said there should be a slightly fruity taste with peppery characteristics and a slight bitter finish that fades away. Also, you know it’s good if the olive oil doesn’t leave an oily feeling in the mouth.
Beware of the bad characteristics, Lourdes said, which include a musty/moldy, metallic, rancid, or vinegary—kind of like old wine—taste. If any of these exist, she said, you most likely have a blend.
“With many oils, you get the impression that you’re getting a good product but you’re really killing yourself,” Lourdes said, alluding to the health benefits of true olive oils that aren’t as abundant in blends.
The Claytons’ second harvest is scheduled for Oct. 26, and they harvest several varieties. Two weeks before harvest, they cut off the water to “punish”—or plump up—the olives.
The Claytons plan on building a tasting room and a pavilion to hold events, for which construction has already begun, with the addition of several terraces made from concrete. They want their olive farm to be a slice of paradise for all to visit.
Until you get to visit the Claytons’ farm, you can purchase bottles online at santamariaoliveco.com, or at Michael’s office located at 400 E. Orange St. in Santa Maria. The labels were designed by Lourdes herself.
And the Claytons continue to support U.S. military veterans. This Veterans Day, Nov. 11, the Claytons will be throwing their annual veterans barbecue, which will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Santa Maria Veterans Hall. Now in its 16th year, the barbecue is free for all veterans—including active duty—and their families. For all others, the Claytons ask for a $5 donation, which will go toward veterans’ groups in the Santa Maria Valley.
In past years, they’ve donated the proceeds to groups such as the Central Coast Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 982 in Guadalupe. This year, they plan to donate to the local American Veterans United group.
“We have a little stamp on this planet but it’s not possible without veterans,” Lourdes said.
Highlights
Adopt, don’t buy, is the mantra for those who want to help alleviate the burden on dog shelters and the dogs who live in them. On Oct. 23, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lucas and Lewellen tasting room will host a benefit to raise funds for the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society. There you can sip delicious local wine and snuggle with adoptable dogs and maybe take one home with you. Lucas and Lewellen tasting room is located at 1645 Copenhagen Drive in Solvang.
Staff Writer David Minsky wrote this week’s Biz Spotlight. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, email, or mail.
This article appears in Oct 20-27, 2016.