SONOMA -- The Cline family, which make two Sonoma Valley wine brands, purchased The Olive Press, an olive mill that produces gourmet oil, food and personal-care products from olives.
Fred and Nancy Cline, owners of Jacuzzi Family Vineyards and Cline Cellars, acquired the ownership stake of Ed Stohlman, who co-founded The Olive Press 18 years ago and died Dec. 23, according to the an announcement from the Clines.
Deborah Rogers, co-founder of the mill and its master olive oil maker, has moved out of management of the business but remains a partner and consultant. She was named Producer of the Year by Olive Oil Times in 2010, and last year, that publication listed the mill among the world's top 10 producers of extra virgin olive oil.
"We are extremely excited about honoring our friend, Ed Stolman, and his legacy of quality and innovation," said Mrs. Cline, who now runs the business. "With Deborah Rogers helping to guide us, we have every intention of nurturing this wonderful business."
Mr. Stohlman and Ms. Rogers started The Olive Press in Glen Ellen in 1995 them moved it next to the Jacuzzi winery in Sonoma in 2007. The Olive Press has a tasting room at the winery, gift shop in the mill building and also a tasting room at Oxbow Public Market in Napa.
The mill also offers custom pressing of olives for clients with more than 800 pounds to process.
