Violetta Sternberg’s accent gives away her origins. Her warm smile and enthusiasm remind us of the Mediterranean and Italian character.
Sternberg grew up in Rome and moved to California in 1982 to follow her husband Tom, a movie producer. For the past 20 years, Sternberg has called Brentwood her home but her nostalgia for Rome and the Italian countryside made her decide to buy a house in her homeland where she could go on vacation a few times a year.
In 2002, Sternberg found a gem by the ocean on a hill near Capalbio, Tuscany. The property came with an added bonus: One hundred olive trees and acres of land. She had not planned on producing oil from the trees on her property but, after some renovations done on the house, it was the natural next step to take. She had 600 more trees planted and hired someone full time to take care of them while she was back in Brentwood. In order to produce olive oil, Sternberg had to study and pass a required exam. Soon, she was producing 1,000 liters a year of extra virgin, unfiltered, cold pressed olive oil.
Sternberg and her husband started importing the first bottles in their suitcases. Soon, they were selling them to their friends, who fell in love with the light taste of real Italian olive oil.
“I got customers just from word of mouth because it seems like everyone who tries it loves it,†Sternberg said.
Today, a few select places in Los Angeles sell or use Sternberg’s olive oil, including Embrey Papers in Brentwood, Joan’s on Third, the Beverly Hills Cheese Store, Madeo restaurant in West Hollywood, Julienne’s restaurant in Pasadena and Guidi Marcello Italian Imports in Santa Monica.
Many of Sternberg’s customers tell her that now they like to give bottles of olive oil rather than wine, and that it tastes best on a salad, soup or simply with a piece of bread.
“The reason people like our oil is because it has a personality,†Sternberg said, “It is the combination of soil, sea breeze and location that gives it its unique flavor.â€
No wonder why Sternberg’s husband Tom decided to produce Under the Tuscan Sun. It is a family affair to bring a piece of Tuscany to Brentwood and the Westside.
Each bottle costs $25. For more information or to purchase Sternberg’s imported olive oil, e-mail tuscanoliveoilimports@linkline.com
