KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – It’s official: The very best extra virgin olive oil in California is produced in Lake County by Chacewater Olive Mill’s “mill master” Emilio de la Cruz.

On March 11, the California Olive Oil Council, or COOC, annual convention and award ceremony, held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Monterrey, awarded Chacewater Olive Mill the prestigious “Best of Show Award” for their gold medal-winning “Sevillano,” a Spanish varietal olive oil.

Consequently, the equally prestigious “Miller’s Recognition Award” was presented to Chacewater’s olive mill master, Emilio de la Cruz.

COOC, a nonprofit organization, using stricter standards than international requirements, certifies only the best California olive oils.

Recalling the gala award ceremony, de la Cruz said, “It was a big deal; formal attire was required. We were waiting to see who would win the ‘Best of Show Award.’ There were eight of us at our table.”

Presently, Chacewater was chosen as the “Best of Show” winner amidst a lot of celebration. Then shortly thereafter, it was announced, that de la Cruz had won the “Miller’s Recognition Award.”

“What? Oh wow! That’s pretty nice,” thought de la Cruz.

It was a minute or two before he realized he needed to go up and receive his award. “Oh you won!” exclaimed those at his table. “Go get your award!” they urged.

“Am I supposed to go get it?” the surprised de la Cruz asked.

“I’d had a couple of glasses of wine. Besides, we were just happy to have won the ‘Best of Show Award.’ I got up then. They took my picture. After being a miller since 2003, it’s good to get recognized,” he said.

Now the COOC has asked de la Cruz to represent the California olive oil industry at a trade show and dinner in Tokyo from May 20 to 24.

At this event, which will be featuring California agricultural products exclusively, de la Cruz will give a presentation to retailers and the media to promote California olive oil to the burgeoning market in Japan.

“Congratulations to Emilio,” said Chacewater owner, Paul Manual, who purchased the 10-acre olive orchard and mill on Gaddy Lane in 2008.

Manual has also created an award winning winery adjacent to his olive orchard and mill. “I had no understanding of (olive oil) production. I’ve learned to enjoy what Emilio has been doing,” he added.

In 2003 de la Cruz was a member of a Greek Orthodox monastery when it originally established the olive orchard and mill. He has been the miller ever since the beginning. He was retained as mill master by Manual after the transfer of ownership in 2008.

Chacewater’s olive orchard and vineyards are both organic. “It’s the only way we’ve ever farmed,” Manual stated matter-of-factly.

Chacewater’s tasting room is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Olive oil enthusiasts can join the celebratory mood at Chacewater’s seventh annual Olive Festival on Sunday, April 30, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 5625 Gaddy Lane in Kelseyville. Admission is free.

The festival is a benefit for Lake Family Resource Center.